Alyn Lloyd, a former member of the choir, passed away this week. Tributes are received from choir members, each one echoing the sentiment that ‘Alyn was a lovely man, a gentleman and will be sadly missed.
This article first appeared under the title ‘Alyn Lloyd – A Song to Sing’.
This abridged version is published once again in his fond memory.
My jaw first dropped when first tenor Alyn Lloyd told me that he once entertained on a cruise ship. He paired up with a baritone from ENSA to entertain the passengers for a trip to Ceylon and back.
As I recovered my balance he then landed another body blow. He said that he once got a part-time job with the BBC Singers. This entailed, among other things, recording religious songs from the BBC studios in Bangor.
Above all, this modest and affable choir member had never given any sign of such an interesting and distinguished singing career.
Alyn Lloyd grew up in Llandudno Junction. He states that his mother, who had a good contralto voice, was a major influence on his singing.
Evan Lewis of Bangor and of Covent Garden fame is another to receive credit.
Alyn Lloyd Musical Favourites
His favourite singers are Montserrat Caballé, the Spanish soprano and Fritz Wunderlich. The German lyric tenor died in an accident at the age of 35.
Alyn Lloyd and Love of Opera
Alyn Lloyd enjoys a great love of opera. More than 30 annual visits to the Verona Opera is more than adequate proof.
“I’ve seen all the greats there, including Pavarotti” recalls Alyn. In addition, his favourite aria is ‘Una Furtiva Lagrima’ from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. “Of course, worth listening to at any time of day.”
This story telling through music helps Alyn learn the lyrics of songs in the choir repertoire.
“Read and understand the story. Then the events follow each other in sequence,” is his sound advice.
Alyn Lloyd – More Singing Highlights
A Royal Marines Concert at the Royal Albert Hall then gave Alyn the opportunity to sing in an octet. This consisted of 4 Wrens, 3 Sailors and Alyn Lloyd. It sounds like a good book title.
Alyn was also a member of a Male Voice Choir from north Wales which sang at Penn’s Landing in Pensylvania, and other venues. This prestigious occasion was to commemorate the signing of the the American Constitution.
Alyn Lloyd and Llanddulas MVC
At the age of 60 Alyn then joined Llanddulas Male Voice Choir, staying with them for 22 years. He then joined the Denbigh and District MVC. until ill health and infirmity made it impossible for him to attend.
Alyn Lloyd – A Picture of Contentment
Looking back on his singing career he says with serene satisfaction, “it’s been a good life.”
Ed. Footnote: It was Alyn’s wish to have a memorial service, with the choir in attendance, when circumstances allow this to happen in the future. We will be there.
Emyr Thomas says
Lovely tribute Richard!
Richard Thompson says
Thank You Emyr, much appreciated
thomas ronald jones says
WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY, R.I.P.
Richard Thompson says
Thank you for your appreciation and sentiment for a fine gentleman
Glyn Edwards says
Gwr bonheddig, hawdd ei hoffi. Diolch iti am ddatgelu rhannau diddorol o’i fywyd.
Richard Thompson says
Diolch Glyn am dy eiriau caredig a theimladwy
Iorwerth says
Alyn was a true gent and fellow chorister be it only for a short period of time. Whenever I called to visit he always wanted to hear all about the choir and of future concerts. Luckily I visited Alyn just before the coronavirus struck , he was in good spirits. As usual when I visited a wee dram of whisky appeared – for medicinal purposes of course! So honoured to have met you Alyn rest in peace. Iorwerth.
Richard Thompson says
Thanks Iorwerth for this personal and heartfelt tribute.
Diolch yn fawr
Gill Griffiths says
Yes I saw Alyn just before he was taken ill.I offered to help him with his shopping and determined as ever he said he was fine!!!He was a very dear friend for many years to my late father Bill Griffiths.They spent happy times in Italy at Verona!A very special man.
Richard Thompson says
Thank you Gill for sharing these wonderful thoughts about Alyn. The conversations about Verona between Alyn and your father Bill would have been worth listening to.
Arwyn C. Roberts says
Da iawn Richard, teyrnged godidog I gymeriad hawddgar a diddorol, fel Iorweth, ces innau ambell awr yn ei gwmni a dropyn bach i gloi. Canmoliaeth llwyr a diolch iti am dy waith..
Richard Thompson says
Llawer o ddiolch Arwyn am dy eiriau cefnogol a diddorol am gymeriad dawnus a diymhongar.