0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- Hello and good evening to you.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- There isn't long to go - before the big day.
0:00:14 > 0:00:20- At this time of year, a week before - Christmas, my parents would say...
0:00:20 > 0:00:25- .."In a week's time, - it'll all be over.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- "It'll come and go."
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- They said it religiously!
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- Tonight, I'll perform with - the Llanelli Male Voice Choir...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- ..listen to Ysgol Llanddarog - school choir...
0:00:39 > 0:00:45- ..and chat with Eifion Thomas, the - musical director of Llanelli Choir.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- First, I'm joined - by another musical director.
0:00:49 > 0:00:55- He's also a singer, an actor, a - scriptwriter, a poet and much more.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- He only requires - a short introduction.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- Welcome, Cefin Roberts.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- It's great to see you again, Cefin.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- Thank you very much, Margaret.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- Do you remember the first time - we met and sung together?
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- This will remind you.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- # I'd do anything - for you, dear, anything
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- # For you mean everything to me
0:01:26 > 0:01:32- # I know that I'd go anywhere - for your smile anywhere
0:01:33 > 0:01:38- # For your smile everywhere I see
0:01:39 > 0:01:40- # Would you climb a hill?
0:01:40 > 0:01:41- # Would you climb a hill?- - # Anything
0:01:42 > 0:01:43- # Wear a daffodil?
0:01:43 > 0:01:44- # Wear a daffodil?- - # Anything
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- # Leave me all your will?
0:01:46 > 0:01:47- # Leave me all your will?- - Anything
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- # Even fight my Bill?
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- # Even fight my Bill?- - # What? Fisticuffs? #
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- That was a long time ago, Cefin.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- Yes, and I had a mop of hair!
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- You had lovely curly locks.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- I keep it in a drawer at home.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- I'm glad you've got - a special drawer for it!
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- You did a lot of singing - at one stage.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- Yes, I've sung from an early age.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- My mother took me - to guitar, piano and dance lessons.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- I also attended - weekly vocal lessons in Liverpool.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23- Voice training.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- Voice training.- - Yes, they called it voice training.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- Mam took me to Liverpool every week.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- I wasn't aware of the sacrifice - my parents made for me.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- It was a huge sacrifice.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- Did you form the group, Hapnod, - so that you could sing?
0:02:41 > 0:02:47- I'd studied acting at the Royal - Welsh College of Music and Drama...
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- ..and had a passion - for performing and singing.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- I starred in pantomimes by Cwmni - Theatr Cymru and met Gwyn Fon.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- While working with Theatr Y Werin, - I met Wilbert's daughter, Ann.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- We were fans of The Swingle Singers - and The King's Singers.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- Our aim from the onset - was to create a similar act.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- The three of us met at my home - one wet, Friday morning...
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- ..to form an ensemble - but we were missing a soprano.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- Rhian was nursing Mirain - in the other room.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- She was singing to her - and we knew we'd found our soprano.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- Rhian joined us - and we gave ourselves a name.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- We've got a Christmas clip of you.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- This is Hapnod Nadolig.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- # We'll have - a merry Hapnod Christmas
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- # A merry Hapnod Christmas
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- # We'll have - a merry Hapnod Christmas
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- # Merry Hapnod Christmas to you
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- # The evening snowfall
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- # Covers the whole land
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- # Shadows, memories
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- # Dancing in the candlelight #
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- That brings back wonderful memories.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- I'd clean forgotten - about that performance.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- How did you make the move - from Hapnod...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- ..to establishing Ysgol Glanaethwy?
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Both Rhian and I were teaching - at the time...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..and had settled - as a family in Bangor.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- During a teachers strike...
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- ..I worked with the children - at Ysgol y Garnedd in Bangor.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- It was just an idea at the time.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43- I thoroughly enjoyed sharing - my knowledge and experience...
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- ..with children and young people.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- You've enjoyed a lot of success...
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- ..with Ysgol Glanaethwy's - junior and senior choirs.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- Here's a clip of the junior choir - performing at Carolau Llangollen.
0:05:01 > 0:05:11- # Gloria in excelsis
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- # In His holy light tonight
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- # The world will be as one again
0:05:19 > 0:05:26- # We worship Him in the manger
0:05:26 > 0:05:32- # Jesus was born
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- # To save the world #
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- That was wonderful, Cefin.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- Rhian was conducting in that clip - and she manages the junior choir.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- I started with the junior choir - but my workload escalated...
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- ..and Rhian was eager - to take the reins.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- She's managed the junior choir - for ten years.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- You also mentioned - a passion for drama.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- You'll appreciate the work - of this next actress.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- She recites the work - of ID Hoosan in this clip.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- "From road to road, - they both relentlessly roamed
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- "Searching for shelter - as the evening drew closer
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- "The bird flew to its nest - under the roof
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- "And the labourer - retired to his home
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- "But they remained - outside the inn
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- "Listening to singing and merriment - of the travellers around the fire."
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- That was so poignant.
