ALLEGRA IS ALWAYS MAKING THE HEADLINES!
19th June 2025
From the Cornishman Newspaper
"MOUSEHOLE MALE VOICE CHOIR
Mousehole MVC welcomed the multi-award-winning Allegra ladies’ choir from Newport to St Pol de Leon Church in Paul. They formed in 2011; musical director Robert T Elliott is an international award-winning conductor and accompanist Lucy Fflur Jones is highly qualified on both piano and harp. Before the show Mousehole’s ladies’ committee laid on afternoon tea, and after it Mousehole’s chairman Brett Farmer presented gifts to remember us by: cufflinks to Rob and a St Justin Tin brooch to Lucy. We thank the church, Allegra for travelling so far to wow us with their talent, Rob, Lucy and our own music team, our ladies’ committee and our lovely and appreciative audience.
The concert over, we headed over the road to the King’s Arms where social singing continued until the visiting ladies had to board the coach for their hotel. We look forward to our next opportunity to sing with our new friends."
18th June 2025
Allegra's concert raises the roof at Newport Cathedral
Saturday saw another resoundingly successful concert given by Newport's award-winning choir, Allegra. Following past performances in such prestigious surroundings as Llandaff Cathedral, Bath Abbey and Truro Cathedral, it was fitting that Newport's own cathedral was the venue for the 'Women in Song 3' concert. Both Allegra and their guest choir, The Chanterelles, delivered a hugely varied programme to an appreciative audience, with everything from songs from the shows to a rousing hymn, Rejoice the Lord is King, and even songs evoking an African rainforest, Czech mountains, and a flavour of Ireland, Spain and Mexico.
'The fact that both choirs have won the prestigious Gold Cup at Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts demonstrates the exceptionally high standard of vocal performance, as does the fact that the choirs combined to raise the roof in delivering a powerful and moving finale, 'O Love' by Elaine Hagenberg - never having sung together previously', said Angela Hiscocks, chair of Allegra.
'We are grateful to The Chanterelles, their MD Dr Shirley Court and accompanist Carolyn Earle for travelling from Leicestershire to join us. Thanks must also go to our own professional musical team of Robert T Elliott, our musical director, and Lucy Fflur Jones, our accompanist, who work tirelessly with Allegra. As always, thank you to the team at Newport Cathedral who looked after us so well, and also to Serendipitea who provided the refreshments for our visitors and our post-performance get-together, and Ty Cerdd who assisted us in obtaining staging for our performance.
'We were delighted that several of our sponsors, Newport West and Islwyn MP Ruth Jones, and the Mayor, Councillor Kate Thomas, were able to join us for the evening, and a collection totalling £350 was realised for the Mayor's chosen charities, Little People UK and BookTrust Cymru.'
Angela added: 'For those who'd like to hear us again, or who missed this performance, we have concerts planned for September 21st in St Mary's Catholic Church, Monmouth; October 18th in Beechwood Park Presbyterian Church; December 6th at St Cadoc's, Caerleon; then further afield in Swindon on December 13th. See our website, www.allegraladieschoir.co.uk for further details, but do book your tickets early, as our performances sell out quickly!'
21st May 2025
Allegra on Tour
Allegra have just returned from a highly-successful tour in Cornwall, having received fantastic reviews for their performances. Delivering an eclectic mix of songs, from the sounds of a rainstorm in 'Africa', the lively samba rhythm of 'Cantate Brasilia', moving renditions of 'O Love That Will Not Let Me Go' and 'Count the Stars', to hits from west-end musicals, the repertoire was well-received by audiences in Paul Church (where Allegra received not just one, but several standing ovations in the concert), and in Truro Cathedral, where the sound soared in the stunning surroundings.
Saturday evening saw Mousehole Male Voice Choir hosting a wonderful 'afterglow' post-performance get-together, where both choirs stood outside the local pub on a balmy May evening and the singing continued, much to the delight of many local residents who stopped to listen, and again on Sunday, hosts Truro Male Choir and Allegra continued their singing in an informal get-together after the lunchtime concert.
