Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is keen to appoint an enthusiastic and reliable individual who has strong interpersonal skills to work as a part-time receptionist at the Centre’s main office in Galeri, Caernarfon.
We are currently looking for an individual to work 1 shift a week (school term time only) with the possibility of additional shifts from time to time. The shifts will usually be 5 hours in length.
A daring new musical based on one of Wales’ most gripping adventure novels is to make its world premiere at a top festival.
Madam Wen, the tale of smugglers, highwaymen and a fearless female outlaw, has been reimagined for the stage by scriptwriter Manon Wyn Williams and set to music by composer Guto Pryderi Puw.
It will be performed for the first time at the Wales International Piano Festival that’s being held at Galeri Caernarfon from October 16-20.
Pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Bodedern on Anglesey will join the professional cast of Madam Wen on Friday, October 17, performing alongside soprano Glesni Rhys Jones, pianists Elain Rhys Jones and Angharad Wyn Jones, and percussionist Dewi Ellis Jones.
Williams said she was fascinated by the novel’s heroine, Einir Wyn, who leads a double life as a society woman and the leader of a band of smugglers.
At its heart is the love story between her and Morys Williams, an honest Anglesey squire, who is blissfully unaware of her illegal adventures as an outlaw.
She was said to have used hideout in a cave at Llanfair-yn- Neubwll near the present day RAF airbase at Valley.
Williams said: “Madam Wen aka Einir Wyn (Wyn means white in Welsh) appears to have been inspired by a real woman from the area, Margaret Williams.
“She was rumoured to be the leader of a gang of smugglers in the same area although she didn’t share the same principles as the fictional character who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
“I’ve adapted the novel into five short sections that I will narrate during the performance with music for piano, voices, and percussion composed by Guto.
“Interspersed with the spoken word there will be pieces for piano duet and songs performed by the soprano, Glesni Rhys, and the children from Ysgol Gynradd Bodedern.”
Madam Wen first appeared in serial form in the newspaper, Y Genedl Gymraeg, during 1914 but wasn’t published as a novel until 1925.
Tragically, its author W.D. Owen, a solicitor from Anglesey, died just two weeks later from tuberculosis.
A review in the Liverpool Daily Post said: “Mr. Owen provides us with a good yarn, for which, in this all too sombre world, we owe him thanks. This is the kind of Welsh book we want: a breathless tale that insists upon being real.”
The premiere of the new musical marks the centenary of both the publication of the novel and the death of the author.
Composer Puw, Reader in Music Composition at Bangor University, added a unique twist to the performance.
He said: “The piano duet will be performed on one piano which is different and the children will also perform a piece led by percussionist Dewi Ellis Jones on instruments they have created themselves from recycled materials under the guidance of creative designer and artist Catrin Williams.
According to Puw, he hadn’t read the novel until earlier this year but was aware of the story because a film had been made by S4C in the early 1980s.
“I faintly recall the film but did not watch it again as I did not want to be influenced by its music score, which was written by acclaimed composer Gareth Glyn,” he said.
Puw and Manon Williams visited the youngsters at Ysgol Bodedern to discuss the story with them and later tried to find Madam Wen’s cave.
“The area around Llyn Traffwll is quite boggy and full of wild growth and after some time searching we were unsuccessful in finding the cave and gave up, so we could fully sympathise with the soldiers who were tasked with the job of finding and capturing Madam Wen.” he said.
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, the Wales International Piano Festival’s Artistic Director, said the concert is part of the Festival’s community day which has an emphasis on bringing people from all walks of life together to make music.
“It is this year’s Festival commission piece and commemorates not only the centenary of the novel’s publication but also the centenary of the author’s death.
“It’s important that people celebrate their local area, and W D Owen and Madam Wen are very special to Anglesey,” he said.
The festival, organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, is taking place over five days. In addition to workshops, masterclasses and lectures two other concerts are planned in addition to Madam Wen.
The first concert, at Bangor University’s Powis Hall on October 16, will highlight French Chamber Music. It will feature soprano Erin Gwyn Rossington, cellist Rosie Biss and violinist Sara Trickey with Iwan Llewelyn-Jones on the piano.
Jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock will perform at Galeri Caernarfon on the Saturday evening.
There are also three competitions with sections for pianists under 18 and over 18 but under 26 and an accompanists prize which is open to all ages.
Staging the festival has been made possible thanks to the support of funders, including Cymdeithas Elusennol Ynys Môn, Tŷ Cerdd, Colwinston Trust, Vaughan Williams Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, Gaynor Cemlyn Jones Trust, the Pendine Park care organisation via Pendine Arts and Community Trust and many individual and business sponsors as well as the annual revenue funding Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias receives from the Arts Council of Wales towards core costs.
An internationally renowned pianist who grew up near Caernarfon is set to make an emotional return to his roots this autumn – with a solo show at a top music festival.
Gwilym Simcock, who spent his early years in Pontllyfni, will take centre stage at the Wales International Piano Festival at Galeri Caernarfon from Thursday, October 16 to Monday, October 20.
The event, being organised once again by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), has established itself as a highlight of the global cultural calendar.
The award-winning musician, celebrated for his effortless fusion of jazz and classical music, is set to deliver a rare and intimate solo performance that’s expected to be a major highlight of the festival
The concert on Saturday, October 18, is being sponsored by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which was set up by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, the arts loving owners of the Pendine Park care organisation.
Mario said: “Gwilym is a generational talent and the audience is in for an extraordinary treat so we were delighted to be able to support this concert.
“From our perspective this totally fits in with our ethos. We recognise how important the arts are to our lives in all its forms.
“Music matters just as much to people who live and work in social care as it does to young and old in the wider society.”
Gwilym, 44, has cut back on touring since starting a family, making the concert even more of a must-see for music fans.
He said: “I only do a handful of solo concerts each year and I’ve cut back on touring now that I have a family so there will be a freshness to my playing.
“I’m looking forward to crafting a programme especially for this venue. It will include some of my own compositions as well as pieces from the Great American songbook and some classical music.
“I want to have an emotional experience when I listen to music and in this I will play the music I would like to listen to myself,” he said.
He added solo concerts are particularly enjoyable because he is not constrained by other musicians.
“In a solo concert I can express myself and improvise.
“Improvisation is at the centre of jazz, but in a trio or quartet sometimes that’s maybe not possible,” he said.
Gwilym said his influences are wide ranging, from jazz legends including Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea to classical composers including Maurice Ravel and Béla Bartók.
Although principally a jazz pianist Gwilym has composed numerous works for larger classical ensembles creating a sound that is distinctive and very much his own. He is Professor of Jazz Piano at the Royal Academy of Music.
Gwilym’s talent as a musician was evident from an early age.
Aged eleven he attained the highest marks in exams on both piano and French horn.
He studied both instruments and composition at Chetham’s School of music, Manchester, and later studied jazz piano at The Royal Academy of Music, London and graduated having won the “Principal’s Prize” for outstanding achievement.
Since then Gwilym has carved out a career as one of the most gifted pianists and imaginative composers in Europe.
He has performed with orchestras, choirs, big bands, dancers and toured with violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy.
Gwilym was the first BBC New Generation Artist from a Jazz background, and his album “Good Days at Schloss Elmau” was shortlisted in 2011 at the prestigious Mercury Prize’.
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, the Wales International Piano Festival’s Artistic Director, said: “Gwilym Simcock stands as one of the most remarkable and versatile pianists of his generation, seamlessly blending the worlds of jazz and classical music with his expressive touch and inventive spirit.
“His concert promises to be a captivating evening of musical brilliance and is sure to be a memorable highlight for the audience.”
According to the Anglesey-born pianist, the festival also features a variety of concerts starting with a French Chamber Music Concert at Bangor University’s Powis Hall on Thursday 16 October.
Taking to the stage to perform will be soprano Erin Gwyn Rossington, cellist Rosie Biss and violinist Sara Trickey with Iwan Llewelyn-Jones himself on the piano.
“The concert will pay homage to four of France’s most distinguished composers, including Maurice Ravel, the composer of Bolero and Gabriel Fauré who wrote some of the best chamber music for piano ever written. “We will also feature a selection of songs by Cécile Chaminade and Lily Boulanger.”
