18 March 2013

For the first time in history of the Côr Cymru competition two choirs from the same category have won a place in the final.

In the Côr Cymru programme on Saturday, 16 March, we enjoyed highlights of the semi-final rounds in the children's category, where five choirs took to the stage.

At the end of the competition at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, the judges were obliged to announce one choir to go through to the final - and their choice was Côr Iau Glanaethwy.

But, there was more drama at the end of the programme. Following a request by the judges in response to the exceptional standard of the children's choirs, and discussions with S4C, it was announced that Côr y Cwm from the Rhondda Valley will also compete in the final, live on S4C on Sunday 14 April.

The judges took a long time to come to a decision, and although they were only able to announce one name on the night, they were convinced that the two choirs fully deserved a place in the final.

Katie Thomas, one of the competition judges this year, says, "It was nice to see that the standard of choral singing in Wales continues to improve - and among the children's choirs especially, thanks to the tremendous work being done by a number of very dedicated leaders. I look forward to hearing performances by each of the choirs in the final."

Geraint Rowlands, S4C Events Commissioner, "At times in the Côr Cymru competition, choosing a winner has proved a very difficult task for the judges, but on this occasion they were convinced that there was no way to distinguish between two choirs and therefore they must both be given the opportunity to compete for the title in the final.

"This is proof of the quality of the singing in this competition and is a credit to the participating choirs."

Côr Iau Glanaethwy and Côr y Cwm will join the Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal choir who have already secured their place in the final. In the next programme on Saturday, 23 March 9.00, we can enjoy highlights of the semi-final competition between the male voice choirs, with the female and mixed choirs to follow over consecutive weekends.

Following the shock in the children's category, there's no telling what the outcome will be.

The final will be held at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Sunday 14 April and will be broadcast live on S4C at 6.30pm.

Ends