CANTORIAN PENTALAR has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to charitable causes including the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
The choir which was established in 2023 “uses the power of music to serve others and to strengthen the communities around them“.
Members were surprised to receive an accolade during the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Awards at the Waterfront Community Church on Saturday, January 30, 2026. They were expecting to perform but didn’t anticipate they would be the recipient of an award.
Its Musical Director, Geraint Williams: “I was secretly told that we had been nominated for an award! But some of the other members didn’t know.
“We were honoured to be part of the proceedings and celebrate the wonderful work of all those who were awarded.
“So, it felt very special at the end of our performance, to be one of the recipients. Some of our members were moved to tears.”
Cantorion Pentalar has worked in close collaboration with the High Sheriff, Diana Stroia over the past year.
Geraint said: “We accompanied Diana to a tour of Romania and performed alongside members of the Brașov Philharmonic Orchestra in a charity concert supporting Children in Distress.
“We’re also committed to causes closer to home, and time and again Wales Air Ambulance has come up as the favourite amongst choristers, it has touched so many lives.”
The choir recently visited the airbase in Dafen and Geraint says that “it was an incredible experience“.
He continued: “We got to see the journey of the service from start to finish, met the crew and watch the helicopter land after it had carried out a mission. It was quite an emotional experience to witness.”
“We are a Charity choir which believes in raising funds for causes which are close to our hearts. Every pound raised goes to local charities.
“None of our musicians are paid, any costs, they are borne by the choir and met by the choristers. Therefore 100% of the funds raised through donations made at concerts or performances go to our chosen Charity.
“We are delighted to support the Wales Air Ambulance, and we will do so throughout 2026.”
During the citations, attendees were told how members have “year after year raised funds, organised concerts, engaged with schools and worked alongside Wales Air Ambulance ambassadors to promote the vital, life-saving work of the service.“
High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Diana Stroia said: “Cantorion Pentalar reminds us that music can build bridges, strengthen communities and change lives.
“Many members of Cantorion Pentalar are pensioners, yet they see every opportunity as a chance to give back.
“I have personally witnessed their passion: for their music, for one another and for the charities they support. It is humbling and it is inspiring.”
Cantorian Pentalar will be holding fundraising concerts in Three Crosses in March and Cross Hands in May. As champions of Welsh language and culture, they are looking forward to once again competing at the National Eisteddfod in Cardigan in August.
Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive was among the Charity representatives at the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Awards.
She said: “What a wonderful and well-deserved recognition for Cantorion Pentalar who do so much to support causes both home and abroad.
“We are so very grateful to all the choir members and musicians who support us year in year out!
“Our supporters are key to everything we do, through their fundraising and awareness raising we can continue to serve the people of Wales, ensuring we are there for them, whenever and wherever, they need us.
“Diolch yn fawr Cantorion Pentalar, your magical music performances are helping save lives!”
