2026 Annual Concert
in General May 15, 2026
Out of the blue on 12th December 2024, at a busy time just before our Christmas concert, we received an enquiry from Abertillery OMC to perhaps host a shared weekend in Kilmarnock with the Aeolian Choir to include a Concert and other activities.
Firstly, who are these people – search the internet! Turns out they are a famous Welsh choir who are coming 120 years old in 2028 -
“The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir offers men who enjoy singing a friendly and collaborative environment to sing and share choral music making. It also offers the opportunity to perform in a range of venues both across the UK and overseas.”
So they are a well travelled choir which has practices and concerts all year round.
What is remarkable is that behind the Abertillery Male Choir is a very supportive Abertillery Female Choir.
So by January 2025 our Musical Director is very keen, committee agreed, and all said YES, but when? Due to the Aeolian season ending end of March and only commencing again in September, we agree on 2026.
Abertillery normally tour May/June and so after discussion the weekend of 8-10th May was agreed.
By the end February 2025 the rough sketch of a whole weekend of potential activities had been drafted. Outstanding a venue for 80/90 singers in Kilmarnock or surrounding area, and where to host a joint dinner with partners.
By June 2025 these Abertillery boys were not ging to be slumming it having already booked a stop-over in Blackpool on their way north. They were also in the process of booking rooms in the Park Hotel Kilmarnock – asking if there were any issues with the hotel? Back-up hotel was Seamill Hydro!!
We asked in July 2025 what the Abertillery group might like to do in their down-time from singing – Saturday morning/Sunday afternoon.
Maybe local Dean Castle Country Park, or Dumfries House – Prince of Wales (King) connection?
Long delay until a reply comes in November 2025 which says “Our tours are generally more Social than Educational”.
January to March 2026 Agreed to hold concert in Howard Centre with stage extensions, Friday night joint practice with a “getting to know you” night in Portland Bowling Club arranged, joint dinner to be hosted by Aeolian at Fenwick Hotel (Park Hotel booked for weddings, Rugby Park catering hands tied due to unknown fixtures), details of church service in Kay Parish Church agreed.
CUE a fantastic weekend of song and socialising – just needed a Concert Programme which was duly produced with powerful joint choir items. The Abertillery choir were fantastic in Concert and elsewhere/everywhere, and the Aeolian showed their continuing versatility by singing in Welsh.
Willie Wallace
Firstly, who are these people – search the internet! Turns out they are a famous Welsh choir who are coming 120 years old in 2028 -
“The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir offers men who enjoy singing a friendly and collaborative environment to sing and share choral music making. It also offers the opportunity to perform in a range of venues both across the UK and overseas.”
So they are a well travelled choir which has practices and concerts all year round.
What is remarkable is that behind the Abertillery Male Choir is a very supportive Abertillery Female Choir.
So by January 2025 our Musical Director is very keen, committee agreed, and all said YES, but when? Due to the Aeolian season ending end of March and only commencing again in September, we agree on 2026.
Abertillery normally tour May/June and so after discussion the weekend of 8-10th May was agreed.
By the end February 2025 the rough sketch of a whole weekend of potential activities had been drafted. Outstanding a venue for 80/90 singers in Kilmarnock or surrounding area, and where to host a joint dinner with partners.
By June 2025 these Abertillery boys were not ging to be slumming it having already booked a stop-over in Blackpool on their way north. They were also in the process of booking rooms in the Park Hotel Kilmarnock – asking if there were any issues with the hotel? Back-up hotel was Seamill Hydro!!
We asked in July 2025 what the Abertillery group might like to do in their down-time from singing – Saturday morning/Sunday afternoon.
Maybe local Dean Castle Country Park, or Dumfries House – Prince of Wales (King) connection?
Long delay until a reply comes in November 2025 which says “Our tours are generally more Social than Educational”.
January to March 2026 Agreed to hold concert in Howard Centre with stage extensions, Friday night joint practice with a “getting to know you” night in Portland Bowling Club arranged, joint dinner to be hosted by Aeolian at Fenwick Hotel (Park Hotel booked for weddings, Rugby Park catering hands tied due to unknown fixtures), details of church service in Kay Parish Church agreed.
CUE a fantastic weekend of song and socialising – just needed a Concert Programme which was duly produced with powerful joint choir items. The Abertillery choir were fantastic in Concert and elsewhere/everywhere, and the Aeolian showed their continuing versatility by singing in Welsh.
Willie Wallace
Aeolian Secretary.