Angela Hiscocks, chair of Allegra, commented: 'The tour was a huge success, with all choirs delivering a high standard of performance. We were fortunate to be staying in a glorious location - Tregenna Castle Hotel in St Ives, and in our down-time we were able to explore the beautiful area. We must thank all involved in the setting-up in the church and cathedral, Truro Male Choir and Mousehole Male Voice Choir for making us so welcome, and also the ladies' committee of Mousehole whose Cornish fare was outstanding!
'It's a small world - Sally Ganner, Allegra's treasurer and the very efficient organiser of our tour, found herself chatting to a member of Mousehole Choir - for it to turn out to be the neighbour with whom she had grown up in Newport - next-door to each other! There were many such light-hearted moments alongside the focus on our performances, confirming that being in a choir can be great fun, and we'd be delighted if more ladies would join our award-winning choir.'
Allegra will be performing locally in Newport Cathedral on June 14th, and, with guests The Chanterelles having just won the prestigious Gold Cup at the Mid Somerset Festival (the trophy Allegra won when they entered in 2023), then you can be sure of an outstanding evening of entertainment. Tickets are available from Ticket Source
6th May 2025
Allegra, Newport's multiple award-winning female voice choir, are delighted to announce that they are looking to recruit new singers! If you have a passion for singing and would like to be a part of a vibrant and dynamic choir, they would love to hear from you.
Allegra is known for its expertise and diverse repertoire, spanning genres from classical to contemporary. The choir provides a wonderful opportunity for singers to improve their vocal skills, meet new people, and perform at various events, concerts and contests throughout the year.
Joining Allegra means becoming part of a supportive and enthusiastic community where you'll be able to share your love of music and learn from Robert T Elliott, the choir's highly-experienced conductor, and from fellow choir members - you are assigned a 'buddy' to help you settle in quickly. Whether you are an experienced singer or just starting out, you are welcome to attend three rehearsals free-of-charge. And if you are interested in joining but you'd like to hear Allegra in action first, there is an opportunity to see them perform locally on Saturday June 14th in Newport Cathedral - tickets are available from Ticket Source
2nd April 2025
Newport's choir, Allegra, spent a busy Saturday in Bath last weekend. Not only did they deliver an evening performance with Bath Male Choir in Widcombe Baptist Church, but they were invited to give a lunchtime recital in the abbey in the World Heritage City of Bath.Chair of Allegra, Angela Hiscocks, remarked: 'The concert with Bath Male Choir was a very enjoyable occasion, with both choirs delivering a varied programme including showcasing new works to an enthusiastic audience who gave us a standing ovation. It was also a fabulous experience to sing earlier in the day in the magnificent surroundings of Bath Abbey, and it was noticeable that many passing visitors to the abbey stayed on for the entirety of our performance.
'Britain is certainly blessed with places of worship providing such wonderful performance spaces, but Newport locals needn't feel that they have missed out as we look forward to performing our third Women in Song concert in Newport Cathedral on Saturday June 14th, with our guest choir from Leicestershire, The Chanterelles.'
Tickets for the June concert are already selling well, so to make sure you get your tickets in time, visit https://shorturl.at/70NXX
11th March 2025
Allegra's Voices Raised to New Heights!Newport-based female voice choir Allegra are preparing to stage their annual summer concert - with help from Tŷ Cerdd Music Centre Wales (Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales and Lottery funding). The funding granted will enable the choir to use staging for their summer performance, so that each row of singers can be seen by the audience, and can see musical director, Robert T Elliott.
Angela Hiscocks, Chair of Allegra, says: 'We are immensely grateful that Tŷ Cerdd granted us this funding: these public funds play an essential role in sustaining arts activities in Wales. It's important that, after all our preparations for performing, the paying audience can see all of the choir members. Not to mention the importance of us all being able to see our MD conducting! It's fitting that we are able to use staging for our annual summer Women in Song concert as it's the biggest local event in Allegra's calendar. This is our third such concert and this year our invited guests are The Chanterelles, another highly-successful choir, from Leicestershire. It won't just be our voices that we raise, but our heights, too!'
