Rossendale is sometimes called “The Valley of Song”, and this was certainly the case when the choir was founded in 1924, by the late Fred Tomlinson MBE. He took a group of men and moulded them into one of the country’s finest male voice choirs, winning countless festivals, including the international Eisteddfod in Llangollen on four occasions.

The choir has been fortunate in enjoying long periods with their conductors. Ernest Tomlinson (Fred’s son) took over from his father in 1976. In 1981 Ernest handed over the baton to Beatrice Wade, an award winning singer in her own right, Beatrice led the choir for the next twenty four years. Dorothy Stoddard directed the choir for a short period before Dennis Kay took over in March 2008. Each has brought with them their own style and skills, and the choir has certainly benefited from this variety and their expertise

Over the years, and from different competitions, trophies and silverware have been held aloft and brought back to the Valley an indication of the quality of singing of this renowned choir. Today is no different as the choir strive to be the best in order to maintain the high standards set by our highly acclaimed founder Fred Tomlinson M.B.E.

Friendships between the members are a vital ingredient in any choir and this is more than evident at R.M.V.C. Sharing a love of singing and music-making drives us to do our very best in everything we undertake to do, whether in the concert hall or in competition. Friendships extend well beyond the Valley, and the choir have an active twinning association with two German choirs; a ladies choir from Monchengladbach (insert web address) and a male voice choir from Bocholt (insert web address). These contacts have resulted in many visits both ways, with a host of tremendous concerts and parties that emphasises the social life of the choir and adds to the pleasures that are to be gained in belonging to this wonderful choir.

Rossendale Male Voice Choir has succeeded in creating a winning formula, which includes, Singing, Musical Ability, Creativity, Friendship and a good measure of Fun.

Rossendale Male Voice Choir is proud to be one of the forerunners in presenting music for male voices throughout Lancashire and beyond.

Over a long period, there has been a gradual demise of Male Voice choirs throughout the country. Many things have contributed to the cause, not least, the fact that in many churches there ceases to be choirs, congregations, organists, choirmasters. In schools there has been a neglect of teaching children to use the most natural of all instruments, the voice. Many more reasons could be given as to why people don’t sing anymore, but the fact is they don’t.

So, what are we going to do about it? What are we going to do differently, and why will Rossendale M.V.C. be here in the future?

 J.F. Kennedy said;
 “Change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future”
We have recognised that if we are to continue to promote our music, we need to present it differently. We aim to improve our image, professionalise our performance, introduce music which will appeal to all ages, whilst, at the same time, maintain and preserve the wonderful traditions of male voice choral singing.

We aim to breathe new life into this most wonderful experience of singing and especially singing alongside others. Why not ‘Come into the Future’ with us, a very warm welcome awaits you.