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Mousehole Male Voice Choir -
History
Mousehole
Male Voice Choir can trace its impressive history back to the autumn of 1909
and the meeting of a group of local men, just nine in number who came together
to rehearse Christmas carols.
Securing the use of a former net loft above the fish curing tanks in Duck
Street, it was not long before the group’s repertoire broadened to include
part songs and other popular pieces. Under the name, “The Double Quartette”
they began to perform concerts in local chapels, village halls and
hospitals.
Mr. W.F. Bryant was duly appointed conductor, with N. Harvey as accompanist
and it was they who guided the choir through its early years. The choir’s
reputation steadily grew as did it’s number and in 1919, after a short hiatus
during the 1914 – 1918 War, choir activities resumed under the auspices of
Mr.F.Roach (conductor) and his sister, Annie.
The choir’s musical profile developed under a succession of conductors and
accompanists, special mention going to Ann Pomeroy for her outstanding
service at the piano for some thirty – three years. Whilst on the subject of
long service we should pay tribute to Sid Waters who achieved the unique
distinction of serving in the choir for sixty – two years. Sadly Sid passed
away at the end of 1998, and is missed by all.
By 1927, and numbering around thirty members, the choir was giving concerts
throughout the country and participating to great success in a variety of
music festivals. In 1932 the choir made the first of over one hundred radio
broadcasts and in 1956 they became the first Cornish Male Voice Choir to
appear on television as part of the BBC’s, “In Town Tonight” show. In 1962
the choir broadcast again on television for the I.T.V. “Westward” programme.
Numerous TV appearances followed, providing the choir with an excellent forum
to reach a wider audience. In 1995, they made their most recent contribution
in the BBC programme, “Songs Of Praise”. This show was given worldwide
syndication and the choir received many letters of appreciation.
But it is with live performances that the choir’s true heart lies and over
the years the musical repertoire on offer has delighted and enthralled
audiences. In 1933 the choir began it’s highly successful and popular Summer
Festivals which feature a guest artiste prominent in the world of concert
music. Past guests have included Bryn Terfel, Benjamin Luxon, Valerie
Masterson and Alan Opie – clear recognition of the high regard in which the choir
is held. In 1999 under the musical directorship of Tom Waters and with
accompanists John Harry and Norman Bunney, the choir was delighted to welcome
international soprano Dame Felicity Lott to the festival.
The choir continues to make concert tours both within the region and further
a field. Recent destinations have included Westbury, Tintagel, South Wales,
Cuxhaven in Germany and Brittany. The choir’s standing is such that they have
the honour of being the first and only Cornish Male Choir invited to perform
at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Festival of Welsh Voices. The 90th
anniversary concert tour to Grass Valley, USA is further confirmation of the
choirs international reputation and is a double celebration since it is also
150th anniversary of the Gold Rush.
Since it’s humble beginnings in that disused net loft in a small fishing
village, the choir has grown, evolved and become part of the distinct fabric
of life in West Cornwall – reflecting and celebrating the areas highs and
lows. This was most poignantly seen in 1981 when the Penlee Lifeboat, Solomon
Browne was lost whilst aiding a stricken coaster. The eight crewmen who gave
their lives were all Mousehole men and it was the choir who played a key role
in co – ordinating and singing at the memorial services. Subsequently the
choir has continued and expanded its support of the RNLI and indeed other
local charities.
As the new millennium begins, Mousehole MVC is already planning its future
engagements and we very much hope to enjoy your continued loyal
support.
Mousehole Male Voice Choir: A brief collected history
by Tim Rees
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Pictures of the
Choir when it just started.
Here we have pictures of the choir when it had just
started out.
This is the earliest known picture of the choir. This
picture was taken in 1911.
Back Row: T. B.WORTH, J. WARREN, R. H. THOMAS, R.
PENTREATH, J. C. MATTHEWS, W. F. BRYANT (Conductor)
Front Row: W. HARVEY, E. F. WATERS, NETTIE PENDER (nee George), C. ASH, E.
MATTHEWS (Accompanist)
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This is a picture of the choir in 1920
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Past Conductors of the Choir
1909 W. F. Bryant
1919 F. Roach
1925 C. Aitken
1929 J.
Cotton
1930 L. Collins
1940 J. C. Potter
1945 R. J. Maddern Williams
1954 S. Hosking
1968 E. M. Dale
1989 - Tom Waters
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Past Accompanists
John
Harry - Accompanist
The choir's regular accompanist,
John hails from St. Just-in-Penwith. Music has played an important port in
his life since he began studying piano at the age of eight. He has been an
accompanist to numerous local choirs and operatic societies, including an
impressive fifteen year run with Mousehole Male Voice Choir and a forty-five
year tenure as a church organist.
John's other great love is the Cornish dialect, an interest that has taken
him all over the world. HE took part in the L' Orient InterCeltic Festival in
Brittany and the Kernewic Lowender in South Australia. John has appeared on
Australian television and made various radio broadcasts, reciting his
well-known dialect poems.On occasion he will also perform his comic monologues
at choir events, to popular delight.
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The Gift Of Tin
A tin badge, replicating the blazer, badge design, has
been given to the choir members by the ladies committee as a special centenary
gift.
The badges were made by local company St Justin using tin that was
originally smelted at Chyandour, Penzance in 1862. The ingots were shipped
from Penzance on the SS Liverpool, but the boat sank off Anglesey and the tin
was not recovered until 2001. A consignment of tin was then bought by St.
Justin to make items in their Cornish tin collection.
Your chance to own a little piece of this history and celebrate the
choir’s centenary.
A limited number of the badges are for sale at £6.00 each
including p+p E-mail for enquires.
Six
members of the choir with more than 50 years service .
From
left…..Derek Harvey , Ivor George, Arthur Brown, Garfield Matthews, Dennis
Mitchell, Peter Mitchell.
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