In 1941 the choristers were all members of the First Aid Defence GroupHaving been formed in an area of strong choral tradition in 1941 the Morriston Ladies Choir has gone from strength to strength. They recognise the predominance of Male Choral music in Wales, but regard this as a stimulus and a challenge to foster public appreciation of choral music provided by a ladies’ choir.

Since its formation, the Choir has naturally undergone change. In 1941 the choristers were all members of the First Aid Defence Group but the present membership is drawn from all walks of life including housewives, lecturers, teachers, civil servants and nurses. Similarly, with each new musical director that followed the founder Miss Lillian Abbott, the Choir’s repertoire has changed.

Under the baton of Anthony Williams, Musical Director since 1976, the repertoire has broadened considerably, and now includes not only traditional Welsh Folk songs, but also music from the twentieth century and from West End Shows. High standards and choral versatility has enabled the MLC to carve a niche for itself with a reputation for a unique, refreshing sound.

In addition to performing extensively in Wales, the Choir has also visited several other countries.

In 1991 – Golden Jubilee Tour to Canada, singing in the Parliament Buildings in Toronto and the National Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. The highlight of the tour however was singing in front of 2,500 in a town called Peterborough.

In 1993 – the choir undertook a short tour of Germany and Holland, singing in Aachen, in Cologne Cathedral and in St Janskerk in Maastricht.

In 1997 – they visited Torrevieja in Spain – the first ladies choir to be invited to this beautiful area of Spain. A standing ovation was received from a capacity audience when they sang the ‘Hymn of Torrevieja’ in Spanish with the composer’s choir and orchestra.

In 2001 – the choir celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a tour to Helsinki, Finland which included singing at the Finnish Parliament and attending a reception, given in its honour, by H.M. Ambassador, Alyson J K Bailes.

In 2003 – the choir visited Waterford in Ireland.

At home the Choir give concerts regularly to raise funds for local charities and have performed with male voice choirs, military bands and orchestras. It has appeared on the Welsh Language programme ‘Heno’, and are broadcasted regularly on Radio Wales and Swansea Sound.

In previous years the Choir participated in the ‘Festival of Welsh Ladies Choirs’; in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in 1993, St. David’s Hall, Cardiff in 1994 & 1996, Afan Lido, Port Talbot in 1995, at Rhyd-y-Car in 1999 and at St David’s Hall, Cardiff in November 2008.

August 1995 saw the Choir take part in a concert in Singleton Park for the Year of Literature, singing in front of the ex-U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. It also sang in the first concert performance of ‘Les Miserables’ in Wales at Cardiff Castle, and at the ‘Proms in the Park’ with Charlotte Church.

Every year, around 1st March, MLC joins with the Morriston RFC Male Voice Choir to present a concert to celebrate Wales’ Patron Saint, Saint David at the Tabernacle Chapel, Morriston raising funds for local charities.

2007 saw another first for Morriston Ladies Choir when they were asked to perform the backing vocals for ?Swansea Girls? – one of the songs in the highly acclaimed musical of the same name written by Lyn Mackay which was subsequently performed at the Grand Theatre.

As well as performing concerts for charitable organisations, the choir also takes bookings to sing at other venues including weddings, social events, after-dinner engagements etc.