JHT @ 80

Earlier this year we hosted a special celebration for our Chamber Choir conductor John Hugh Thomas.

Many of our alumni joined members of several other Welsh choirs for a day of music-making in honour of JHT’s 80^th birthday. A chorus of more than 100 singers came together to thank JHT for his exceptional contribution to choral music in Wales.

The man himself said: “It was inspiring to stand in front of a chorus which included members of several choirs ranging from singers in their late teens to choristers with whom I first worked more than fifty years ago! Many had travelled considerable distances to come and sing for the day and to meet old friends.

“I hope all those who were able to come had as much pleasure from the day as I did. Thank you all for your wonderful, serious-minded, good-humoured, and musicianly contribution to a truly memorable day’s music-making.”

Guest conductors helped out on the day, including Greg Hallam and alumni Katie Thomas and Jeffrey Howard. Alumnus Robert Court, currently Cardiff University Organist, provided accompaniment.

The day ended with a reception in Aberdare Hall, the centrepiece of which was a personalised music-themed cake topped with a marzipan conductor!

Photos in this article used with kind permission from Sian Pearce Gordon Photography.