Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is keen to appoint an enthusiastic and reliable individual who has strong interpersonal skills to work as a receptionist at the Centre’s main office in Galeri, Caernarfon during weekday evenings (school term only).
We are currently looking for an individual to work one evening a week with the possibility of additional shifts from time to time.
For more information see the full details.
Closing Date: 5pm, Wednesday 27th of September.
Music tutors from a highly acclaimed music centre in Wales will see the tables turned next month when they perform in front of an audience packed with students as part of a festival fundraiser.
International concert pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones will be joined by a galaxy of talented Welsh musicians from the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre) for a special concert at 3pm on Sunday, November 10, in aid of the Wales International Piano Festival.
The tutors will embark on a musical journey across the globe, from Europe to America and Australia, performing duets and trios from classical, popular and jazz repertoire.
The music centre, which has bases in Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin, was founded two decades ago in Caernarfon with support from the Arts Council of Wales to help instrumentalists and singers of all ages and abilities to reach their potential.
The centre, which has helped to launch the national and international careers of dozens of musicians, now boasts more than 40 freelance tutors including internationally renowned harpist Elinor Bennett, who has taught at the centre from the very beginning.
Next month’s concert, which takes place at Galeri in Caernarfon at 3pm on Sunday, November 10, will showcase the talents of nine of its piano tutors in a fun community event featuring an array of popular classics.
The concert, which has been organised by Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Piano Festival, will raise money towards the sponsorship of a competition prize at next year’s piano festival.
He said: “This is a community event and everybody is welcome. All the tutors have invited their students along too and so these pupils will have the unique opportunity to see their tutors performing.
“A lot of work goes into preparing pupils for exams and competitions and this is a nice way for the tables to be turned.
“We are all friends and the nice thing about doing something like this is when you get together as an ensemble, it’s so much fun. You don’t have to talk you just play. You let the music do the talking for you.
“We did a similar concert in 2015 to launch the 2016 festival. There was some anticipation and nervousness, of course, as some of the tutors don’t have the time to perform in public a lot but they loved it, it was an exhilarating experience for us all. This is what it’s all about.”
The concert, will feature, Glian Llwyd, Nia Davies-Williams, Steven Evans, Ann Peters Jones, Helen Owen, Hawys Price, Teleri-Siân, Sian Wheway and Iwan.
Among the highlights will be performances of Saint Saens’ popular classic ‘Carnival of the Animals’, Debussy’s ‘En bateau’ and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker Suite performed on two grand pianos.
“This is one of two launch events bringing the music centre and the people who work in it together for an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Iwan,
“I’ve put a lot of thought into the selection of music and have tried to make it as attractive as possible. The pianists are all giving their time free for this concert and it would be wonderful to have a full-house like we did back in 2015. Everybody is welcome.”
Meinir Llwyd Roberts, Director of the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, added: “It’s a very colourful and interesting programme which will appeal to families and people of any age.
“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to hear the tutors themselves performing, especially for their own students. They all teach at different times on different days and evenings and it’s nice to bring them together to perform as a team”
The Wales International Piano Festival, organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, takes place between 1-4 May 2020 and will explore the three key areas of performance, competition and education.
Next year’s festival will pay homage to Ludwig van Beethoven and his pianistic legacy as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of his birth.
A Piano Day is also taking place on November 23 at the School of Music at Bangor University as a further launch event to the festival. www.pianofestival.co.uk.
To book tickets for the Piano Tutors’ Concert visit: www.galericaernarfon.com or call 01286 685222
Internationally renowned soloist Mary Lloyd-Davies from Llanuwchllyn, near Bala, will lead a musical extravaganza to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre.)
Mary has taught at the centre, which was founded in Caernarfon with support from the Arts Council of Wales, since its first day. The centre also has bases in Denbigh and Ruthin.
The concert will be held at the Galeri, in Caernarfon, on Saturday, September 7, when Mary will be joined by a galaxy of Welsh musical stars.
There will be performances by acclaimed harpist Elinor Bennett, who has been instrumental in the centre’s success, and flautist, Rhiannon Mathias, the daughter of the composer, Professor William Mathias, after whom the centre was named.
Despite enjoying a career that has taken her so some of the world’s most famous opera houses, Mary Lloyd-Davies, stayed close to her roots by tutoring vocal students at the centre.
