AN INDIAN church choir inspired by Welsh pilgrims moved residents to tears with their performance at a care home in Wrexham.

The Mizoram Synod Choir, which belongs to the Presbyterian Church of India, staged a concert at Pendine Park’s Hillbury care home as part of an 18-day tour of Wales and the North West.

Their ultimate destination is the International Choral Festival to be staged at Hoddinott Hall and the Millennium Centre in Cardiff where they will be competing to be crowned among the world’s elite.

The festival, which had its inauguration last year, is the brainchild of one of Wales’ leading choirmasters, Eilir Owen Griffiths, the former musical director of the Llangollen International Music Festival.

The event is being sponsored by Wrexham-based care organisation Pendine Park via its Pendine Arts and Community Trust which was set up to support arts-related and community activities.

As a result of that link the choir was thrilled to accept an invitation from Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, to perform at Hillbury.

The choir’s acapella harmonies reverberated around the care home as they sang in their own language and also in Welsh, much to the delight of the Hillbury audience.

Resident Myfanwy Edwards, who loves to sing herself every morning, said: “They are a beautiful choir, with such beautiful voices it’s a real privilege to hear them.”

The choir of young men and women hail from the Mizoram hill state in north east India, one of three majority Christian states in India and a settlement place for Welsh Presbyterian pilgrims many years ago.

The choir is part of the settlers’ legacy and through its music hopes to spread a message of peace, friendship and harmony around the world.

They were introduced at Hillbury by Mold-based minister, the Rev Huw Paul Davies. who is among the hosts of their visit to Wales.

He explained to residents how: “The choir sing with passion about their faith and their culture. In the region of Mizo they have their own language which they sing in, and they can also perform in Welsh.”

The choir had photos taken with residents and Hillbury Care Home staff, and they sang Happy Birthday to care practitioner Michelle Williams who celebrated her 51st birthday on the day of their visit.

Michelle said: “It was wonderful, I nearly cried. There aren’t many people who get a birthday greeting like that by a choir all the way from India.”

Two sisters Wendy Jones and Jayne Jones who were at Hillbury visiting their father, resident Chris Allcock, 86, said it was a truly special day for them.

Wendy said: “Dad just loved the singing and we did too. It was so memorable to see all the residents getting such pleasure out of it. There is nothing like music for stirring the emotions and this performance was such a high standard. We are both glad to have been here.”

Barbara Roberts who was visiting her husband was moved to tears by the music.

She said: “For me today has been all about love and extending the hand of friendship. Among all the bad things going on around the world it is nice to have moments like this when different cultures come together, forging a strong bond through music.

“I visit my husband every day, he is cared for so well here at Hillbury, nothing is too much trouble, and events like this add to the community spirit which is so important. We both love music. It breaks down all kinds of barriers and is such a great communicator no matter what age you are.”

Pendine Park artist in residence Sarah Edwards said: “It was a real thrill for our residents and staff at Hillbury to get a sneak preview of the Mizoram Synod Choir’s repertoire. We wish them the best of luck for every success at the forthcoming festival.

“Their visit chimed perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park because the arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike. Music is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia as it has the power reach people like nothing else can.”

Choir spokesman David Vanlalfakawma thanked residents at the end of the performance for their kind reception.

He said: “Thank you for inviting us here, for your applause and your wonderful welcome. Our members are so enjoying their first visit to this lovely country and performing in front of such appreciative audiences.”