A MUSICAL director is retiring after 17 years.

Eirlys Dwyryd is stepping down from her position at Llanddulas Male Voice Choir.

Eirlys, 75, was born in Llangollen and her great talents as a singer, harpist, pianist and conductor have taken her overseas to America, Canada, Syria, most of Europe and many venues throughout North Wales.

In the past, she has sung at the opening ceremony of the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen and performed the harp accompaniment of the Gorsedd ceremony.

She took the reins at Llanddulas Male Voice Choir in 2013 after the death of its founder, J Meirion Davies.

Ted Francis, secretary at Llanddulas Male Voice Choir, said: "It was not an easy task, but her wealth of musical experience and high regard throughout North Wales, together with her exceptional style and expertise, enabled her to bond with the choir’s traditions and develop her own genre of leadership.

"Her arrangements, written to recognise the choir’s talents, always achieved a quality of sound much appreciated by audiences.

"Members of the choir admired Eiryls's capability and adroitness in directing the singing whilst accompanying on the piano or harp."

Eirlys is well known throughout North Wales as a teacher of music and for many years she performed Penillion singing with her husband Sion.

Ted added: "For 17 years Eirlys has been a fantastic leader of the Llanddulas Male Voice Choir. All involved have greatly enjoyed a very busy programme conducted in an admirable family atmosphere whilst maintaining extremely high musical standards.

"Only occasionally has she had to remind us that we’re flat," Ted joked.

"Her harp accompaniments have brought admirers back time and again to our Tuesday night Concerts in Llanduduno.

"Her skills will be greatly missed by charities, visitors to Llandudno and local residents - and all the Llanddulas Male Voice singers. We wish her well in her retirement."

The choir is now searching for musical director number three.

Anyone interested should contact Ted on 01745 823791 or ted@francis2210.go-plus.net