The following evening, Friday, October 17 at Galeri Caernarfon the festival commission and education project, Madam Wen, will be performed.
Scripted and narrated by Manon Wyn Williams and music composed by Guto Pryderi Puw the project commemorates the novel Madam Wen (White Lady) written by William David Owen.
Iwan added: “Prior to the concert renowned artist Catrin Williams, together with CGWM percussion tutor Dewi Ellis Jones will visit Bodedern Primary School to run a series of art workshops where the children will create instruments and explore and choose sounds that resonate with the story.
Madam Wen was published in book form in 1925 but it had first appeared as a serial in the Welsh-language newspaper y Genedl Gymraeg (The Welsh Nation) in 1914.
The novel tells the story of a female heroine, not dissimilar to the character of Robin Hood.
The background is unclear but it’s said to be based on real life characters that lived on Anglesey in the late 19th century. Owen died two weeks after the novel was published.
The concert features Ysgol Gynradd Bodedern Vocal and Instrumental Group, Dewi Elis Jones on percussion, pianists Elain Rhys Jones and Angharad Wyn Jones and soprano Glesni Rhys Jones.
More details about the festival and how to buy tickets can be found online at www.pianofestival.co.uk
Talented pianists from across the world will compete for cash prizes of up to £3,000 at an internationally-renowned festival in North Wales.
The Wales International Piano Festival is being held at Galeri in Caernarfon from October 16-20 and will also feature concerts, masterclasses and lectures.
The event, being organised once again by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), has established itself as a highlight of the global cultural calendar.
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, the festival’s Artistic Director, said: “Planning the festival has been both challenging and exciting.
“It’s taking place over five days for the first time and each of the days has a theme to it.
“The Festival kicks off with a Research Study Day exploring the piano’s role in vocal and instrumental chamber music. T
“Taking place at Bangor University’s Department of Music, this is an exciting new collaboration between, the University, the Royal Musical Association and the Wales International Piano Festival, with guest speakers and performers from France, Belgium and the UK.
“The theme on the second day is the ‘People’s Piano’ with a series of community events featuring composers like Erik Satie who wrote the wonderful Gymnopédies for piano and other quirky little pieces we’re all familiar with and the ever popular Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi who was the most streamed classical composer in 2023.”
“For the remaining days of the festival, he said, the focus shifts to the three competitions at the festival, with contestants from as far afield as Australia, South Korea and Mexico vying for glory.
“One is for pianists under the age of 18, another for those aged over 18 but under the age of 26 and an accompanists prize which is open to all ages.
“Accompanists are often overlooked but they play an essential part in concerts, recitals and competitions,” he said.
Iwan paid tribute to the individuals and groups who had provided funds for the prizes.
“It is not as easy raising money for cultural events and I am immensely grateful to those who were approached who responded positively and generously,” he said.
According to the Anglesey-born pianist, the festival also features a variety of concerts starting with a French Chamber Music Concert at Bangor University’s Powis Hall on Thursday 16 October.
Taking to the stage to perform will be soprano Erin Gwyn Rossington, cellist Rosie Biss and violinist Sara Trickey with Iwan Llewelyn-Jones himself on the piano.
“The concert will pay homage to four of France’s most distinguished composers, including Maurice Ravel, the composer of Bolero and Gabriel Fauré who wrote some of the best chamber music for piano ever written. “We will also feature a selection of songs by Cécile Chaminade and Lily Boulanger.”
The following evening, Friday, October 17 at Galeri Caernarfon the festival commission and education project, Madam Wen, will be performed.
Scripted and narrated by Manon Wyn Williams and music composed by Guto Pryderi Puw the project commemorates the novel Madam Wen (White Lady) written by William David Owen.
Iwan added: “Prior to the concert renowned artist Catrin Williams, together with CGWM percussion tutor Dewi Ellis Jones will visit Bodedern Primary School to run a series of art workshops where the children will create instruments and explore and choose sounds that resonate with the story.
Madam Wen was published in book form in 1925 but it had first appeared as a serial in the Welsh-language newspaper y Genedl Gymraeg (The Welsh Nation) in 1914.
