A Taste for the Good Life

What could be better on a balmy summer evening than to spend time with excellent company while gently sipping a selection of fine wines? Cor Persain members enjoyed a fantastic evening recently, hosted by the wonderful Judy and expertly co-ordinated by Kathryn. Following up on the highly successful wine tasting evening last year, this event was filled with fun and laughter, as well as some very competitive levels of team rivalry.

The group divided into teams of three, each one invited to test their expertise when tasting six wines – three red and three white. Wines were evaluated on a number of criteria, including country of origin, grape variety and ideal food pairing. We all sniffed and tasted, better to describe each wine’s distinctive notes, including such esoteric aromas as wood smoke, water melon and toast. Even the non drinkers among us were able to join in whole-heartedly and each wine’s provenance was hotly debated. After six keenly fought rounds, the winning team emerged victorious: Leanda, Liz and Carolyn scored a magnificent 16 points out of a possible 30, with a couple more teams close on their heels with 15 points. As winners they were rewarded with a selection of the unpoured remainders of the bottles!

The evening provided a great opportunity to chat, socialise and just get to know other choir members better. During rehearsals, people tend to talk mainly with those who sing in the same section as them, so this was a fine chance for altos to get to know sopranos and vice versa. Huge thanks go to Judy and Kathryn for all their hard work in organising such a brilliantly successful evening for the choir.

Jenny M

A Weekend to Remember

On 26th April 2025, Côr Persain set off for Swindon, teaming up with the fantastic Swindon Male Voice Choir for a truly memorable musical weekend. What made this concert even more special was that every penny raised went straight to Parkinson’s UK, turning our love of singing into real help for people affected by Parkinson’s. Knowing our voices could make a difference gave the whole night a deeper sense of purpose.

The concert took place at St. Paul’s Church, Swindon, and both choirs came together in an incredible show of music and excitement. We were lucky to sing under the inspiring direction of our Musical Director, Huw Morgan. His energy, humour, and musical talent really set the scene, helping us give our best performance and have a great time in the process. We’re also grateful for Dr Catherine Morgan’s beautiful piano playing, which brought each song to life.

Our set list took the audience on a journey through all sorts of styles and moods. From the dramatic “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler to Elgar’s beautiful “The Snow,” and our lively take on the Welsh favourite “Cymru Fach,” every piece was met with big applause. A real standout moment was when both choirs joined forces for “An American Trilogy.” With everyone singing together, St. Paul’s Church rang out with one powerful voice, moving many in the audience and among us singers too. It was a great example of what we can achieve when we come together for something bigger than ourselves.

The Swindon Male Voice Choir gave us a warm welcome and had lovely things to say about our sound and blend. Singing side by side created a rich and exciting atmosphere, both for the crowd and for us on stage. It left us all feeling proud and connected.

However, Côr Persain isn’t just about making music—it’s about friendship too. Our group is built on fun and support, whether we’re rehearsing, performing, or socialising. There’s always laughter and a real sense of togetherness. After the concert, we joined the Swindon choir for a relaxed get-together before heading back for the night. We chatted, swapped stories, and enjoyed some refreshments. Soon enough, an impromptu singalong broke out, filling the room with familiar tunes and plenty of good cheer. It was the perfect end to a day that brought us closer, not just as singers but as friends. As Chris from our choir put it, “I am truly blessed to have a fantastic choir family.”

We’re excited to say that our friendship with the Swindon Male Voice Choir will carry on. They’ll be joining us in Ammanford for our annual concert on October 18th, 2025. We’re already looking forward to another evening filled with music, celebration, and the joy of singing together—making even more unforgettable memories.

AW

Au Revoir

Last Tuesday, we said a heartfelt and warm goodbye to Bethan, who is unfortunately moving away from the area. Although her time with us was brief, her impact was truly significant and deeply felt by every one of us.

Bethan hosted rehearsals with great dedication and enthusiasm, made countless cups of tea with a cheerful smile, contributed meaningfully and creatively to our recordings, and served as an essential and highly valued member of our Soprano section.

Any choir fortunate enough to have her join them next will be truly lucky to benefit from her remarkable talent, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment.

We sincerely wish Bethan the very best in all her future endeavors and every success as she confidently moves forward on her exciting new path.

Diolch yn fawr Bethan.