She said: “I’ve been performing since around 1969 and have enjoyed a wonderful career. There have been some fabulous highlights and inevitably a few low points too.
“One particular highlight was performing at Milan’s La Scala Opera House in an opera entitled 1984 which is based on George Orwell’s famous book.
“I have also performed in Hansel and Gretel in San Francisco and Houston and in Strauss’ Elecktra at the Opéra Bastille in Paris.
“I made my Royal Opera House debut as the fortune teller in Arabella. I also spent 22 years with the Wales National Opera (WNO) doing lead roles in Fidelio, Macbeth, Elektra, Tosca, Ballo in Maschera, Tristan and Isolde.”
“My big break came in 1992. I was understudy for the lead role in the Richard Strauss opera Elektra. However, the lead became sick and I had to step in at very, very short notice.
“I was then offered the lead role in Elektra in the same production in 1995 for another WNO production and then stepped in at very short notice for the same role at Opéra Bastille in Paris for a different production. That was also a big career boost.”
She added: “I’ll be performing some William Mathias arranged traditional Welsh folk songs accompanied by harpist Elinor Bennett. I performed these folk songs at the memorial service for Yvonne Mathias, William Mathias’ widow, after being asked by their daughter, Rhiannon.
“The line-up for the concert is very impressive as along with Elinor Bennett we have harpist Glain Dafydd and pianist Glian Llwyd both of whom were Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias students.
“Also performing will be a former student who has become a successful singer songwriter, Casi Wyn ; cellist Gwydion Rhys and sopranos Tesni Jones and Lisa Dafydd, who were both students at the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias’ satellite in Denbigh before going on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music.
“It’s going to be a wonderful evening of music and a great way to celebrate 20 years of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias success.”
“It’s really important we have Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias in North Wales. There really is nowhere else in the region offering such a broad range of high quality music activities.. And this concert is really going to be a celebration of something quite special.”
According to the centre’s director, Meinir Llwyd Roberts, it’s a charity that offers a place with a real musical buzz to musicians of all ages.
She said: “We started 20 years ago offering one to one lessons and now have more than 40 freelance tutors. And as well as being based at Galeri Caernarfon we offer a facility at Denbigh and Ruthin with lessons two evenings a week. “But we do so much more than offer one to one tuition.. We have a pre-school music programme,, we work in care homes offering music to people living with dementia, we offer singing groups in rural communities and recently secured a substantial grant to develop our provision for adults who have learning disabilities. .
“We also offer a variety of ensembles and masterclasses and organise an annual Wales Harp Festival as well as both an international Harp Festival and an International Piano Festival every four years.
“The range of activities we are involved in has and continues to grow significantly. And many of our students have gone on to become very successful musicians in their own right.”
“It’s going to be a very special evening of music with something for everyone and I’d encourage music lovers to book their tickets now to save any disappointment.”
To book tickets please ring Galeri on 01286 685222 or go to the website www.galericaernarfon.com
A new instrumental ensemble for adults held in Caernarfon, the Caernarfon Community Orchestra held its very first rehearsal on Tuesday the 5th of March.
Under the direction of the cellist, Nicki Pearce from Colwyn Bay and with Steven Evans, originally from Caernarfon as répetiteur the Community Orchestra meets on Tuesday evenings from 8:00pm – 9:15pm at Theatr Seilo in Caernarfon.
Sixteen members attended the first rehearsal with another 3 joining the second week.
It has been a dream for many years for Nicki Pearce, the orchestra leader to establish an orchestra for adults. Nicki said:
“I’m thrilled that I’ve finally been able to establish a community-based orchestra here in Caernarfon for adults.”
“There are so many adult learners who have been receiving one-to-one music tuition and this is a brilliant way for them to come together and have fun through music.”
“Also it is a great way for adults who have maybe not touched their instruments for years to pick it up again and have a go in a friendly and supportive environment.”
This new venture is organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias which is based at Galeri Caernarfon and provides high quality music tuition, as well as organising a variety of community events throughout Wales.
Talking about the new orchestra, the director of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, Meinir Llwyd recognised the need for such an ensemble in Caernarfon:
“Nicki Pearce and I had been discussing for a while the possibility of establishing an orchestra that would provide opportunities for adults to come together, to socialise and enjoy creating music.
