Mr Lionel Hughes
Conductor

Lionel was born in Penybryn, Gellygaer and educated at Lewis School, Pengam. At an early age he was passionately fond of music and made it his main course of study and went on to play the flute in The East Glamorgan Youth Orchestra. After leaving school his musical interest had to take second place to his higher education when he was accepted at The Welsh College of Advanced Technology where he was to study Chemistry.

Lionel joined Bargoed Male Voice Choir in 1970, became Assistant Musical Director in 1983 and was appointed as Musical Director in 1986. He has now retired from the metallurgy industry and lives quietly in Gellygaer with his wife Molly.

Mr Jonathan Polson
Accompanist

Jonathan, lives in Nelson a village situated in the South Wales Valleys. He expressed a keen interest in music at an early age, receiving his first piano lessons at the age of 6. Jonathan caught on very quickly and, aged 8, started taking violin lessons. When he was just 9 years old, Jonathan gave his first public recital on both instruments.

Aged 11, Jonathan was offered the post of accompanist to Ystrad Mynach Male Voice Choir, a position he was to hold for seven years. During this time he has gained much valuable musical experience and had the opportunity to work with numerous choirs, orchestras, singers and bands. Jonathan regularly featured as guest soloist (both violin and piano) for various concerts and events.

Aged 15, Jonathan was invited to play in the “National Festival of Festivals” held at the University of Warwick. Jonathan has studied piano with Celia Richards and for a period with Nicola Meechan.

Currently Jonathan finds time to work with various choirs, soloists and theatres. In 2004 he enjoyed a tour of Canada.

Miss Harriet Lorna Rees
Assistant Accompanist

Harriet has been accompanying Bargoed Male Voice Choir since the age of 12. She has achieved all 8 grades on both piano and voice with the highest standard of distinction. She is also a keen violinist, and is soon to take her final grade 8. In addition to this, Harriet is a member of her school choir and orchestra, as well as representing her school in both the Pontypridd Youth Orchestra and also the Four Counties Youth Orchestra and Choir.