Potential singers are being invited to attend an open rehearsal with the Monmouth Male Voice Choir.

Chairman of the group, Huw Edwards said: "We know there will be potential singing stars around Monmouth area who would be keen to sing in a choir and we want to encourage them to attend our open rehearsal at 7pm on Thursday 15th January at the Shire Hall in Monmouth.

"This will be an informal opportunity to experience singing in a male voice choir and we will be learning some new songs we will all be familiar with. We don't have auditions and just want to offer a friendly opportunity to sing with a male voice choir even if it's only for once."

The choir was formed just over two years ago and now has around 40 members. Under Musical Director Ian Russell said the choir has promoted gala concerts in Monmouth and performed at fund raising events for a wide range of good causes. In October they performed at the Royal Albert Hall at the London Welsh Festival of Welsh Male Choirs and they hope to be competing at the National Eisteddfod when it comes to Abergavenny in 2016.

In December, they sang at the Shire Hall in Monmouth and raised almost £1,000 for Monmouth Citizens Advice

"Monmouth Male Voice Choir have made a wonderful contribution to a fundraising evening for us" said Bill Catlin, chairman of the Monmouth Citizens' Advice Fundraising Committee.

"On behalf of CAB Monmouth I must thank the choir for such a wonderful contribution to the event.

"They were all in great voice and everyone really appreciated the

varied programme the choir provided.

"We are all doubly pleased as we were able to raise £970 on the night. In addition Barclays are going to donate £750 which is all a wonderful donation towards the vital work that Citizens Advice undertakes."

The choir sang six items from their repertoire including the American Trilogy and When I Survey The Wondrous Cross and auctioned their encore piece, the Welsh hymn tune Rachie, which raised even more to funds on the evening.

Second Tenor Iain McIntyre made his debut as a soloist with the choir and his song Mac the Knife well received a great reception.

Huw said that it was the third time the Monmouth Male Voice Choir had support Citizens Advice and on this occasion it was very special experience to sing in the Shire Hall.

He said: "Supporting good causes was an important objective of the choir's role and we hope to attract new members in the new year who can help us develop in the future.

"We often hear people say they'd love to sing in a male voice choir and this is their opportunity to give it a try.

"Of course we want to attract new members to help the choir develop but we appreciate that just coming along to a one off rehearsal without any commitment would be a start and they may end up singing at the Royal Albert Hall before long."

Anyone interested in attending the open rehearsal should contact Chairman Huw Edwards by emailing