After 18 months of not being able to perform in concerts and competitions due to the Covid-19 crisis, Eryrod Meirion have come together to record their eponymous debut album.

The album, recorded in November, will be released this month by the choir, which consists of 17 young men aged from 20 to 35, mostly from the Llanuwchllyn area.

The choir was formed in 2017 by Branwen Haf Williams to compete at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey.

They achieved immediate success and popularity, and since then have entertained numerous audiences in homely evenings all over Wales and beyond.

Branwen said: “Like their forebears, singing is part and parcel of these boys’ lives.

“Not being able to come together to sing during the last 18 months has been devastating, with everyone feeling bereft without the companionship which so naturally comes with being part of a choir.

“Though they are a mischievous lot and can be a bit of a handful at times, standing in front of them as conductor is invariably satisfying work – their passion for singing is contagious.

“During such challenging times, being able to spend two whole days singing in each other’s company was a blessing, despite the obvious challenges of trying to keep 17 young men under control!”

She added: “The album contains a healthy mixture of folk songs, songs from the musicals of Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn and covers of songs by popular contemporary artists such as Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog and Alys Williams. We hope that it contains something to please everyone!

“We dedicate this debut album to our biggest fan, the irreplaceable Anti Ann Pant-clyd, who sadly did not live to see the day of its release.”

Eryrod Meirion was released on 11 February on the Recordiau Maldwyn label.