Choir remembers the day a member stepped into Paul Robeson’s shoes

by Sion Morgan

ABERDARE, WALES, UK — A CHOIR has marked the 50th anniversary
of its most famous concert when an Welsh amateur stepped into the
shoes of one of the world’s great performers.

Cwmbach Choir, of Aberdare, had been due to sing with world
renowned singer, actor and leading civil-rights activist Paul
Robeson at London’s Festival Hall on Easter Sunday 1961.

But upon their arrival it became clear that Robeson had been
unable to travel due to a severe throat infection.

No professional replacement was available at such short notice,
and so one of the choir’s bass singers, George Lloyd, was asked to
step into the breach.

He replied: “Well, if you think I can do it, I’ll have a go
.”

Brian Williams from Cwmbach choir said Mr Lloyd was a wonderful
singer, but an amateur, whose singing highlights had been
performances with the Welsh National Opera, the Welsh Festival
Choir and Sadlers Wells.

“George performed wonders with his rich bass voice and brought
the capacity audience to its feet, giving him a well-deserved
thunderous ovation,” he said.

A year earlier the choir had sung on the same stage with Robeson
during an event held to mark Africa Freedom Day on Easter Sunday
1960.