The Accolades

“Having heard Hywel’s choir perform, I know what pleasures lie in store for its Russian audiences and what excellent ambassadors its members will make. May their singing prove a medium of harmony and happiness – through that wonderful Welsh quality of hwyl.”
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

“I offer my congratulations to John Hywel Williams for his faithful service to Welsh choral music. It is a truly outstanding and commendable achievement. Singing has a unique and powerful ability to bring people together of all ages and all walks of life. It is also a hugely uplifting experience for all involved, both performances and listeners. “
The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, M.P., The Prime Minister

“With consonants bright, male and female chest voices resonant in a blend fit to confound the current cathedral debate. Fifty faces mesmerised by John Hywel Williams, a dark, bearded Svengali of the baton.”
The Times

“… a remarkable achievement which owes much to the hard work and commitment of its young choristers but also the dedication of John Hywel Williams, who founded the choir and remains at its helm as Director of music, As the United Kingdom’s most internationally travelled choir, it has reasons to be proud of its success. Their tour of Moscow will undoubtedly enhance the choir’s considerable reputation as Wales’ Ambassadors of Song.”
The Rt. Hon. John Major, M.P., The Prime Minister

“The organisers at the Royal Albert Hall could have done with 1,000 extra seats so great was the demand. There was a consensus of opinion that hours for the evening fell to the Hywel Girls’ Choir from Llanelli.”
Western Mail

“I wish you the very best with your concert tour. It’s wonderful that you shall be spreading the beauty of the Welsh Voice around the world. God bless.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones

“Hywel Williams and the singers gave a strong, disciplined and sensitive performance.”
Prague Music Review

“Hywel’s singers… what, perhaps, at first sight was most surprising, was the extraordinary discipline they exercised without losing any of their youthfulness and natural charm.”
Lindenhsohausen

“The wizardry of conductor John Hywel Williams was apparent with his complete control of orchestra, chorus and soloists bringing not only unanimity to the performance but allowing each dramatic and emotional effect to be realised.”
Western Mail – Mendelssohn’s Elijah

“Under the Direction of John Hywel Williams, his choristers’ triumphed at the Vatican with a historic performance for Pope John Paul II with an audience of more than 50,000., As the world’s press captured the event, the Pope personally mentioned and blessed the young choristers from Wales.”
Western Mail

“I am delighted to have this opportunity of wishing the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers every success in their forthcoming tour of Eastern Europe. The choir has been an outstanding ambassadors for Wales for nearly 50 years. I congratulate all in its achievements.”
The Rt. Hon. Lord Howard of Lympne QC

“I am in hearty support of the endeavours which lie behind the activity of the Hywel Choir and Singers”
The Rt. Hon. J. Enoch Powell, MBE

“I wish the Hywel Choirs an enjoyable and successful trip to Moscow”
Dame Judi Dench

“…the splendid contribution which John Hywel Williams to choirs as founder, conductor and director of music – decades of voluntary work and commitment to the choirs which includes thousands of performances in Britain and overseas as well as television and radio broadcasts.”
The Rt. Hon. Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales

“One of the most dramatic choral performances seen for years with Hywel Williams’ contrasting programme of Orff’s Carmina Burana and Vivaldi’s Gloria.”
The Star

 “A performance with sensibility and vivacity with a careful diction and a correct intonation.”
Bucarest Information Paper