Talgarth Male Choir has given two successful concerts at Llangoed Hall in recent weeks. The first, in May, was to a group of American surgeons and doctors and the second on June 1 to a party of botanists from Georgia, USA, who had been visiting gardens in Wales and England, including the Chelsea Flower Show.

Various songs from the repertoire were sung over the two events and, during a choir break at the latter, the choir’s music director, Paul Sweeting, played the harp and sang a solo. At both concerts the accompanist was Val Whiston.

Unbeknown to the choir, Hillary Clinton and other well-known faces were staying in the hotel for the Hay Festival. They were about to start their rather late dinner in another room, when they heard the choir in full voice.

As a result, the choir was invited to sing a couple of songs to the diplomat and politician, and others which included Lord William Haig and his wife Ffion, Sir Ian Duncan-Smith, Lyse Doucet, Sir Michael Schama and Prof. David Olusoga and MP Fay Jones.

The choir chose to sing “American Trilogy” and “Nant y Mynydd.” which were well received.

The choir said they felt honoured to have been invited to sing to such an illustrious gathering.

Several new members have joined the choir over the past few months and others will always be most welcome. You don’t need to read music or speak Welsh and no audition will be required. Just come to a choir practice on Monday nights from 7.30pm to 9.30 pm at Gwernyfed Rugby Club.