Founded in 2016 by conductor Aled Phillips, Johns’ Boys began as a one-off ensemble for a special event in Rhosllannerchrugog. Following the success of that very special occasion, it became apparent to Aled, and all the singers, that it would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to continue to make music together. They’ve since won major titles including Choir of the World at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, appeared on BBC and S4C, and performed at top venues across the UK.

Known for their powerful harmonies and diverse repertoire, the choir recently wowed audiences on Britain’s Got Talent with their performance of 'Biblical', earning praise from Simon Cowell and millions of online views. With a UK tour on the way, Johns’ Boys continue to go from strength to strength. We caught up with choir director Aled Phillips ahead of their performance at Bournemouth Pavilion on 24 May.

What’s it like being part of Johns' Boys Choir, and how did you first get involved?

I founded the choir, so every day is an absolute privilege to see this incredible journey unfold. It all started in 2016 as a one-off performance where I brought together singers from my village. I’ve always been passionate about male voice choir singing—my dad was in the local male voice choir, so it’s been part of my life from a young age. What started as a single performance has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. Being part of Johns' Boys now is just incredible.

Can you describe a typical rehearsal – what goes into preparing for a big performance?

With our busy touring schedule, a lot of the hard work is done at the start of the year when we learn new material. That process is always exciting—it’s when we experiment, refine our sound, and bring the music to life. The motto "work hard, play hard" definitely sums up Johns' Boys. There’s a real energy in rehearsals; we push each other to be our best but always have fun along the way.

Is there a specific song in the program that you're especially excited for the audience in Bournemouth to hear?

Hearing a male voice choir cover artists like Harry Styles or Calum Scott is always a surprise for people—it’s not what they expect from a traditional choir! But the songs that are really connecting with audiences this year are the classics 'Bread of Heaven', 'Calon Lân', and 'Angels'. These songs hold so much meaning for both us and our audiences, and the response every night has been amazing.

What’s been one of your most memorable moments with the choir so far?

Winning the Pavarotti Choir of the World competition was unforgettable. We became the first British choir to ever win, and to be the only UK choir to have done so really speaks to how unique and diverse we’ve had to be. A close second has to be the reaction after our Britain’s Got Talent audition aired. The social media response was just incredible—millions of comments from all over the world. Seeing how deeply our music resonated with people was truly humbling.

Why do you think people should come see a John’s Boys Choir show?

Male voice choirs have a rich tradition, but we’ve made it our mission to push the boundaries. John’s Boys blends the power of traditional Welsh male voice choir singing with modern arrangements that bring something fresh and unexpected. Audiences can expect stunning renditions of 'Biblical' - our viral Calum Scott cover—alongside a mix of contemporary hits and timeless classics like 'Falling' by Harry Styles, 'Calon Lân', and 'Nella Fantasia'. Every performance is packed with energy, emotion, and surprises, and that’s what makes it so special.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about joining a choir like this?

Go for it! Singing in a choir isn’t just about the music—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. The camaraderie, the experiences, and the joy of performing together are second to none. If you love music and want to challenge yourself while being part of an incredible team, there’s nothing quite like it.