TWO sold-out anniversary concerts featuring a 37-piece orchestra and the next generation of young singers have set the stage for a landmark year for Johns’ Boys.
The acclaimed Welsh male voice choir celebrated its 10th anniversary at William Aston Hall, Wrexham, with packed audiences across two nights and supporters travelling from as far afield as Germany and the United States.
The concerts brought together Johns’ Boys, the orchestra and Johns’ Boys Juniors – aged nine to 18 – with crowd favourites including Nessun Dorma, Calon Lân and Angels.
New song To This Very Moment was also warmly received as the choir marked a decade which has seen it reach the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent and perform across the UK and overseas.
Johns’ Boys is also the first and only British male voice choir to win the prestigious Pavarotti Choir of the World title, an achievement which sets the Welsh choir apart on the international stage as it looks ahead to the next chapter in its story.
Founder and conductor Aled Phillips said the weekend had surpassed expectations.
“It was an incredible couple of nights and quite overwhelming to see two sold-out audiences celebrating 10 years with us,” he said.
“We had people travelling from Germany and even the United States. One gentleman had come all the way from America without a ticket, so we had to spin a few plates and thankfully managed to find him a seat!
“One of the things I was most proud of was seeing the Juniors up there. There were understandably some nerves, but they handled the occasion brilliantly.
“We want to inspire the next generation and give young people experiences like this. Performing in front of those audiences alongside Johns’ Boys and a 37-piece orchestra is something they will never forget.”
Plans are now being explored to include the Juniors and orchestra at selected dates during Johns’ Boys’ extensive 2027 UK and Ireland tour.
Demand is already high, particularly in Ireland, with the Dublin concert close to selling out, while larger venues in Wales, Ireland and London are also being considered for the future.
Aled added: “We like to do things a little differently. We are proud of the traditions of Welsh male voice singing, but we are also contemporary and want to try new things.
“Bringing together the choir, Juniors and orchestra was an exciting mix and where possible we would love to take elements of that into next year.
“Tickets are flying, particularly in Ireland, so we would encourage people to book early.
“We are always thinking about what comes next. The dream one day would be to perform at the STōK Cae Ras in Wrexham. To bring everything home and perform there in front of a huge crowd would be very special.”
Before the tour, Johns’ Boys will perform at Durham Cathedral on November 14 and Chester Cathedral on December 19.
Their 2027 schedule includes concerts in Newtown, Wells, Liverpool, Rhyl, Belfast, Dublin, Harrogate, Swansea, Bristol, Coventry, Huddersfield, London, Wrexham, Cardiff, Salisbury, Worcester and Oxford.
Highlights include Rhyl Pavilion on March 6, Huddersfield Town Hall on July 3, Union Chapel in London on July 16 and a return to William Aston Hall for two concerts in September.
For the full list of dates and tickets, visit the Johns’ Boys website: Johns’ Boys – Award-Winning Welsh Male Voice Choir and follow them on YouTube and social media.