The novel tells the story of a female heroine, not dissimilar to the character of Robin Hood.
The background is unclear but it’s said to be based on real life characters that lived on Anglesey in the late 19th century. Owen died two weeks after the novel was published.
The concert features Côr Ysgol Gynradd Bodedern, Dewi Elis Jones on percussion, pianists Elain Rhys Jones and Angharad Wyn Jones and soprano Glesni Rhys Jones.
Legendary jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock will perform at Galeri in the festival’s third evening concert.
Born in Bangor he studied classical piano, French horn and composition at Chetham’s School, Manchester, where he was introduced to jazz by his tutors.
He was the first jazz musician to be selected for the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme in 2006 and his album Good Days At Schloss Elmau was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2011. Gwilym is Professor of Jazz Piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Meinir Llwyd Roberts, Director of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre, said the festival was established in 2009 as the Wales Piano Festival and held again in 2012.
“The festival expanded in 2016 and became the Wales International Piano Festival.”
She said entries for the three competitions closed at the end of June and a large number had been received.
“As part of the entry process entrants were asked to submit an unedited recording of solo piano repertoire not exceeding eight minutes.
“These have been considered and more than 50 invitations have been made to pianists from all over the world to take part in the festival this year.
“They include many from Britain but also from Portugal, Romania, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and even Australia,” she said.
More details about the festival and how to buy tickets can be found online at www.pianofestival.co.uk
As the new Chair of Cyfeillion CGWM (Friends of CGWM), I am delighted to introduce myself and encourage your continued support for the wonderful work of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias in fostering musical education across our region.
Having moved to North Wales from Manchester in 2001, I spent the following two decades in public and charitable service, with North Wales Police and CAIS / ADFERIAD. I have now returned to my principal passion: making music and supporting others in their musical journeys.
Having served as a member of the Cyfeillion Board for several years, I was honoured to be elected Chair—though I am well aware that I have very big shoes to fill following the inspirational leadership of Elinor. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the remarkable contribution of Clive Smart, who has diligently managed the finances of the Cyfeillion for many years.
The Canolfan continues to provide vital support for music education, especially at a time when funding cuts are placing great strain on traditional services. You can find out more about its work and subscribe to the newsletter by visiting www.cgwm.org.uk.
Through membership of the Friends scheme, your contribution to the work carried on at the centre has been invaluable. Many of the activities undertaken would simply have not been possible without your generosity. I do hope therefore that you will feel able to continue with your annual subscription and any other donation you may wish to give, being assured that all contributions will be applied to this most worthy cause.
The most efficient way to subscribe is via standing order. You can also add Gift Aid to your donation —providing valuable tax benefits to the charity. A Membership Form is attached for your convenience. (It is also possible to make a donation on the Friends’ website: cgwm.org.uk/).
Please let us know if there’s any change in circumstances or if you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list. Equally, please spread the word about this unique institution and its mission.
We have a number of concerts planned over the next few months showcasing the talents of our students, and I hope to have the opportunity to meeting you at these events.
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, one of the founders and first tutors of CGWM. An incredible musician and person. Thank you Annette for inspiring and supporting so many musicians of all ages. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this heartbreaking time.
We are delighted to announce that registration for the 2025 Wales International Piano Festival Competitions is now officially open!
Taking place at Galeri Caernarfon this October, the competitions are a key highlight of the festival and offer an exciting platform for pianists to showcase their talent.
This year’s competition categories include:
Senior Solo
Junior Solo
Piano Accompaniment
Registration deadline: Midnight on Monday, 16 June 2025
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is keen to appoint an enthusiastic and reliable individual who has strong interpersonal skills to work as a part-time receptionist at the Centre’s main office in Galeri, Caernarfon.
TWO WORLD acclaimed harpists are to link up at a special benefit concert to raise money for children with profound learning disabilities in war-torn Ukraine.
Veronika Lemishenko, who hails from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, will play a number of solo pieces in the concert at Bangor University’s Powis Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 21 when she will also perform some duets with concert organiser Elinor Bennett.
