After successful auditions to establish supporters' choirs for each of the four Welsh rugby regions, rehearsals have begun for the new choirs, whose progress will be followed in S4C's brand new reality TV show,Codi Canu (Raise a Song).
Over the next six months, the choirs - who will each in turn support the Newport-Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Blues, Neath-Swansea Ospreys and Llanelli Scarlets - will undertake a number of challenges, culminating in a performance before the Wales v England Six Nations Championship match next March.
"The reaction to the campaign has so far been amazing with a phenomenal turn out for the recent auditions, which bodes well for the regions and the Welsh team alike," says Ronw Protheroe,Codi Canu's Executive Producer. "However, The Dragons' choir do need a few more recruits… so come on, people of Gwent, come and support your region!"
An eight-part series, Codi Canu, which is being produced with the support of the Welsh Rugby Union, will be broadcast from January 2007. The series will follow the progress of the four new, mixed (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choirs as they master classic rugby hymns and anthems under the baton of several renowned conductors. Owain Arwel Hughes, the world famous conductor, will judge the choirs before the Wales v England match at the Millennium Stadium in March 2007.
The Dragons' choir, conducted by Cefin and Rhian Roberts, started rehearsals last Monday at Rodney Parade, Newport.
Former players and celebrities - including Gareth Edwards, Ray Gravelle, Brynmor Williams and Rowland Phillips - are also lending their support to the choirs.
"The series is a great opportunity to take terrace singing to another level," says Rupert Moon, Head of Group Commercial & Business Development for the Millennium Stadium Plc & WRU Ltd. "Wales is known as The Land Of Song, and with four new choirs, singing classic rugby songs at the tops of their voices, the national team and rugby regions cannot fail but be inspired."
For information on how to join the Dragons' choir and get an opportunity to sing at the Wales Millennium Stadium, contactaled@boomerang.co.uk or on029 2055 0550.
For all the latest news regarding the series and upcoming rehearsals, log on towww.codicanu.com.
