A search has been launched to find the next generation of male voice choir singers in the valleys.
The founder and musical director of male voice choir Only Men Aloud has launched a junior version called Only Boys Aloud.
Tim Rhys Evans, from New Tredegar, is looking for boys aged 14 to 19 who would like to sing in the new chior.
Mr Evans said: “It’s long been my dream to get younger men singing in Wales’ most famous musical tradition.
“The last ten years with Only Men Aloud have been so exciting and to engage with the next generations of male singers in The Valleys, the stronghold of the male choir heritage, could be the most exciting thing we’ve ever done.
“We’ve got a lot of really big concerts lined up for the boys and I know that Only Boys Aloud will be a brilliant adventure for anyone who has a love of performing.”
The launch of Only Boys Aloud is part of The Valleys Heart and Soul campaign.
It is hoped that more than 200 youngsters will get involved with 20 choirs set up across the valleys.
Principality Building Society, Wales’ largest building society, has helped fund the campaign with additional support from Arts and Business Cymru.
Members of Only Boys Aloud will take part in a diverse programme of concerts and events throughout 2010 and beyond.
The first of these performances will be alongside Only Men Aloud at the televised opening concert of the National Eisteddfod on July 30 in Ebbw Vale.
To encourage boys who wouldn’t normally consider singing to sign up to the new initiative, rehearsals will be held in venues such as local rugby clubs.
For more information visit www.onlyboysalould.com email info@onlyboysaloud.com or call 02920 444147