A former music teacher who taught international opera singer Sion Goronwy as a child in Bala is to be reunited on stage with the singing star in a celebratory concert in the town, marking 40 years of the Welsh ladies choir she founded.

Manon Easter Lewis and her 40-strong choir, Côr Merched Edeyrnion, will perform with a star-studded line-up at Theatr Derek Williams at Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn on Saturday, 5 October.

They will be toasting four decades of singing achievements – including no fewer than 11 wins in the ladies’ choral competition at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Among the special guests at the concert will be Welsh bass Sion Goronwy, from Rhyd Uchaf, near Bala, Tri Tenor Cymru, Sorela and Linda Griffiths.

Manon, who worked as a special education needs and music teacher for 30 years at Ysgol y Berwyn, previously taught Sion, who made his Royal Opera debut in 2016/17, when he was at school and said it was an absolute privilege to be sharing the stage in honour of the choir’s achievements.

“I’m absolutely delighted Sion has agreed to come along and perform with us on the evening,” she said.

“Sion was a pupil at my school and I remember him well. He didn’t start singing until the sixth form and I accompanied him in some school concerts. I always knew the potential was there, something extra special.

“Music was a big part of school life. It will be extra special to be reunited for this concert. He’s a home-grown talent and he was very happy to come along. I’m sure it’ll be an emotional night.”

The concert is being compered by comedian and TV presenter Dilwyn Morgan, who lives in Bala and who is now a Gwynedd county councillor.

The choir has also commissioned the popular composer, Robat Arwyn, to compose a special 40th birthday song, with words written by the acclaimed poet and script-writer, Mererid Hopwood, which will be sung at the concert.

The concert will be held at 7.30pm on Saturday, 5 October.

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