Our History
The Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir, from Tonyrefail, was founded in 1951 by the late Richard Williams, MBE. With Robert Huxton as Musical Director and Jonathan Griffiths as Accompanist, the choir continue to entertain audiences. The choir has a varied and versatile repertoire which includes traditional Welsh songs, songs from the musicals and classical arrangements for male voices.
The Gentlemen Songsters have performed in numerous venues in the UK, including Colston Hall (Bristol), Truro Cathedral and St. David's Hall (Cardiff). Overseas tours include Czechoslovakia, Germany, Denmark, Austria, France, Holland and Ireland. In 2018, the ‘Songsters’ were invited to sing at the Principality Stadium at the Wales v Australia rugby international and, in 2019, they competed in the prestigious International Men’s Choir Competition, held in Bournemouth, and did well to take a creditable second prize. More recently the Choir has performed locally at Cardiff Castle, Dyffryn Gardens and Coity Castle, and in 2024 performed at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd. In June 2026 the Choir has been invited to participate in the London Welsh Festival of Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall.
Robert was born in Tonyrefail and joined the Richard Williams Junior Singers in 1971 aged 9; singing in many prestigious venues and enjoying many overseas tours, including Cologne, Montreux and California. At aged 16, to continue his enjoyment of music, Robert joined the Gentlemen Songsters. In 2007, following the death of Richard Williams, Robert took over the role of musical director, and he continues to commit to maintaining 'the Songsters sound' which the choir is well-known for.
Robert Huxton
Musical Director
Jonathan Griffiths
Accompanist
Jonathan Griffiths was born in Tonyrefail and began his piano studies with Maisie Price. In 1975, aged 17, Jonathan joined the Gentlemen Songsters as an accompanist. He gained his honours degree at University College, Cardiff and began teaching in 1980. Jonathan has also represented schools on the Welsh Authorities’ Music Education Association and worked for the WJEC as an examiner for GCSE Music, Performing and Composing. Jonathan has now retired from teaching and has recently celebrated reaching the remarkable milestone of 50 years as the Choir’s accompanist.