ABERHONDDU & District Male Voice Choir recently attended the Fifth International Choir Festival in Ribe, Denmark, from June 1-5 at the invitation of Brynhild Tophoj, musical director of Bramming Mixed Choir.

A total of 19 choirs attended the festival from Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and Slovenia, as well as Brecon.

The choristers from ADMC travelled to Denmark, along with musical director Lynnette Thomas, accompanist Becky Drysdale and many of the chorister’s wives.

Colin Greengrass one of the second tenors, ably performed the role

of accompanist at the end of the visit, after Becky Drysdale returned to

the UK.

The festival opened with a grand parade through the centre of Ribe led by a Danish Boy’s Guards Band, ADMC was awarded the honour of being the lead choir.

ADMC participated in many of the concerts held in Ribe, altogether a total of 11 performances.

These were held in the Cathedral, the Abbey as well as other indoor and outdoor venues.

All the choirs were present for a grand gala evening, with a meal, together with entertainment by all choirs and dancing to the sound of the Ribe Swing Band.

The friendship between ADMC and Bramming Mixed Choir was established in 2008, when Brynhild and Anders attended one of ADMC’s regular Friday evening rehearsals at Llanfaes School Hall.

This eventually led to the choir’s first visit to Denmark in 2011 and a return visit of their choirs to Brecon in 2013. The choir really appreciated the outstanding hospitality of our Danish friends, and the unique opportunity in being invited to participate in this major Scandinavian music festival. Plans are now being made for the Danish choirs to make a second visit to Brecon.

ADMC is always keen to welcome new members. If you are interested just come to one of our rehearsals or contact us at www. breconchoir.co.uk.