0:06:45 > 0:06:51- Yes, she had conviction coupled - with a feeling of endearment.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- I had the honour of working with her - many years ago.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- I have one stand out memory - of Rachel.
0:06:59 > 0:07:05- Mam took me to see Cwmni Theatr - Cymru at Bangor's JP Hall.
0:07:05 > 0:07:11- It was the first Welsh production - featuring professional actors.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- It was called Cariad Creulon.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Rachel played a mesmerizing role - as the mother.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- She epitomized the Welsh mother.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- She epitomized the Welsh mother.- - She owned this role.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27- There was diversity - in her every performance...
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- ..but she still possessed - that fondness of a Welsh mother.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- What will Christmas be like - in your house?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- I don't mean Glanaethwy - but your family.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- We always treat Christmas - as a holiday.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- The build-up to Christmas - with concerts is incredibly busy.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- It's important for us to spend - Christmas together as a family.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- We all lead busy lives - and don't see each other.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- Do your children come home?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Do your children come home?- - Yes, they all come home.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- We also have two grandchildren.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- As our family grows, - we have a lot more fun.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- I'm sure Ysgol Glanaethwy - will be busy over Christmas.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- We shut up shop for Christmas...
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- ..before returning in the new year - for many projects.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- We're excited about the opening - of the Pontio building in Bangor...
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- ..which includes a theatre.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- We've got impending projects - with Elen ap Robert and Pontio...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..that we hope to launch - in the new theatre.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- It's very exciting in Bangor.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- I'm very envious of you.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- I had the pleasure of performing - with you at S4C's 20th birthday.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- I remember it well.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52- Let's take a look at it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58- # Then, through the darkest night
0:08:59 > 0:09:04- # I see your face
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- # And fear doth retreat
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- # Dread disappears
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- # When the night
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- # Becomes day
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- # Where did you get that talent?
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- # Where did you get that talent?
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- # Where did you get that talent? #
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- I thoroughly enjoyed - singing with the choir.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- The atmosphere was electric.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Yes, that was a very special evening - in Llandudno.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- The choir enjoyed singing with you.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Good luck with your busy Christmas.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Send my regards to that choir. - They must be adults now.
0:09:56 > 0:10:02- Yes, many are parents and their - children will be joining Glanaethwy.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- Thank you for your company - and all the best for Christmas.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10- Thank you.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Cefin, myself and everyone here...
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- ..are excited to hear the children - of Ysgol Llanddarog.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- # On a night like tonight - many years ago
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- # There travelled - Wise Men from the East
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- # They followed the bright - and shining star
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- # On a long and rough journey
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- # The star shone above
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- # The stable - on the outskirts of the town
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- # The Wise Men knelt to the ground
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- # And exclaimed - this is the King of Heaven
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- # Tonight, - the angels sung their song
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- # This was their message to us
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- # Praise, Hallelujah, - this is the Messiah
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- # He is your Saviour
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- # This is - the greatest story ever told
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- # A story of Bethlehem town
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- # A story of love, - a story of a Saviour
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- # This is His story
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- # On a night like tonight, - maybe we'll hear
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- # Some wondrous news
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- # That a man from Judea - is roaming the land
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- # Claiming he is the Son of God
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- # Would you believe this news?
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- # Would you take the step?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- # Would you leave everything
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- # To follow the light of the flame?
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- # Tonight, - the angels sung their song
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- # This was their message to us
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- # Praise, Hallelujah, - this is the Messiah
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- # He is your Saviour
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- # This is - the greatest story ever told
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- # A story of Bethlehem town
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- # A story of love, - a story of a Saviour
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- # This is His story
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- # This is His story
0:13:14 > 0:13:21- # This is His story #
0:13:22 > 0:13:23- .
0:13:25 > 0:13:25- Subtitles
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- I hope you enjoyed the children - of Ysgol Llanddarog...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- ..performing the song, - Ar Noson Fel Hon...
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- ..composed by Hywel Gwynfryn - and Geraint Cynan.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- I'm sure you'll enjoy - listening to my next guest.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- We know him as the musical director - of Llanelli Male Voice Choir.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51- It's Eifion Thomas.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- It's Eifion Thomas.- - Thank you.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- We've known each other - for many years.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- When was the choir founded?
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- The choir was established - on 15 October 1964...
0:14:03 > 0:14:09- ..so the choir will mark - its 50th anniversary next year.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Will you be celebrating?
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- Will you be celebrating?- - Nothing has been organized yet.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- However, I'm sure there will be - a number of events in the year.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- I feel privileged - to have you here tonight.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- Do you often compete - in the Eisteddfod?
0:14:27 > 0:14:32- Yes, I believe that competition - is healthy for a choir.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- There are times - when you have to accept defeat...
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- ..or accept second place - when only two choirs are competing!
