Ilid Anne Jones - Musical Director

Ilid was born and raised at Talysarn, in the Nantlle Valley and started her musical career as accompanist to the local mixed choir whilst only 12 years old.
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About the Choir

Hogia'r Ddwylan has probably got the most romantic of all the names of male voice choirs in Wales reflecting the magic of its native environment. Literally translated it means “The boys from the two shores” and refers to the fact that the members come from villages and towns adjacent to the Menai Straits, on the fringes of Snowdonia, one of the most beautiful areas of Wales.

The choir's practice and administrative centre is at Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey, in the very shadow of the bridge itself, which serves as a permanent reminder of the engineering skills of Thomas Telford, in addition to being an essential link between Anglesey and mainland Britain. Hogia'r Ddwylan also, since the choir was established over 43 years ago, have also by way of their music, bridged communities and audiences throughout Wales, Britain and Europe.

The choir has over 40 members with Ilid Anne Jones serving as their accomplished Musical Director for the last 12 years. By her guidance and dedication, the choir has gained an unequaled 
reputation on the major competition circuit and musical Festivals.

It was an honour the choir together with Godre'r Aran and Rhos Male Choir, to perform a commissioned work by one of Wales's contemporary composers Brian Hughes, at the National Eisteddfod Meifod in 2003

Amongst their success is gaining First prizes at the National Eisteddfod of Wales 4 times,  twice winners at the Cardigan Festival,  twice winners of the North Wales Choral Festival, twice winners  of the Pan Celtic Festival, Main male choir champions at the Colraine International Festival and recently BBC Radio Cymru Male Voice Choir Champions 2008/9

The choir takes great delight in entertaining audiences both locally and afar, they have performed at many venues, indeed some of their abiding memories was entertaining the crowd, following an invitation by the Welsh Rugby Union, at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on the occasion of a rugby match between Wales and the All Blacks'; and again before the Wales v Australia match last year,  also performing at the opening and closing ceremonies of the European Amateur Team Golf Championships at Conwy in 2009.

However, the most memorable performance was to sing at a special ceremony at Bangor University for Archbishop Desmund Tutu and Sir David Attenobough when they received an Honorary Degree to mark the University's centenary celebrations in 2009, the Archbishop declared that he had never heard such a wonderful rendition of the South African National Anthem, and that the choir was 'from the top drawer'!! The Speaker of the Welsh Parliament Lord Dafydd Ellis Thomas who was present, said that the atmosphere in the hall was almost as it were a  'Religious Revival'