Breakaway Orpheus choir is formed

Morriston Orpheus is one of the best known Welsh male voice choirs

Disillusioned members of the Morriston Orpheus Choir have formed a breakaway group under its former musical director Sian Pearce.

She claimed she was "hounded out" of the 120-strong male choir by some who had a problem with a woman in charge.

About 30 people have signed up to the new group, which will be known as the Morriston Phoenix.

Meanwhile, the Orpheus has appointed former accompanist Joy Amman Davies to be its temporary musical director.

Officials for the choir said she would be offered the post full-time.

Mrs Amman Davies, who was the choir's accompanist for 15 years, retired two-and-a-half weeks ago following a concert at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

She is married to the Orpheus' former conductor Alwyn Humphreys.

I went back Sunday night and it was appalling what was going on - people have come down on one side or the other Terry Jones

Morriston Orpheus said the row had been a "low point" in its 72-year history.

Supporters of Ms Pearce said divisions among the choristers had become increasingly bitter and some relationships were beyond repair.

Former choir secretary Terry Jones, said 32 people had signed up to the Phoenix choir and he knew of six more people who would join the breakaway group.

All they needed to sort out was the choir's constitution, he said.

"There are three ex-chairman amongst us - it's guys that have given a lot of good service to the choir - so it is with a heavy heart but also a lot of enthusiasm for the future," he added.

A temporary secretary and treasurer were appointed at the Phoenix choir's first meeting on Wednesday with one member's wife taking the latter post.

Mr Jones said it would be impossible for differences with the Orpheus choir to be reconciled.

Sian Pearce had led the Morriston Orpheus for almost three years

"I went back Sunday night and it was appalling what was going on - people have come down on one side or the other," he said.

In a statement issued last Friday the Swansea Valley-based choir's management said it deeply regretted her decision to leave but said it "must not" be affected by the episode.

It said her departure had stimulated debate on the "future direction of travel".

"Aside from the politics, the choir has a busy schedule ahead, and the good work it undertakes for charity, as well as the essential role it has in representing Swansea and Wales on the musical stage must not and will not be affected by this episode," read the statement.

In her resignation letter Ms Pearce said: "Some people have been reluctant for the choir to change, to move forward" and, in the end, she had been "hounded out of the job she loved".

In her resignation letter she claimed a "minority of members" had a problem with a woman in charge and the choir was being torn apart by "fighting".