Choir Team
ACCOMPANIST, BETHAN THOMAS
Pianist
Bethan, an Associate of the London College of Music, studied the piano at Birmingham Conservatoire and Lancaster University where she gained a B.Mus. She then went to Uppingham School to work as Accompanist in Residence and Senior Piano Teacher before returning to Mid Wales to teach. She is a winner at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in both Piano Playing and Composition. Bethan has been with the Choir since 2005 where she enjoys accompanying them and their guest soloists.
CONDUCTOR, JONATHAN PEARCE
Director
Jonathan moved to Mid-Wales in 2016 and fulfilled an ambition by joining Rhayader and District Male Voice choir. Following the retirement of the musical director in 2017, he offered to step into
this role. Having a lifelong passion for music, he has been able to bring a unique outlook to the choir. In 2023 Jonathan gained a BA (Hons) Arts and Humanities (Music) degree with the Open University, and looks forward to his continuing journey with the choir.
CHAIR PHILIP GAYTHER 2023
Top Tenor
Phil has been member of the choir for a number of years now and is highly respected by the other choristers as an official and for his prowess in being a regular compère for their events. He is popular for his charming and witty anecdotes and jokes. He did, in fact, compère for the choir before joining and is extremely humbled to have been asked to become Chair after such a short time.
VICE CHAIR AUBREY POWELL
Second Tenor
Aubrey joined Rhayader Male Voice Choir in 2012, and like so many other members has come from a farming background.
He enjoys the camaraderie when attending and performing at the many diverse events. Aubrey is honoured to take up the role of Vice Chairman and will do his best to uphold this position.
SECRETARY JOHN THOMAS
Baritone
John Thomas has been a member of the choir for many years and has been secretary for a number of those years. He has the incredible job of ensuring all aspects of the choir come together in a well organised fashion.