TINTAGEL
ORPHEUS MALE VOICE CHOIR Chairman: George Jose Tel: 01566
781346
Secretary: Derek Needham Tel: 01840
770616 Treasurer: Sue Theobald
Musical Director: Penny Barclay Telephone 01566 781284
The
Choir was formed in 1929 by a Welshman, Jack Thomas, who moved to
Tintagel to quarry slate and was choirmaster until his death in 1955.Cliff Inman, a
member of the Choir, then took over and was choirmaster until 1962.
Arthur Biddick, took over the baton until 1968. Mel Rowe then became
conductor until 1989. Penny Mendoza took command until December
1993, when she retired. Penny had been the lead soprano with the BBC
Singers and many other choirs. At the beginning of 1994 Tony Tournoff
was invited to become Musical Director of the Tintagel Orpheus Male Voice Choir
and stayed with them until September 1997.
The
choir then had its second Lady Musical Director, Mrs.
Elizabeth Wade, known to everyone as "Buffy" and she was with the Choir
for three years. In
2000,
Edna
Sewell took over the baton to become its third lady Musical Director.
David Sherbird, became the choirs conductor in 2004.
Sheila
Flower was the accompanist from 1950-2000 and husband Bob sang in the choir
from 1950-2000 and was the choirs longest serving
member. He was Treasurer from 1953-2000.
The
Choir is much travelled, having sung in Austria, Switzerland, Germany
and the South of France. They have sung five times in Liverpool (in both
Cathedrals), Warwick, Cardiff, Bristol, Wigan and three times with the
Massed Choirs at the
Royal
Albert Hall, London and many other venues in England. The choir has
also combined with other Cornish Male Choirs and took part in the BBC
Songs of Praise from Truro Cathedral.
In
the five visits to the Cornwall County Music Festival in Truro they have
managed to win the Championship Cup for Male Choirs under 40 members,
four times.
In
1990 after 61 years they produced their first Professional Commercial
recording.
In
June 1994 the Choir spent an enjoyable weekend sharing in the Bi-Centenary
celebrations at Holy Trinity Church in Wavertree, Liverpool and in
October the Choir combined with 26 other Cornish Male Choirs in a 1000
Voice Concert in the Royal Albert Hall.
At
tine end of 1995 the choir produced their second recording
In
1996 the Choir spent a weekend visit with the City of Cardiff Male
Voice Choir and in 1997 they visited York, singing in the Minster and
giving a Concert at Fulford Church.
In
1998 they visited Wigan and Liverpool singing with the Parkside
Colliery Male Voice Choir.
In
1999 they visited Hadley Male Voice Choir in Telford and had a fine weekend
visiting the Ironbridge area.
In
May 2000 the choir went to Swansea, giving a concert in the chapel
used by The Morriston
Male Voice Choir for their practices. The Morriston members there were
delighted with the sound produced by a small choir of only 23 members.
Their top tenor section is about 30 strong whereas the Tintagel Orpheus
Male Voice Choir top tenor section numbered only six.
The
choir always welcomes new members and is going strong in its 75th year.
If you are interested in joining the Choir why not go along to a
practice which is held every Tuesday evening at the Tintagel Methodist
Chapel .
If you would like to find out more please ring the Secretary
on 01840 770616
Tintagel Orpheus Choir
are proud to announce the release of their CD
'Deep Harmony''
The Choir, Musical
Director, accompanists & recording artist, have all done a splendid
job bringing that special
'Tintagel Sound' to all 23 tracks.
Especially enjoyable is
the song from which the title has been taken, 'Deep Harmony', by
Handel Parker,
arranged by Luther Greenwood of Colne, Lancashire, with words by Isaac
Watts.
George Jose, tenor
soloist, sings 'Song of Cornwall' & the Choir with Dave Kennet & Alan
Heard as soloists, sing
'Pedro the Fisherman' a recent Choir addition.
This CD is well worth
purchasing at £8.00 from any Choir member or at the forthcoming
concerts.
The Choir meets on
Tuesdays in the Methodist Schoolrooms at Tintagel, commencing at
7.15pm.
Look at 'Diary
Dates' on this site for their forthcoming engagements.
If you would like to find out more please ring the Secretary on
01840770616