“Steven Evans who has recently started teaching piano at the Centre, also expressed an interest in being involved.”
“It’s interesting to see that the number of adults receiving one-to-one lessons at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias has increased over recent years, which is very good news.”
“However, we also recognised the need to provide more opportunities for the adults receiving one-to-one lessons to also take part in group tuition as well as encouraging those who may have once played an instrument – perhaps whilst they were children to take up their instruments again.”
One member that enjoyed the first rehearsal was Gwyneth M Davies from Benllech that plays Bb Cornet.
“It is only recently that I have started having lessons, though I’ve been playing for around ten years.”
“I love music – I am a keen member of the LSW Band as well as Côr Hamdden Mathias – a women’s choir that meet on a Thursday afternoon in Caernarfon.”
“To be honest I was quite nervous before the first rehearsal – not quite sure what to expect.”
“But we’ve jelled as a Group and I’ve made new friends – we’re all very supportive of each other and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”
“The conductor Nicki Pearce is wonderful – she knows our different levels, and takes that into consideration when choosing pieces. It made me feel great that I could play the part I had.”
“I’ve also been encouraging my friends to join – they have an interest and are always asking how the rehearsals are going – I hope they’ll come and give it a go.”
One of the members who enjoyed the first rehearsal was Desmond Burton from Bangor. Desmond is an English language tutor at Bangor University and has previously taught English language overseas for almost 25 years. Desmond said:
“Regardless of your experience and level, if you think you’d enjoy playing music with others, come and join us in the Community Orchestra. Lots of us have never played in an orchestra before, so don’t be put off by the thought that everyone else will be better than you, because they probably won’t be!”
Nicki Pearce and Steven Evans were both very pleased to see such a variety of instruments. According to Steven:
“I did think that we might struggle to find woodwind and brass instrumentalists – but we had no trouble whatsoever – although we could do with some more violinists!”
Since the first rehearsal more members have now joined and a warm welcome awaits any other new members wishing to join the orchestra.
A new series of Caernarfon Community Orchestra will begin on the 9th of April.
To register and for more information members are encouraged to contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (01286 685 230 / post@cgwm.org.uk).
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) is pleased to announce that it will be establishing a new community orchestra especially for adults.
The first rehearsal will take place at Theatr Seilo Caernarfon on the 5th of March, starting at 8:00pm.
The orchestra will be led by cellist Nicki Pearce, who has been looking forward to establishing an instrumental music group for adults for some time.
Nicki, who also teaches the cello at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias said: “This will be a community orchestra for adults – and I would like to encourage anyone who perhaps have been receiving lessons for a few years, or perhaps those who have been playing for a while to join in the fun!”
Also joining Nicki will be Steven Evans, as a répétiteur for the orchestra.
Anyone who are interested in joining should contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias as soon as possible. You will need to register beforehand.
We want to hear from musicians who would be interested in delivering music sessions as part of our ‘Canfod y Gan / Discover the Song’ project which aims to bring disabled and non-disabled people together to participate in music activities. More information.
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (CGWM) has recently secured funding from Spirit of 2012 Music Challenge Fund (www.spiritof2012.org.uk) to deliver a three year programme ‘Canfod y Gân / Discover the Song’ which will bring disabled and non-disabled people (aged 16+) together to participate as equals in regular music activities with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing.
CGWM will work in partnership with Gwynedd Council’s Learning Disabilities team who will refer individuals who have learning disabilities to the project.
We are now seeking an independent evaluator to work with us throughout the project to:
• gather evidence of its impact,
• assist with the preparation of reports to the funder,
• help us to share our learning.
For more information please see the link to the tender.
Come and enjoy an evening full of musical variety with the talented student from Bodedern, Elain Rhys, and friends.
Elain has chosen to hold this event in order to raise money for the Friends of the William Mathias Music Centre who are responsible for administrating the Bursary Fund in order to ensure that children in North Wales have access to music education of the highest standard.
Joining Elain Rhys in the concert will be Triawd Edern, Glesni Rhys, Ann Peters Jones, as well as some of the students who receive lessons at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias.
Elain said: “It’s wonderful that my family and friends have agreed to support the Friends of CGWM charity by taking part in this special concert. I’m really looking forward for the concert.”
