For the last 150 years, Wales has built an international reputation as being a country full of singers -- THE LAND OF SONG. In this time, Wales has created nearly 300 male choruses, spawned mainly by the religious revivals in our chapels. Thousands of singers would conscientiously attend choir rehearsals twice a week and, with additional concerts, it shows a remarkable commitment.

Some of our larger choirs still enjoy great success, but looking at Wales overall, the picture becomes bleaker. Many choirs who have engaged in intense rivalry in their valley over the years have to concede to diminished attendance and an ageing membership. The problem is complex in its reasoning, but the effect is devastatingly obvious -- and choirs have to amalgamate to survive.

Young people today are faced with many choices and, sadly, choral-singing is not amongst them. Every choir has, at some stage, attempted a recruitment campaign and has battled against a tide of disinterest. Yet, schools will report, there are young people who want to sing but not exactly in the traditional way.

Black Mountain tries to complement the work of existing choirs and not to compete. It aims to create a professional and rewarding environment for the younger singer -- involving performance, touring and recording -- in order that they may aspire to and eventually achieve a level they previously thought not possible for themselves. Black Mountain has made that dream a reality.