IT’S 10 years since the crossover male choir Only Men Aloud rose to fame as winners of the BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition and they are celebrating with their Decade Tour coming to The Hafren at Newtown this Saturday, December 15, and Theatr Brycheiniog at Brecon on Friday, December 21.

The celebrations also include the release of their new alum ‘OMA Favourites’ with songs ranging from ‘Amazing Grace’ to ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’.

Only Men Aloud have been delighting audiences around the world for well over 15 years, since they were formed in the year 2000, with the hope they could inject some new life and blood into the Welsh male choir tradition.

The men have become well known for their strong vocals and their varied and eclectic repertoire. A typical OMA concert will feature many different styles of music. Welsh hymns and folk songs, opera and music theatre all the way to swing and pop music.

In 2010, they won a Classical Brit Award for Best Album of the Year for ‘Band of Brothers’. They have toured every year since winning the show, all around the world and have worldwide record sales of over 300,000.

Over the years, the hugely popular group has built up a strong fan base across the country and were honoured to be asked to sing at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony at the very moment the Olympic Flame was lit. This performance was broadcast to an estimated global TV audience of 900 million people.

OMA have given many memorable performances, with numerous appearances at outdoor festivals and proms. They sang at the opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup in 2010 and the Ashes in 2015. In 2014, they undertook a highly successful tour of the USA including performing at the North American Festival of Wales in Minneapolis.

Recent engagements have included performing at The UEFA Champions League Final Celebrations in Cardiff, and a trip to Mumbai, India for the group’s first appearance in Asia.

Only Men Aloud are being supported on this tour by Britain’s Got Talent winner Gruffydd Wyn.

Tickets for Newtown cost £27 on 01686 614555; and also cost £27 for Brecon on 01874 611622.