Triawd Edern voice ensemble consists of Elain, her sister Glesni and her friend Annest Mair Jones. It was formed in 2014, and has gained considerable success over the years, performing on Noson Lawen on S4C, as well as coming first in the National Eisteddfod in Bodedern and performing in concerts throughout North Wales.
Elain, who is a Music student at Bangor University, will also perform solo pieces on the harp and piano in the concert.
According to Elain “I have been very lucky over the years to have music teachers of the highest standard at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, including Elinor Bennett and Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, who have inspired me to go on and study Music at University.”
Glesni, who is 17 and is studying for her A Level has gained success as a singer. She won the Girls’ Solo for those aged under 19 at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff last year and has also passed her Grade 8 singing exam with distinction under the direction of her mother, Ann Peters Jones. Ann is a member of the team of tutors at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and teaches the voice and piano.
According to Medwyn Hughes, the chairman of the Friends of CGWM, there is a great need for the Bursary Fund in order to support the musical education of children.
He said “The Friends of CGWM work hard in order to raise an ambitious sum of £5,000 each year in order to fund the Bursary. It’s wonderful to be able to support the next generation of talented musicians, but of course this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of individuals such as Elain in order to hold fundraising events. It promises to be a fantastic evening – please come over to support!”
The concert by Elain Rhys & Friends will be held on Saturday evening 19 January 2019, 7:30pm at Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead. Tickets are £10 and are available from the Ucheldre Box Office 01407 763 361.
The Winner of the Ben Muskett Scholarship 2018: Cerys Edwards from Pwllglas
Cerys Edwards, a student at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Ruthin branch), has been awarded this year’s scholarship from CGWM in memory of Ben Muskett. Cerys, who’s 16 years old, studies the piano with Teleri-Siân.
Cerys said, “It was a surprise to hear that I had won the Ben Muskett Scholarship. I had just performed in a concert by some of CGWM’s students and was called back to the stage to be presented with the trophy and the scholarship money.”
Congratulating Cerys, Meinir Llwyd, Director of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias explained “Ben Muskett was an inspiring piano tutor at CGWM when he tragically died in a car accident in 2011 aged only 25. This scholarship is awarded annually to pianists under 18 years old who receive lessons at CGWM. This is our way of honouring Ben’s passion for music and teaching children and young people”
Cerys said, “Being awarded the scholarship means a great deal to me. The money will help me to buy new piano pieces that I wish to learn – including Chopin Waltzes, and Debussy Preludes as well as some jazz pieces too.”
Cerys studies music at Ysgol Brynhyfryd with Miss Llinos Williams. She started piano lessons when she was six years old with Mavis Johns, before starting lessons with Teleri-Siân in 2012.
According to Cerys, “I really enjoy coming for lessons with Teleri-Siân at CGWM and with her help, I succeeded in passing my Grade 8 piano with merit during the Summer.”
Llinos, Cerys’ mother said: “We have been very fortunate to receive piano tutors of the highest standard over the years – my son Sion, as well as Cerys’ sister, Cathrin, have enjoyed coming for piano lessons with Teleri-Siân.”
In Year 9, Cerys won the third prize in the Years 7-9 Piano Solo Competition in the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Bridgend. She is also is a faithful member of Côr Cytgan Clwyd.
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) was established in Caernarfon in 1999 and since 2012, the music centre has also been providing music lessons on Monday evenings at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh, and since 2017, at Capel Tabernacl, Ruthin on Wednesday evenings.
The scholarship trophy was presented to Cerys during a ‘Llwyfan Cerdd’ student concert at Pwllglas Village Hall. The concert included performances by students of all ages who receive lessons at the music centre, as well as the music centre’s junior and senior harp ensembles, Telynau Clwyd under the direction of Morwen Blythin and Dylan Cernyw.
Naturally, Cerys’ piano tutor, Teleri Siân was delighted to hear the news: “It’s always a pleasure to teach Cerys the piano at CGWM. She’s a special student who’s well on her way to being a confident, and mature musician.”
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, a charity dedicated to providing experiences in music to the public is calling for the support of the local community and businesses to help reach a fundraising target of £3,000 which will be doubled during the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2017.
