Join our 40th birthday party, say Arms Park choir members.

Byline: By Katie Jones South Wales Echo

Choir members who teamed up with rappers GLC during their 40th anniversary celebrations are hoping to trace their original conductor.

The Cardiff Arms Park Male Choir, originally the Cardiff Athletic Club Male Voice Choir, was formed in 1966 and since then has performed at Wales rugby matches, and countless concerts and teamed up with Newport based Goldie Lookin' Chain, for a BBC Grand Slam advert.

The choir will hold a grand concert on June 17 at St David's Hall, Cardiff, and hopes to track down its former musical directors, members and accompanists to join the celebrations.

'It would be so special if we could find them,' said Stephen Gunning, chair of the choir which has begun a tour performing in Birmingham Symphony Hall on Saturday before performing in Italy, Switzerland and France.

He added: 'We have had a great 40 years.

'We've performed at the Royal Albert Hall 10 times.

'After we sang with Goldie Lookin' Chain in Cardiff Bay for the BBC advert, they mentioned on their website how dedicated the choir is.

'The June concert will involve more than 500 choristers, a full orchestra, a school choir and New Zealand singing sensation, Hayley Westenra.

'We want to invite everyone who has been associated with the choir since 1966.

'We have managed to contact quite a number but are still missing a few.

'Some of the people we are trying to find include musical directors Bill Cooper and John Davies, and accompanists Justin Beynon and Marjorie Collier.

'It would be great if any Echo readers know where they are and could get in touch.'

The concert will be followed by a reunion in Cardiff Athletic Club.

Dad-of-two Mr Gunner, 52, of Birchgrove, Cardiff, a BT customer provision manager, said: 'This really is a special year and we hope the former members can join us.'

The choir was formed in Cardiff Rugby Club to improve the singing in the clubhouse at rugby matches.

For a full history of the choir and details of the tour log onto www.cardiffarmsparkmalechoir.co.uk

Former members can call Stephen on 07789 412059 or 0207 5554834.