Tickets for the summer concert, which will take place on Saturday 14th June in the glorious setting of Newport Cathedral, are already on sale at £12.50, via www.allegraladieschoir.co.uk, or by scanning the code on the relevant Facebook post on Allegra's page. With Allegra being a multiple award-winning choir, and The Chanterelles rated the number one choir competitively in the UK, you can be assured of an evening of quality music and an eclectic programme of songs. Just make sure to order your tickets early, as Allegra performances have always sold out in previous years!
24th January 2025
New Blue for AllegraAllegra choir members could be said to be singing the blues, as they can now showcase in concerts their new blue dresses! Chairperson of the Newport-based choir, Angela Hiscocks, explains: 'Sadly we could no longer source the dresses we used to wear, so the management team set about finding an alternative. We found Elite Clothing Solutions, a social enterprise based in Ebbw Vale. They rose to the challenge of supplying the entire choir with made-to-measure dresses, and the beauty of this collaboration is that we will be able to order more dresses as new singers join us. Michelle and the team at ECS have been very helpful and responsive to our needs. Elite Clothing Solutions was established as part of the Welsh Government's Better Jobs Closer to Home scheme and operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise, reinvesting profits back into the business or local community. This chimed well with the choir's values, as it was important to us that we used a local company if possible.
'There are now 49 full-length dresses in a very flattering stretch material for sale, and any organisation interested can see photos of the dresses and contact me via Allegra's Facebook page or website at www.allegraladieschoir.co.uk.'
11th December 2024
Joyous sounds rang out in St Mark's Church in Gold Tops on Saturday, as Newport's choir, Allegra, entertained with a polished performance of their Christmas concert to a packed audience who braved Storm Darragh to get there.
Amongst the audience, which included the Mayor and Jayne Bryant, MS, were Michael and Debra Manley. Their family had alerted Allegra that unbeknown to the couple, they had booked tickets for them for the concert, as it was held fifty years to the day since they had married in that very church. The couple were presented with a certificate and gift during the event. Allegra's chairperson, Angela Hiscocks, said: 'We were delighted to be able to mark the golden wedding anniversary in the very same church in which they were married, and our congratulations go to Mr and Mrs Manley.
'As to the weather, Allegra members are certainly resilient and there was very much a spirit of 'the show must go on', with our musical director Robert T Elliott and accompanist Lucy Fflur Jones, both of whom had to travel a distance, battling the elements to be with us. The audience feedback we have had is tremendous. On this occasion we were able to invite audience members to stay on afterwards and join us for a buffet and mulled wine, and l must extend heartfelt thanks to Reverend Frances Jones and St Mark's Church for hosting us so well and allowing us to use the premises in this way. A collection raised £400 for the Mayor's chosen charities, a raffle raised monies towards an Allegra tour of Cornwall next year, and donations for the buffet and drinks raised £400 which we were delighted to put towards the church funds. A very successful evening all round, despite the challenges of the storm.'
For anyone who would still like to see Allegra perform before Christmas, there is an opportunity on Saturday, 14th December, when they are guests of Synergy in Abergavenny. Tickets are available via Synergy's Facebook page and on https://www.ticketsource.co.
6th November 2024
Allegra's double bill of concerts
Newport's popular choir, Allegra, has tickets selling like hot cakes for their Christmas concert with guests Cowbridge Male Voice Choir. Be quick to grab the remaining tickets available from allegraladieschoir.co.uk. For anyone who can't make the date of December 7th, or who would like a repeat performance, Allegra are also guests of Synergy and performing in Abergavenny the following Saturday, December 14th. Allegra's Christmas repertoire includes traditional carols and songs - and some surprises including an interesting take on the Twelve Days of Christmas!
20th October 2024
Allegra "in the Pink"
It wasn't difficult for Newport's choir, Allegra, to dress in pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Now - they just needed to don their uniform shirts for this week's rehearsal, though they added pink bow ties, specs and bunting for an extra splash of colour!
Chairman Angela Hiscocks remarked: 'Breast cancer is an issue close to the hearts of several of our members, so we decided to hold a raffle during our practice session, raising £160. We like to add fun to our rehearsals and this was a worthy way in which to do so, whilst we worked hard on our songs for our forthcoming Christmas concert to be held at St Mark's Church, Gold Tops.'