“It will be an opportunity to hear a world-renowned harpist play in north Wales and is not to be missed,” said Elinor who studied with the late, great harpist Osian Ellis before going on to have a stellar career as a harpist and helping to found Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Willliam Mathias Music Centre) in Caernarfon.
Also taking part in the concert will be young musicians from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, the Bangor University Chamber Choir conducted by Guto Puw and Côr Cofnod from Caernarfon.
It is one of a number of charity fund-raising concerts staged across Europe during 2024 by Veronika Lemishenko under the auspices of the Veronika Lemishenko Charitable Foundation which she set-up in her homeland nearly seven years ago.
Veronika’s mother, Alla, now lives in Gwynedd and teaches young musicians locally while her brother has moved to Italy. Her grandmother lives with her father in Lviv in western Ukraine
Elinor said: “Prior to the Russian military aggression of 2022, the foundation aimed to promote harp art in Ukraine by supporting talented Ukrainian harpists and composers.
“The foundation is also collaborating with the Glowing Harp – an international harp project, which includes a competition, festival, masterclasses, recitals and other musical events.”
Since the war started Veronika launched the fundraising campaign co-organised by her charitable foundation and Glowing Harp and about £34,000 has been raised so far.
Elinor explained: “All funds go to support Ukraine. The foundation accepts international donations and provides financial assistance to volunteer organizations, medical institutions, animal shelters, to purchase equipment.
“It is an extremely hard time for the education institutions in Kharkiv where it is impossible to have offline lessons without a fully equipped bomb shelter.
“Thanks to the Glowing Harp project 15 students aged from eight years old to 24 got a new place to continue their professional education in England, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, France and Canada,” she said.
Veronika Lemishenko is no stranger to north Wales. She has attended the Wales International Harp Festival staged at Galeri Caernarfon regularly since 2014 and has many friends in the area.
Elinor Bennett added: “Veronika says she feels very much at home in Wales. But of course since the Russian invasion life has been very hard for Ukrainians and the Lemishenko family are no exception.”
During the concert in Bangor Elinor and Veronika will perform a duet called Cambria by the Welsh harpist and composer John Thomas.
“His bardic name is Pencerdd Gwalia and he played both traditional Welsh triple harp and modern pedal harp and taught at the Royal College of music and Guildhall School of music in London when he was appointed harpist to Queen Victoria in 1872.
Elinor said: “Cambria is a harp duet based on several Welsh melodies including Gadlys, Y Ferch o’r Scêr and Tros y Garreg.”
Elinor said the other piece she will play with Veronika is Souvenir” by Ukranian composer Evgen Andreev.
She added: “He is a composer from Kharkiv and among his works are several compositions that have been performed by the young harpists worldwide.
Veronika said: “Evgen has a musical family – his wife is a violinist and both their children are students of the Kharkiv state musical lyceum. Lately the lyceum resumed their work but the education is online because of the high level of danger being very close to the frontline.”
The concert at Bangor University’s Powis Hall starts at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 21. Admission is free but a collection will be made at the end of the concert.
On the 8th of November 2024, Dafydd Wigley gave a fascinating lecture entitled ‘Murray the Hump: A Gangster in the Family’, tracing the life and story of the colourful character Llywelyn Humphreys.
We were very grateful to Lowri from Lingo for generously volunteering her time to provide simultaneous translation during the event, ensuring it was accessible to all.
The evening raised at least £210 in support of the Friends of CGWM charity – sincere thanks to everyone who contributed!
In addition to the lecture, there were musical performances by talented students from the Music Centre, including Rio Chung on the piano, and the William Mathias Music Centre Flute Trio (Christina, Fflur, and CGWM tutor – Rhiannon).
The work of one of Wales’s greatest composers will be celebrated at a concert to mark the 90th anniversary of his birth.
Professor William Mathias, who died aged 57 in 1992, won global acclaim during his lifetime and tribute will be paid to his musical legacy at the concert at Bangor University’s Neuadd Prichard Jones at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 2.
It’s a joint initiative between the School of Music at Bangor University, where he taught for 18 years, and Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre) and the Gwynedd and Anglesey Schools Music Service.
