Codi Canu

Synopsis

Choirs of 80 rugby fans are selected and practice their material. All five choirs perform in the Millennium Stadium before a home rugby international (in the case of the 2007 series, Wales' last Six Nations game - a victory against England), with the best choir on the day performing the anthem.

In the first series, each choir was affiliated to one of four Celtic League teams. A fifth choir, representing Wales outside the south, was added for 2008.

After a year's break, the series returned but sadly ditched the rugby theme in favour of a generic final contest at St. David's Hall in Cardiff between four district choirs (Rhondda, Tawe, Ogwen and Rhosllanerchrugog).

Trivia

The choir captains for the 2008 series were: Brynmor Williams (Newport-Gwent Dragons), the late Ray Gravell (Llanelli Scarlets), Rowland Phillips (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), Gareth Edwards (Cardiff Blues), and Robin McBryde (North Wales).

The title translates as Raise A Song

Sadly, during filming of the second series, Llanelli Scarlets captain Ray Gravell died from a heart attack whilst on holiday. He was 56 and had also been the Scarlets captain in the first series. (link)

Voiceover Iestyn Garlick is the announcer at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

The 2008 final was the first to be broadcast live and as opposed to the main series, was produced by BBC Cymru Wales. This was partly due to complaints the previous year when the final was only broadcast 24 hours after the winning choir was announced. To make matters worse, S4C had already shown the Newport Gwent Dragons choir singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

The first series was nominated for a Rose D'or television award.

Winners

2007: Newport Gwent Dragons
2008: North Wales

Web links

Official site (in Welsh - also available in English)

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