Tickets for Allegra's concert on Saturday December 7th with guests Cowbridge male voice choir are available from allegraladieschoir.co.uk and must be booked in advance.
27th August 2024
Allegra Open Evening
Are you seeking a new interest in the autumn? Have you always harboured an ambition to join a choir, or want to return to singing? Or maybe you haven't tried a choir previously, but are wondering if you would fit in? If so, Newport's Allegra may be just what you are looking for. A multiple award-winning choir for women of all ages, Allegra members meet on Wednesday evenings at St Julian's Baptist Church,
Beaufort Road, Newport, and are extending an invitation to any interested female adults to join them for an open evening on Wednesday September 11th to learn a song on the night. (Allegra's repertoire ranges from chart-topping hits and west end musicals to Welsh and world contemporary music.) As well as contests and performances locally and further afield, (not to mention having sung at a Six Nations match in the Principality Stadium!) Allegra members are a friendly crowd and enjoy occasional social events such as visiting The Proms at the Albert Hall. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Don't worry if you don't read music - many of the existing members can't read music but have fantastic voices, and you will be assigned a buddy to help you, so do come along at 7.30pm on September 11th or email info@allegraladieschoir.com for more details.
4 August 2024
Allegra successful in grant application
Local multiple award-winning choir Allegra has recently been awarded £1,000 from Newport City Council's Culture Grant. Chair of the choir, Angela Hiscocks, says: "We are absolutely delighted and grateful to have received this money. Future major development depends on organisations such as the Council and local businesses supporting us in this way. It's fantastic that the Council recognises that choirs such as ours play an important cultural role locally in bringing enjoyment to the community, and funding such as this is part of our lifeblood.
"We have exciting plans to utilise this funding - watch this space!"
Prospective choir members are invited to contact Allegra on info@allegraladieschoir.com and there will also be a specific open invitation opportunity to rehearse with them on September 11th at St Julian's Baptist church, Newport.
24 May 2024
Women in Song Sell-Out
Newport's multiple award-winning choir, Allegra, held a successful concert at St Woolos' Cathedral at the weekend, having hosted special guest choir Jubilate, from London. Chairman Angela Hiscocks remarked: 'This was our second Women in Song concert celebrating the female voice, and we were delighted that it was once again sold-out before the event. Not only were we able to showcase an eclectic mix of songs, but we collected £370 for the Mayor's chosen charities, Sparkle and SARA.
'The standard of singing within both Allegra and Jubilate is exceptionally high, as evidenced by the awards each choir has won, and we were particularly pleased to perform in the magnificent setting of our local cathedral. We are very grateful to our programme sponsors, and to the team at St Woolos' Cathedral who once again welcomed and supported us in delivering a concert of such quality - the audience came from far and wide and the feedback has been tremendous.'
Anyone wishing to hear Allegra perform again has an opportunity at the end of the year in their December 7th concert in St Mark's Church, but in the meantime, if anyone would like to try out for the choir, they are welcome to attend rehearsals at St Julian's Baptist Church on Wednesday evenings. Email newmembers@allegraladieschoir.
8 May 2024
Fifty and Still Counting!
Local multiple award-winning choir, Allegra, are delighted to officially welcome their fiftieth new member, Jeanette Hawrot.
Allegra's chairman, Angela Hiscocks said: 'Since the days of covid when membership of choirs dwindled due to lockdowns, our membership has grown steadily and we were delighted to have Jeanette adding her fine voice to our choir. It is particularly fitting that she is our milestone fiftieth member, as another organisation in which she participates, Newport Women's Forum, has kindly donated funding to us for a much-needed new keyboard for rehearsals. (In fact Allegra is performing at their fundraising afternoon tea on 18th May as a thankyou for their generosity.) Our recent successes in the Mid-Somerset Festival and the privilege of being invited to sing before a recent Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium has meant an increase in interest in Allegra, and we have more ladies poised to join us in the coming weeks. We look forward to our numbers growing even further in the near future.’
Jeanette is full of enthusiasm for her new venture: 'I feel that it's a privilege to be singing with Allegra. The standard is very high, but I've found they are very welcoming of potential new members. We perform an eclectic mix of music from traditional, west-end musicals, chart hits and contemporary to sacred music, and I'd urge any ladies who think they might give it a go to come to a Wednesday evening rehearsal at St Julian's Baptist Church in Newport.'