Prof Mathias, who was born in Whitland in Carmarthenshire, was a child prodigy who started playing the piano at three and was composing music by the age of five.
In 1981 he famously wrote the anthem, ‘Let the people praise thee, O God’, for the royal wedding of the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana which had a worldwide television audience of one billion people.
His lasting contribution also includes the North Wales International Music Festival which he founded in 1972 and is now one of the highlights in the UK’s cultural calendar.
The concert, that’s being supported by Tŷ Cerdd, will be an emotional occasion for his daughter, Dr Rhiannon Mathias, who is a musicologist, talented flautist and flute tutor at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias.
William Mathias with his wife, Yvonne, and daughter, Rhiannon
She said: “The idea of the concert came from the community and I think it is a marvellous way to mark what would have been his 90th birthday.
“The Prichard Jones Hall is a wonderful place to stage the concert as it was his place of work for many years and so many of his pieces have been played there.
“Many, many people will remember him being there for concerts and seeing him walk through. I can’t wait for the concert,” she said.
Rhiannon was invited to take part in the concert but thought it best to give her students the opportunity.
“Two of my students gained their performance diplomas this summer. To achieve this qualification they had to present a 30-minute recital and both chose one of my father’s pieces, the sonatina for flute and piano.”
Wyn Thomas, chair of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, said the first half of the concert will feature solo pieces for organ, flute, harp and piano and choral works.
Among the solo artists taking part are harpist Angharad Wyn Jones, organist Elis Massarelli-Hughes, pianist Teleri Siân and flautists Gwenno Wyn and Christina Hutchinson-Rogers.
Choral items will be performed by Côr Dre from Caernarfon directed by Sian Wheway.
The climax of the evening will be a performance of Culhwch ac Olwen – a work for a choir and an instrumental ensemble and is based on a famous love story from the Mabinogion, the earliest Welsh prose stories from the 12th and 13th centuries.
“The aim of the occasion at the Prichard Jones Hall is to identify William Mathias’ special contribution to Welsh music. November 1st would be Mathias’ 90th birthday and so the event is timely,” said Mr Thomas.
Tudur Eames, director of the Gwynedd and Anglesey Schools Music Service, who will conduct the work in the concert, said William Mathias referred to Culhwch ac Olwen as an ‘entertainment’.
“It’s not an opera, a cantata or an oratorio but a combination of several musical elements that illustrate the legend including a storyteller, instruments, accompaniment of two pianos and children’s voices,” he said.
Wyn Thomas added: “He was a prolific composer and a versatile musician. He produced pieces for solo instruments, wind ensembles and , concertos but his main interest was choral/vocal music.
“Mathias built a Music Department in Bangor which was among the best in the British Isles and secured the respect and admiration of generations of future students and fellow musicians.
“Many of us are indebted to Mathias for first class musical training and as a result his former pupils are seen active in the music world here in Wales, in Britain, the United States and beyond.”
The concert at Neuadd Prichard Jones, Bangor on November 2 starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and £10 or £5 for students and children. Further details online at www.cgwm.org.uk
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is keen to appoint an enthusiastic and reliable individual who has strong interpersonal skills to work as a part-time receptionist at the Centre’s main office in Galeri, Caernarfon.
We are currently looking for an individual to work 16 hours a week (term time only) with the possibility of additional shifts from time to time. The shifts will usually be 5-6 hours in length and will be a combination of daytime and evening hours.
Application by letter and CV including contact details of two referees. Address your application to Gwydion Davies and email to gwydion@cgwm.org.uk
On the 5th July 2024, a Promises Auction was held at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon.
This event raised funds towards two special causes: Cyfeillion CGWM (The Friends of CGWM) and Alaw Ward Ysbyty Gwynedd. The proceeds from this fundraising event will be shared between both causes.
As part of this event, entertainment was provided by Hogia Bodwrog, Cor Law yn Llaw, a jazz ensemble as well as a host of talented students from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias.
The auction was expertly held by Morgan Evans.
Thanks to everyone for their support on the night – and to all of the local shops and individuals who contributed items towards the auction.
