Blaenavon Male Voice Choir's big screen bow

With concerns over dwindling membership, the committee from the Torfaen musical establishment spoke to Gwent based film production company Focus Shift Films over the creation of promotional video.

The result is a 97-minute film about the choral community, with the choristers from Blaenavon featuring prominently throughout.

Gareth Whitcombe, the choir’s musical director, said; “I thought it would be a good idea to create a promotional film about the choir which we could show about four to five minutes long.

“But when I met Daniel and the film crew, they said there is a story which we could take further.”

The choristers have seen about two thirds of the film at a private screening, and there is much excitement at seeing the final cut at the premiere.

The aim of the film from the choir’s perspective was to increase the longevity of the group, which officially started in 1910.

“There are similar problems across the community with recruitment and I think from getting involved in this film, we have secured our future for many years,” added Mr Whitcombe.

The choristers come from across Gwent, and the age range spans over four decades.

New recruit Peter Humber, 49, of Jamaica Walk, Newport, joined the choir four weeks ago and is enjoying his new musical experience.

“I had very little as a way of a musical background before joining the choir,” he said.

“It’s a great outlet coming from work background. It alleviates stress and it’s a chance to have a laugh with a great bunch of people.”

At the other end of the scale, 81-year-old John Hopkins, of Ton Mawr Road, Blaenavon, has sung with the choir for 63 years.

“Everything about the choir is wonderful and we are more than just a group of choristers but we are all good friends too,” he said.

“I hope the film can boost male voice choirs for generations to come.”

Save Our Male Voice Choirs premieres at Cineworld in Cardiff on October 15 at 7pm.