Wessex Male Choir is an award-winning [1] male voice choir based in Swindon, Wiltshire, England.
The choir was formed in September 2001 by Robert Elliott, its musical director. The choir takes its name from the ancient kingdom of Wessex. This is reflected in the choir logo which features the wyvern or dragon used in the flag of Wessex.
Wessex Male Choir has performed in Wales and Spain, in addition to regular appearances in England. [2] [3]
The choir has supported numerous charities; members entered the 2007 London Marathon to raise funds for the Parkinsons Disease Society, singing their way along the route.
Wessex Male Choir has a strong record in choral competitions. They reached second place in the 2006 Llangollen International Eisteddfod, won the Gold Cup for the outstanding choir at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts, and won the male choir category at the International Choir Festival of Jersey 2008.[4] They won best Male Choir and best Ensemble at the Mid Somerset Music Festival at Bath in 2010. They will be performing open rehearsals at various locations throughout Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire in 2010/2011 and any interested male singer should visit their website.
The choir has also released two CD recordings. [5]
Wessex Male Choir have been invited to compete in the 2011 International Eistedfodd in Langollen and also to give a performance in July 2011. It is their 10th Anniversary in 2011 which will be exciting and full of concerts. They also are producing their third CD for release before Christmas. At the International Eistedfodd, Langollen 2011 the Wessex Male Choir were placed in the following:
1st in the Male Choir competition making them the top male voice choir in the world 2011 Runners up in the Pavarotti world Cup 3rd in the Chamber Group Choir