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- There's an objective - to being in a choir.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- It's an excellent attitude.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- You're recognized as a soloist - within the choir.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- I've also got a clip of you - singing on the television.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- # Away in a manger
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- # No crib for a bed
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- # The little Lord Jesus
0:15:14 > 0:15:20- # Laid down his sweet head
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- # The stars in the bright sky
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- # Looked down where he lay
0:15:30 > 0:15:37- # The little Lord Jesus
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- # Asleep on the hay #
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Thank you for the trip - down memory lane.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- The clip was from 1984.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- The clip was from 1984.- - Was it? Goodness me!
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- During the 1970s and 1980s, - you had a prominent moustache.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- South of the border, - down Mexico way!
0:16:01 > 0:16:06- You had Dennis Taylor-style glasses - but where did I get that dress?!
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- I'm hopeless at playing snooker!
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- But you can sing and he can't!
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- You've been singing - for a long time, Eifion.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- Yes, I've always enjoyed singing.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- It's much easier - than conducting a choir.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- You're the only one to blame - if you make a mistake.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- There's a lot to remember - and it's quite challenging...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- ..but I do love singing.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- You've also performed - with some famous artists.
0:16:41 > 0:16:47- Yes, we've sung with Rebecca Evans - and Jason Howard.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- Let's see a clip of two vocalists - from the past.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- I wonder if they've performed - with the choir.
0:16:56 > 0:17:03- # Why do the nations - so furiously rage together?
0:17:03 > 0:17:09- # Why do the people - imagine a vain thing?
0:17:09 > 0:17:18- # Why do the nations rage
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- # So furiously together? #
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- # He rules the world - with truth and grace
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- # And makes the nations prove
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- # The glories of His righteousness
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- # And wonders of His love
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- # And wonders of His love
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- # And wonders, wonders of His love
0:17:46 > 0:17:47- # Joy to the world!
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- # Joy to the world!- - # Joy to the world!
0:17:51 > 0:17:58- # Joy to the world! #
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- They were two great vocalists - from the past.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Tom Davies had a fantastic voice.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- You could say that he was - an early version of Bryn Terfel.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Tom was set for stardom.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- We also saw a clip of Stuart.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Stuart Burrows - is one of my musical heroes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- I saw him perform in Don Giovanni...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..at Covent Garden in 1970.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Tito Gobbi - played the role of the Don.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- I'll never forget this opera...
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- ..due to Stuart's performance - of Il Mio Tesoro.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- It's one of the best arias - in the world of opera.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52- The producer closed the curtains - in the middle of the performance.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- Stuart was still in his costume - and he sung it as a concert aria.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- I'll never forget it - and I felt so proud to be Welsh.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- I lost count but he had - at least twelve curtain calls!
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- I hope Wales never forgets him.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- He was once classed as - the world's best singer of Mozart.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- There's a recording - of The Magic Flute by Solti...
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- ..featuring the tenor, - Stuart Burrows.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- We could sit and chat - about Stuart for hours.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- How will you be spending Christmas?
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- I asked the exact question - to Cefin.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Christmas is a busy period for us.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- My in-laws are joining us...
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- ..with my daughter, Sophie, - my wife, Suzanne and myself...
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- ..and not forgetting the dog!
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- It'll be busy at our house.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Geraint told me - that his family had a dog.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- They woke on Christmas morning to - find the dog had eaten the turkey!
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Unbelievable!
0:20:00 > 0:20:06- It's been a pleasure to chat with - you. We'll sing together later.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- My thanks to Eifion, Cefin, - the children of Ysgol Llanddarog...
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- ..and the Llanelli Male Voice Choir - who'll also perform for us shortly.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- While we join the choir...
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..to sing one of our most - well-known traditional carols...
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- ..I'll leave you - with two clips from the 1970s.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33- They say you should never - work with children...
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- ..and this is why.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- # Ring out those bells tonight
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- # Bethlehem, Bethlehem
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- # Follow that star tonight
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- # Bethlehem, Bethlehem #
0:20:55 > 0:21:02- # Hark, now hear the angels sing
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- # A king was born today
0:21:08 > 0:21:15- # And man will live for evermore
0:21:15 > 0:21:27- # Because of Christmas Day #
0:21:37 > 0:21:44- # O come all ye faithful, - joyful and triumphant
0:21:45 > 0:21:52- # O come ye, o come ye, - to Bethlehem
0:21:52 > 0:21:59- # Come and behold him, - born the King of angels
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- # O come let us adore him
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- # O come let us adore him
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- # O come let us adore him
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- # Christ the Lord
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- # Adeste fidelis
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- # Laeti triumphantes
0:22:28 > 0:22:35- # Venite, venite in Bethlehem
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- # Natum videte regem angelorum
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- # Venite adoremus
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- # Venite adoremus
0:22:50 > 0:22:58- # Venite adoremus Dominum
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- # Sing, choirs of angels
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- # Sing in exultation
0:23:11 > 0:23:19- # O sing, - all ye citizens of heaven above!
0:23:19 > 0:23:26- # Glory to God, - all glory in the highest
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- # O come let us adore him
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- # O come let us adore him
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- # O come let us adore him
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- # Christ the Lord #
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Goodnight and merry Christmas.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:24:05 > 0:24:05- .