With a heavy heart for those suffering within our flood devastated town, 58 choristers from

Monmouth Male Voice Choir set out for Cardiff on Saturday 15th November, honoured to be making their third appearance at the Principality Stadium ready to entertain supporters prior to the Wales v Japan rugby international.

The choir had received the invitation from match day conductor and their new patron, Dr Haydn James, to join choirs from Oxford and Tenby on the hallowed turf. Choirs from all over the country clamour for such an opportunity and Monmouth choristers were delighted to be returning so soon, having previously sung before the Scotland (2016) and Georgia (2022) games.

Following a 40 minute warm up in the bowels of the stadium, where Haydn James directed the three choirs, now mustering 150, through renditions of Deus Salutis, Green Green Grass of Home, Hymns and Arias, Cwm Rhondda, Yma Y Hyd and of course the two anthems, it was time to follow the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh onto the field. A march into position and then stir the passion with some rousing singing!

For choristers it really is a wonderful honour and a privilege to represent Monmouth on such a prestigious international stage. The choir today, is unrecognisable from the handful of enthusiasts that banded together back in 2012. With over 80 members it is now one of the largest in the country and under their dynamic leader and Musical Director Lewis Hutton, can perform with confidence anywhere. In June 2026 they will return to the Royal Albert Hall as part of the London Welsh

Festival of Male Choirs and are already making plans for a visit to Germany in 2027.

New members are welcome to any Thursday rehearsal 7.30pm at the Baptist Church.