06-01-2006 – Western Mail – Mercury Inspires Choir

Rocker Mercury inspires the Morriston Orpheus

Queen’s Freddie Mercury is part of the modern inspiration behind the new repertoire of one of Wales’ best known male voice choirs. Morriston Orpheus Choir aims to reach new fans by introducing pop and rock songs to its repertoire.

Musical director Sian Pearce said the vocal talents of Mercury meant the songs were ideal – but she added the choir would still perform traditional songs.

She said that the 118-strong- choir also hoped to appeal to a younger and broader audience.

Ms Pearce said songs by rockers Queen with their many harmonies, were ideally suited to a large choir.

‘Some pop songs don’t translate across to choirs, let alone male voice choirs,’ she said.

‘But Bohemian Rhapsody and songs by groups such as Westlife, who are male singers, are perfectly suited to a male choir.’

The songs will be performed at the choir’s anniversary concert in Swansea next month.