AN award winning Welsh male voice choir is to make the first visit to Malvern in its 108-year history.

The Dunvant Male Choir, which scooped top prize at this year's Eisteddfod, is to play at Malvern Priory on June 7.

One of the oldest and largest in Wales, the choir was formed in 1895 by a group of miners, steelworkers and quarrymen from the membership of the Ebenezer Congregational Chapel.

It has won every competition open to it in Wales and established an international reputation, touring in Britain, the United States and Canada.

After the Malvern concert the choir will be jetting off to Vancouver to take part in the North American Festival of Wales. It was on a previous trip to the Canadian city in the 1980s that a young prodigy, Bryn Terfel first distinguished himself among the choir's ranks. Today he is a distinguished baritone.

In total, the group has around 120 members, although only 90 will appear in the Malvern concert. Its members are not professional singers, but new recruits have to pass a rigorous process of auditions and probation before becoming fully accepted and practices last two hours twice a week.

Craig Yates (baritone), a post-graduate student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, will sing solo during the evening.

Tenor Alun Ryhs Jenkins, a professional singer and music teacher, will also star.

General secretary Ken Jones said the beauty of Malvern Priory had drawn them to decide to stage a performance inside it.

"We like to go to new venues, and the Priory in Malvern is a very attractive venue," he said. "I got the impression that the acoustics are excellent."

Those who turn up for the 7.15pm concert will be treated to a medley of operatic choruses, musical theatre and traditional Welsh songs.

Tickets, priced £9, can be obtained from the Lyttelton House Gallery in Malvern on 01684 574921.