There will soon be a chance to listen to Allegra in their 'Women in Song 2' concert on Saturday June 22nd at St Woolos' Cathedral, Newport, with one of the finest UK choirs, Jubilate, from London, as guests. If any businesses or organisations would like to support the concert (which was sold-out last year) by advertising in the programme, they can contact chairman Angela Hiscocks on 07828572619. Concert tickets are currently available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newport/st-woolos-cathedral/women-in-song-2/e-vqqevx
26 April 2024
Our accompanist, Lucy was interviewed on "Bore Cothi" on BBC Radio Cymru, prior to us singing at the Principality Stadium before the Womens' 6 Nations match between Wales and Italy
21 April 2024
Our chairperson, Angela, was invited on to the Roy Noble show on BBC Radio Wales.
Have a listen to their chat
15 April 2024
Allegra Choir - Six Nations Here We Come!
"Newport’s multiple award-winning ladies’ choir, Allegra, are looking forward to the ladies’ Six Nations match between Wales and Italy on Saturday April 27th - but not just to support the rugby players. The choir has been chosen to sing the usual rugby match songs and the pre-match national anthems of Wales and Italy.
Allegra’s chairman, Angela Hiscocks said: ‘Many of us are avid rugby fans and we are all extremely excited to be invited to sing alongside Richard William Singers, Cor Persian and Cor Canna - all female voices - accompanied by the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh. As the women’s game gains momentum and moves for the first time to a programme after the men's games and to Cardiff’s prestigious Principality Stadium, it's an absolute honour to be part of this 'first'. There is much learning of Welsh and Italian lyrics going on and we can’t wait to be part of the occasion in such an iconic venue! So listen out for us at the match, or catch us in concert in St Woolos' Cathedral on June 22nd.'
23 March 2024
"Multiple award-winning locally-based ladies’ choir, Allegra, will be performing at St Woolos Cathedral on Saturday June 27th, with one of the UK’s finest choirs, Jubilate from London, as guests. Allegra will be performing an eclectic mix of music from traditional, west-end musicals, chart hits and contemporary music to sacred music, and concert tickets are available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newport/st-woolos-cathedral/women-in-song-2/
Allegra recently won three trophies for first place in the Mid-Somerset Festival, and are honoured to have been invited to sing in the Principality Stadium on Saturday April 27th before the ladies’ Wales/Italy Six Nations match. If you can sing, (and we know many congregations are blessed with fine voices!), it’s therefore a great time to join the choir. Members are drawn from Newport and outlying areas, and should any of your parish think about joining Allegra, they will be warmly welcomed at Wednesday evening rehearsals at St Julian’s Baptist Church, Beaufort Road, Newport. Contact chairman Angela Hiscocks on 07828 572619 or info@allegraladieschoir.co.uk
21 March 2024
Allegra Wins Again!
"Members of South Wales' award-winning female-voice choir, Allegra, are celebrating more success at the Mid-Somerset Festival in Bath. Against stiff competition, they were praised by the adjudicator as being 'outstanding' and 'exceptional'.
Allegra's Musical Director, Robert T Elliott, himself a well-known adjudicator in contests across the UK, said: 'I could not be more proud of Allegra. Competing against some of the finest choral groups around, they delivered of their very best and the rewards were reaped as they brought home no fewer than three winners' trophies. In addition, our talented accompanist, Lucy Fflur Jones, was deservedly singled out for praise. It was a great day for all concerned.'
Allegra's Chairman Angela Hiscocks added: 'Participating in contests keeps us on our toes! We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at St Julian's Baptist Church, Newport, and welcome any prospective new members who would like to come along, whether they are experienced performers or beginners. If you can sing, now is a great time to join us!'
Members of the public have an opportunity to hear Allegra singing at the forthcoming concert 'Women in Song 2', guest featuring one of the country’s finest choirs, Jubilate, from London, in St Woolos' Cathedral, Newport, on Saturday June 22nd. Tickets are selling fast at only £12.50, but some are still available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newport/st-woolos-cathedral/women-in-song-2/"
