Founded in 1997, the Welsh Choir started rehearsing at the Welsh Chapel in downtown Los Angeles. Under the direction of Aberystwyth-born composer/conductor, Michael J. Lewis, the choir began singing well-loved Welsh hymns, arranged by Maestro Lewis. Though small at first, the choir steadily grew; the 2003 tour of Wales and England boasted a 50 member choir.
So many highlights of the choir’s history became special memories for choir members. We were honored to be invited to represent the state of California, singing at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Other highlights include singing at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the Pennsylvania State Capitol (Harrisburg), and a Pacific Northwest Tour, including locations in Washington and British Columbia. In addition, the choir has been invited to sing at numerous festivals and has enjoyed singing throughout the state of California.
Following Michael J. Lewis’s tenure, the choir was led by Frank Evan Williams, Dr. Tony Davis, and Stephen Karr. Our current director, Marshall Ramirez, has been leading the choir since 2018. We have also had the benefit of very gifted accompanists; they have included the internationally renowned composers Dr. Hojun Lee and Julian Revie.
In addition, the Welsh Choir has benefitted from collaborations with several talented guest artists, including operatic singers Fflur Wynn and Rigby Jones, harpists Ellie Choate and Sally Pryce, and classical singers Melanie Henley Hein and Andrew Scott.
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