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A clarinet choir is an ensemble consisting entirely of instruments from the clarinet family. Alongside the standard Bb Clarinet, the choir includes Eb, Alto, Bass, Contra-Alto and Contra- Bass Clarinets. The resulting sound is quite unique, full and surprisingly varied, and is the equivalent of the string orchestra. Although dating back to the 1920′s, the format gained momentum in America in the 1950′s and is still very popular there and in Europe. In Britain it is a little less common, but gaining in popularity.
The South Wales Clarinet Choir was formed in 2005 by Dominic Codera and Howard Braithwaite. Benefitting initially from the support of clarinettists Leslie Craven and Peter Fielding, then from 2009 to 2022 Lynda Jeffrey was the Musical Director. The Choir now numbers almost 20 musicians covering the full range of instruments and includes music teachers, professional performers and accomplished amateurs. The South Wales Clarinet Choir perform on a regular basis across South Wales and beyond. Venues include the Millennium Centre, Welsh Proms Fringe performances at St David’s Hall, Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, Swansea Waterfront Museum, Arts Festivals at Ewenny and Llanidloes, Bristol Harbour Festival, Bishop's Palace at Wells, various churches, community venues and at the National Clarinet Convention held annually at Cardiff University. |
In 2011 SWCC were delighted to be broadcast from Hoddinot Hall at the Wales Millennium Centre for BBC Radio 3. SWCC’s repertoire is varied, ranging from Baroque to the present day, and includes arrangements of popular pieces together with original compositions. SWCC have been very fortunate to have works composed especially for them by the distinguished composers Mervyn Burtch and Luke Whitlock. In October 2022 we were delighted to welcome our new Musical Director, Tom Howells. Tom is a highly skilled clarinettist who is former principal clarinet of the Bute Clarinet Quartet. He replaces our long serving and highly regarded former Musical Director, Lynda Jeffery. |