A special thank you also to Edith Jones for working so hard to organise this special event.
The money is still coming in, but we estimate that the event raised around £5,772.
We are very pleased to announce that we have received a grant from the Steve Morgan Foundation to continue with the work of Canfod y Gân (Discover the Song).
“Founded in 2001 by businessman and philanthropist, Steve Morgan CBE, we provide funding, support, expertise and best practice to the charities and organisations we support. By harnessing the power of working together, we address a range of areas including poverty, homelessness, health and wellbeing, and education and training, and have helped to improve the quality of life for more than four million people.“
Merry Christmas from Canfod y Gân. The Harlech crew have been very busy writing an original new Christmas song. The song is a combination of the members’ favorite things about Christmas, from Christmas lights to delicious gravy. To go with the song we filmed a music video – you can watch the video below!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!
Behind the Scenes: Canfod y Gân Christmas Song
We started by writing down all our favourite things about Christmas and we workedon putting them into verses. In the next session we recorded the sog with instruments and singing.
The final step was to film a music video to go with the song, so we all dressed up in our Christmas clothes and danced and sang along with the music.
The founder of an international harp festival will be signing off in style with a long goodbye.
Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett will be centre stage at a special concert to launch the Wales International Harp Festival next spring.
The launch concert will be taking place at the Pritchard Jones Hall at Bangor University at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 22, celebrating 55 years of performing by Elinor and the 100th anniversary of the university’s School of Music.
Other highlights will include performances from tenor Aled Wyn Davies, soprano Mary Lloyd Davies, flautist Rhiannon Mathias and the Côr Seiriol choir.
It will feature pieces played over the years by Elinor, who has been the festival’s Artistic Director since 1978 and also signal the end of her tenure in the post.
After the launch, Elinor will embark on a tour 12 concerts and masterclasses across Wales where she will be playing with different harpists – most of whom she has taught – at each venue.
The aim of the tour is to drum up interest in the harp among young musicians and encourage harpists of all ages to compete at next year’s festival.
Approaching a significant birthday next April, Elinor, who lives in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon with her husband, former Plaid Cymru President Dafydd Wigley, said it was time to step back and allow someone else to take over the reins.
Looking forward to the launch concert, she said: “There’s a varied programme which I hope will appeal to everyone and also raise awareness of the harp festival itself.
“This will be my last harp festival, I’m not going to do any more organising after this one and the baton will be passed onto someone else.
“I don’t know who yet but there are many, many people who have the ability to take it on but I want to go out with a bit of a bang.”
Elinor will play the famous Concerto for Harp by Handel with the Bangor University Ensemble and the programme will also feature The North Wales Harp Ensemble, conducted by Tudor Eames who was a pupil of Elinor.
Meanwhile, the Gwynedd & Anglesey Youth Brass Band will perform alongside the Society of Triple Harpists and Côr Seiriol .
Elinor added: “The artistes taking place have some connection with myself over the years. I’m pleased that Aled Wyn Davies, the acclaimed tenor, from Llanbrynmair. His grandparents once lived in the farm where my parents lived.
That is under Llyn Clywedog now but I was able to go down there with Aled in the summer after the water levels dropped and was able to see the building again. So he’s coming to sing and that will be lovely.
“Soprano Mary Lloyd Davies is from Llanuwchllyn where I spent a large part of my childhood.
“The other soloists are Mared Emlyn who will play a concerto by Debussy on the harp and flautist Rhiannon Mathias. She is of course the daughter of William Mathias and the connection with him is very important.”
She said the programme is varied because her career has been quite varied ranging from classical performances as a soloist and with orchestras to accompanying rock musicians on various albums.
“I wanted it to be as varied and as accessible as it was possible to be,” said Elinor.
The pre-festival tour called Dwylo ar Dannau’r Delyn (Hands on Harp Strings) will include masterclasses conducted by Elinor and some of her ex-students and colleagues, held in community locations throughout Wales, to promote the festival and re-ignite interest in harp music following the Covid pandemic.
The fifth Wales International Harp Festival will bring together leading exponents of the instrument from around the world to Galeri Caernarfon from April 5-11, 2023.. Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), it will feature concerts, masterclasses, workshops and lecture recitals.
