Gareth is a product of the highly successful West Glamorgan Youth Music system. After obtaining degrees in Music and Education at Cardiff University, Gareth pursued a teaching career, firstly as a violin/viola teacher and then as a Primary School teacher. Gareth taught in a number of schools across Swansea and Llanelli, before becoming a Headteacher for fifteen years concluding at Bishopston Primary, a school that gained a reputation for its strong singing, music and performance. Whilst primarily a chorister, Gareth has assisted the music team by playing violin and piano, taking a number of rehearsals and conducting a concert when required.

Matthew is a Master of Arts graduate from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, where he studied voice under the guidance of International Tenor Dennis O’Neill. He has performed at many concert venues and has participated in Masterclasses with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dennis O’Neill, Rebecca Evans, Della Jones, Ryland Davies, Peter Wilson, Nuccia Focile and Nelly Miricioiu. Throughout Matthew’s studies and personal successes, he has always had strong links to the Welsh Male Choir tradition, including being a past member of Only Men Aloud. It is great to be able to combine two loves, singing and choir, and to continue developing / adapting music repertoires to suit current audiences. Matthew is delighted to have been appointed Musical Director of the Gwalia Singers and is looking forward, with excitement, to a long and prosperous future with the Choir

Nick was born and educated in Pembroke. He started singing as a boy in St. Mary’s Church choir and later took over as conductor. He also sang with the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and The Griffon Singers In 1978 he moved to Llandrindod Wells and joined the Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir, taking over as conductor in 1982. He remained as conductor until he moved to Swansea in 1995, when he joined the Gwalia Singers. Nick was appointed Deputy Musical Director a few years later and took an active part in rehearsals and concerts until he was appointed as Musical Director in 2006. It was almost a baptism of fire as in January 2007 the choir represented Swansea in Mannheim, Germany, for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the twinning of the towns. However, the standing ovation received following the performance on the Saturday evening showed that the choir have made an excellent appointment. Nick has no musical qualifications, but has a great feeling and enthusiasm for music, which when delivered with his sense of humour and hard work makes rehearsals enjoyable and ensures performances of a high standard. The choir has also increased in numbers, which was one of Nick’s main priorities when he took over as MD. Nick is a keen sportsman having played cricket for Ffynone in the South Wales Association and also for the Badgers Cricket Club, with whom he still plays. He is a supporter of Swansea RFC and the Ospreys and has started playing golf again since taking early retirement from Lloyds TSB with whom he worked for 32 years. He then worked part time, as an administration officer, in several nursing homes before becomming fully retired. Nick stood down as MD in 1921 but still sings with the choir basses and is always available to stand in to take rehearsals and performances when the current MD is not available.

Rhian, who was originally from Loughor Swansea, now resides in Llanarthne; she has an Honours Degree in Music BMus (hons). Rhian completed her studies at the prestigious Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales’ National Conservatoire for the Performing Arts. For her ‘daytime’ job Rhian is a veterinary nurse with a local vets practice. She been the accompanist for the choir since 1998 and looks forward to many more years of concerts and activities with the Gwalia Singers.