Côr Persain enjoy a grand day out at the Porthcawl Flower Festival

Saturday June 14 dawned dark and glowering over the town of Ammanford, with rain showers and dark clouds. Despite this, spirits were high as the members of Cor Persain, a local ladies’ choir based at the Miners’ Theatre, embarked on their bus journey to the bustling seaside metropolis of Porthcawl, where they would perform as part of the Flower Festival. ‘We’ve held a concert in Porthcawl fairly recently,’ explained choir member, Brenda Thomas, ‘And we were thrilled to be asked to come back and take part in the town’s prestigious Music and Flower Festival.’

By the time the coach arrived at Porthcawl, to everyone’s delight, the sun had emerged from behind the clouds and there was time for some serious relaxation, which may or may not have involved ice-cream on the beach and shopping, followed by a light lunch. The Festival, celebrating the town’s bicentenary year, took place in the beautiful setting of All Saints’ Church, which was decked for the occasion with a stunning array of floral tributes. In addition, tables were set aside for a special flower arranging workshop, which took place later in the afternoon. Choir member Mary Thomas commented, ‘As well as the wonderful concert, I loved joining in on the flower making.’

Other notable musical performers at the festival included The Bandits, Col Canto and Saxidentals, while the day was rounded off with a magnificent performance of the 1812 Overture by Porthcawl Community Orchestra. Choir members Elaine Maul and Marilyn Yates were warm in their praise for the orchestra. ‘They were absolutely brilliant!’ enthused Elaine, while Marilyn added, ‘I’m so glad we stayed right to the end to listen to them.’

Côr Persain’s own performance, however, was the peak of the excitement for many choir members. Under the expert guidance of choir director, Huw Morgan, and with superb accompaniment on piano from Dr Catherine Morgan, they showed the range of their repertoire while delivering both traditional Welsh favourites such as ‘Calon Lan’, a classical piece, ‘The Snow’, by Edward Elgar, and some great musical show-stoppers from ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Chicago’, which were rapturously received by the appreciative audience. Keeping with the Welsh theme, the choir also delivered a rousing version of the Bonnie Tyler classic, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ Two highly talented students from Neath College, Charlotte and Estera, also took part, with two songs showcasing their amazing vocals and guitar talent. ‘They moved me to tears with their gorgeous version of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’, choir member Jenny Morgan said. ‘That song was the highlight of the day for me!’

At the end of a long but highly successful day, the coach departed for home with choir members tired but elated by having the opportunity to perform in such a spectacular venue. ‘I absolutely loved every minute of it!’ said choir member Leanda Sutton. ‘Such a happy experience,’ added Susan Woodman. ‘Thank you Huw and Catherine for your patience and hard work with us.

Onwards and upwards. Whoopie!’ And so say all of us!

JM

Morning of the Porthcawl Music and Flower Festival

Morning of the Porthcawl Music and Flower Festival
By D. Huw Morgan, Musical Director of Côr Persain

It’s the morning of the Porthcawl Music and Flower Festival, and I am really looking forward to it. There’s something truly magical about returning to this vibrant seaside town so soon after our last visit — and once again, Côr Persain is ready to raise the roof.

As I sip my first coffee of the day, I’m already running through the set list in my head. The choir has worked tirelessly over the past few months, and today, it all comes together. Our programme is as varied and colourful as the flowers that give the festival its name — and I’m confident it’s going to be a show to remember.

We’re opening with ‘Calon Lân’ — a piece that never fails to stir the heart. There’s nothing quite like the sound of Welsh voices blending together in harmony on a song so rich in national pride and emotion. Then we’re moving into something a little more refined — Elgar’s beautiful ‘The Snow’. It’s haunting, intricate, and one of those pieces that gives you chills when it’s sung just right. The choir has really grown into it, and I can’t wait to hear it bloom in the acoustic of the venue. But of course, we couldn’t resist a bit of showbiz sparkle. We’re diving headfirst into a high-energy medley from Sister Act and Chicago. Think bold harmonies, big character, and even bigger smiles. These are the kinds of numbers that let the choir’s personality shine — and judging by the cheers last time we performed them, the audience agrees.

And then, in honour of our Welsh roots, and one of our country’s most iconic voices, we’re throwing in a powerhouse version of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. Yes — that Bonnie Tyler classic. The arrangement is dramatic, the voices are strong, and trust me, it’s going to be spectacular.

So here we are — show day. The flowers are blooming, the music is ready, and Côr Persain is poised to make Porthcawl proud. If you’re joining us today, you’re in for a treat. If not — well, keep an ear out. You’ll be hearing more from us soon.

Let the music begin!

– Huw 🎶🌸