Choristers up close - Tom Hughes
Name: Tom Hughes
Section: Bass
Date of joining RMC: July 2024
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
I was told about Risca Male Choir’s Men Do Sing project by my colleague Mark Knight-Davies, (second tenor). I have always enjoyed music and performing, (in my teens and early 20s I played in an Indie/rock band), so this project was an ideal opportunity to return to music. The project also provided a chance to raise money for MND, a worthy cause. I enjoyed the project so much that I joined RMC shortly afterwards.
We realise that you’ve only been with the choir for a very short time, but what are the elements you have most enjoyed so far?
I only have very basic music reading skills, but I am enjoying the challenge of attempting to improve this. I find the apps really helpful for me to listen to our pieces on dog walks or in the car and this helps me hugely. I enjoy fine tuning the pieces in our group practice.
Being a big rugby fan, singing at one of the best stadiums in the world for the Wales vs England game is the event that has stood out for me so far.
What music have you particularly enjoyed singing and why?
Performing Fix you as the culmination of the “Men do sing” project will always be particularly memorable to me. The original Coldplay version was already a favourite of mine and the choir arrangement was perfect for the project. I felt the resulting performance was a really nice balance of emotion and celebration.
Like many in the choir, I’m not a Welsh speaker. I also grew up ‘over the bridge’ so I lack even a basic knowledge of Welsh. Gwinllan a roddwyd is the first piece I learned in Welsh and I really like the piece especially the ending.
My first concerts with RMC were the two Christmas concerts. I was surprised and grateful to be asked to take part in a chamber piece with a small number of choristers. I generally prefer the darker/moodier pieces and Ukrainian Alleluia fits into this category. I also enjoy a challenge and really enjoyed being tested and exposed in this piece. I had to work hard, as we had very limited time, but I was supported by Matt and the other chamber choir members. I think it was well received at the concert. For similar reasons I enjoyed performing Carol from an Irish Cabin. I liked how this piece contrasted with the majority of the more up-beat Christmas songs having a more delicate feel.
We are currently learning Non nobis domine. Although there is a lot of repetition in this piece, the bass section is really important to keep the timing. I like how the layers build gradually. I also like the fact that the bass section leads this piece off.
I am also enjoying learning Crossing the Bar, it’s technically challenging and I like the complicated tempo changes, which require us to watch Matt closely and listen carefully to each other. It is already sounding really good and I think it will be a piece we perform regularly.
What do you think you might look forward to in the future, perhaps having heard from longer serving choristers of memorable moments in the past?
Unfortunately, I was not able to perform at the national Eisteddfod last year. It sounded like a fantastic event and I am looking forward to hopefully being involved in 2026.
Following on from being a member of the men do sing charity choir, I have been asked to assist with the new Men United charity choir. I am looking forward to meeting the new singers, helping them to find their voices and raise lots of money for Prostate Cymru.
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir
The Hughes family in Bude, Cornwall
I grew up in a small village in North Somerset and moved to Cardiff in 1998 to study Physiotherapy at the University of Wales, College of Medicine. I now live in Marshfield with my wife Hannah, my two children, Max and Isla and our dog Ronnie. I work as a Physiotherapist for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. I specialise in injuries and conditions of the hand.
I played rugby until a shoulder injury in my 20s stopped me. I still love the sport and I briefly refereed for Cardiff and district. I am a season ticket holder at my home team, Bristol Bears.
With two children, a lot of my time is taken with their clubs and activities, but I do find time on a Monday evening to play in a pub poker league.
A final thought, if you have one
I have really enjoyed my first year or so with Risca Male Choir, but as a new member it can be a bit overwhelming, especially with regards to the quantity of the repertoire. This, I’m assured, is normal and I’ve been told it can take a couple of years to ‘settle in’. Anyone thinking of joining shouldn’t hesitate and shouldn’t worry if it takes a while for things to click.
