Ellesmere Clubs and Societies

Mere Melodies 'The friendly choir'

Michael Axten brought together this group of enthusiastic singers just over a year ago to form 'Mere Melodies'.

Already, four public performances have been given- raising funds for local charities. The first was in Ellesmere Methodist Church, where the choir also holds its practice on Tuesday evenings. They went on to perform at the Meres Centre and Llaniblodwel Village Hall. The latest performance was at Ellesmere Town Hall and included soloist Francesca Eder and four members of the famous Porthywaen band. A monologue by Vaughan Palmer added a comic item to this bill.

The next performance is planned for the weekend of the Ellesmere Festival(8th-10th Sept. 2006) when the choir will perform a few items from its repertoire at the Methodist Church service at 6.30 on the Sunday Evening.

The Director Michael Axten - director of music for Mere Melodies

Michael Axten

Michael with his wife Ruth moved to nearby Criftens in 2000 after his early retirement. He was invited to re-establish the Ellesmere Choir in 2005 and it has gone from strength to strength. He studied music at U.C.W Aberystwyth and Christian Albrecht University Kiel. After some time spent in organ building he moved into teaching ("to help out") and remained heading music departments in various schools for the next 25 years.

" It's no good unless it's fun" Michael Axten, frequent advice to The Voices

The Voices

The members of the choir are a diverse crowd united in their enjoyment in singing. They are enthusiastic amateurs who aspire to make beautiful sounds- which they on occassions achieve under Michael's patient guidance.

Michael arranges much of the music especially for the group. He recently accommodated a new tenor section drawn from existing members plus a very welcome new member.

If you are interested in joining Mere Melodies please contact Michael Axten on 01691 690103. No audition required!

The Programme

This year's Performances -

ellesmere.info

Mere Melodies

extract from a recent performance

Links