According to Elinor, performances will be given by world-class artistes representing various aspects of the harp spectrum.
“The Latin-American harpist from Colombia, Edmar Castaneda, will share a concert with Welsh harpist, Catrin Finch.
The great French artist, Isobel Moretti, returns to Caernarfon to perform the classics of the French harp repertoire. It will be wonderful to welcome back the iconic Deborah Henson-Conant from the USA, to present a jazz and improvisation evening in her own inimitable way.
“Retiring President of the United Kingdom Harp Association, Sioned Williams, will present a lecture-recital on John Thomas, Pencerdd Gwalia, a composition workshop will be given by John Metcalf,
“The festival commission is a new work, entitled Llechi (Slate), by harpist and composer, Math Roberts, with poetry by Wales’ National Poet, Ifor Ap Glyn.
“Written for a chamber ensemble and vocal soloists, it will celebrate the unique culture of the slate-mining areas of Gwynedd, recently awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO,” said Elinor.
Harpists are also invited to take part in four competitions at the festival, with the aim of giving children and older harpists a platform to perform, receive comments from internationally esteemed harpists and make friends with young musicians from other parts of the world.
The closing date for applications for the competitions is January 2, 2023
“From the Chief Musician competition to the young harpists’ section, there are opportunities for many varied styles and genres, including the World Music competition on any kind of harp from Celtic to Triple and Kora to pedal..
“Participants in each of the four categories are encouraged to create their own choice of programmes, and include one or two items listed in the published syllabus.
Elinor said: “In the youth and children competitions, equal scholarships will be awarded for the three top performances, to help talented young harpists to receive continuing expert tuition.
The Wales International Harp Festival team is extremely grateful for the support given by Camac Harps and Telynau Vining and for sponsorship from many funding bodies including the Arts Council of Wales, Ty Cerdd and Colwinston Charitable Trust and invites anyone interested in sponsoring scholarships and prizes at the Festival to get in touch.
“Please join us over Easter in Caernarfon for a joyful and enriching experience.”
Details about the launch concert, the tour and the competitions are available on the Festival website www.walesharpfestival.co.uk
The Canfod y Gan crew had a very special day on the 2nd of September 2022 at the official Canfod y Gan Celebration in Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli.
After 3 years of running the project, it was about time we celebrated all the hard work the members, tutors and everyone who has been part of the project has put into Canfod y Gan!
Each group had the opportunity to perform some of their favorite songs for us as part of the celebration. We heard a variety of different music ranging from well-known songs such as ‘Ceidwad y Goleudy’ by Bryn Fôn and ‘The Wonder of You’ by Elvis Presley to some original songs written by Canfod y Gan members such as ‘Can Adra’ which was written by the Harlech group and ‘Running Around in My Mind’ which was written by a member of the Caernarfon group.
It was a great opportunity for us to be able to celebrate all the talent that can be seen in the Canfod y Gan sessions, and everyone in the audience seemed to be delighted with the feast of music that the crews had prepared!
We finished the performances off as the 3 groups came together to sing an original song called ‘Can Cadw’n Positif’ – but the fun wasn’t over yet…
To the surprise of all the members, Dafydd Iwan walked into the room, clutching his guitar, ready to finish the performance off by singing ‘Mam Wnaeth Got i Mi’ and ‘Yma o Hyd’ with the members!
After that shock, and after everyone had the chance to take a photo with the special guest, we had a small tea party to celebrate the success of the event, as well as to celebrate the success of the last 3 years of the Canfod y Gan project!
A day to remember for all who took part, I’m sure!
We had a very special day at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron on the 30th of July.
We heard great performances from the Meirionydd and Arfon groups, with a set that was a perfect mix of original songs written by the groups, and performances of well-known Welsh songs such as ‘Harbwr Diogel’ and ‘Mam Wnaeth Got i Mi’.
The audience seemed to love the feast of songs that were performed, as they enjoyed singing along with us!
A huge thank you to the National Eisteddfod for the invitation, and a huge thank you to our members from the Meirionydd and Arfon groups for their fantastic performance!