Any online donations made to Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) between 28th November – 5th December will be doubled and will contribute to the continuity of Hidden Talents, a programme which provides opportunities in music making for adults with disabilities from the Caernarfon area.
The project has been held successfully for over 10 years and has become immensely important to over 30 participants who attend weekly sessions at Galeri Caernarfon. It was established in 2003 by the Music Centre and musician Arfon Wyn with support of the Arts Council of Wales and Gwynedd Council Social Services. Local individuals living with disabilities benefit both socially and educationally. For some participants, music offers a natural means of communication in the absence of speech. Other benefits include confidence-building and opportunities for social interaction.
Take a look at this film for a taste of what the project offers.
Musician and session leader Arfon Wyn said: “I have great satisfaction from working with ‘Hidden Talents’, we improvise together musically and have made friends for life”.
Since 2012 the project has expanded to Pwllheli and Denbighshire and in 2013 was awarded with the Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award for promoting the Arts in Social Care.
Nia Hughes from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias said: “The project has become a real inspiration to all involved. The individuals who attend are given opportunities to express themselves through music, and often perform to the public in events held by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias. Their faces as they perform is a joy to see, which emphasises the importance of this project. Please support if you can.”
The charity works tirelessly to secure funding of up to £14k annually towards this project. To support Hidden Talents and help continue to enrich the lives of people living with disabilities, please donate online to Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias between 28th November – 5th December 2017. For more information, contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230.
A FEAST OF MUSIC is a special concert organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias which will be held at Theatr John Ambrose, Ruthin on the 3rd of February 2018 at 7:30pm.
The concert will celebrate the fact that the Music Centre has started to provide tuition in Ruthin as part of the charities effort to expand its provision in North East Wales. The Music Centre, whose primary location is situated at Galeri Caernarfon, has been providing music tuition at Theatr Twm o’r Nant Dinbych for several years and is proud to be expanding its provision to Ruthin.
The concert will include performances from the Music Centre’s tutors, as well as present and past students who have gone on to study at music colleges and local youth choir Côr Cytgan Clwyd. Amongst the artists performing in the concert will be Rhys Meirion, Elinor Bennett, Ann Atkinson, Alfred Barker, Glian Llwyd, Teleri Siân, Morwen Blythin, Dylan Cernyw and Kate Griffiths.
The Music Centre’s singing tutor Ann Atkinson, who also is the Director of the North Wales International Music Festival and conductor of both Côr Trelawnwyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr, is looking forward to the concert:
“I’ve been teaching for Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias since 2012 when we started to provide tuition at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh. It’s fantastic to see the Music Centre expand its provision by offering music tuition in Ruthin too.”
“I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with other tutors as well as some of the students that I have been teaching in Denbigh who have now gone on to study the voice further in music colleges.”
Three of Ann’s past students will be taking part in the concert – Tesni Jones and Lisa Davies who have gone on to study the voice in the Royal Northern College of Music and Steffan Davies who now studies Music and Welsh at Bangor University.
According to one of the Music Centre’s piano tutors, Teleri-Siân, who lives in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is working hard to develop its centre in Ruthin. She said:
“We have started by offering piano, singing, violin and theory lessons in Ruthin for children and adults, but we intend to expand the provision to include lessons on a variety of other instruments so it’s important that people contact us to express their interest. We will also continue to develop our provision of group activities during the next months.
“This special night of music on the 3rd of February will help to raise awareness that lessons are now available in Ruthin. Come and enjoy the feast of music!”
The Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project – music groups for young children has been held in Denbigh in partnership with Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and Denbighshire Arts Service for several years. A group for children aged between 6 months and 3 years old is held at 1:45pm at the Hwb in Denbigh and a group for children between 4 – 7 years old at Theatr Twm o’r Nant after school on Mondays.
Tickets for the concert ‘A Feast of Music’ to be held at Theatr John Ambrose on the 3rd of February at 7:30pm are now available from Siop Elfair, Ruthin and from Siop Clwyd, Denbigh. The ticket prices are £7, £6 (pensioners), £3 (children).
Since November 2016, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias has been holding music sessions for older in Gellilydan and Awel y Coleg, Y Bala, led by Nia Davies Williams. Children from the local primary schools have also been taking part in Camau Cerdd sessions (Steps in Music) with Marie-Claire Howorth before joining the older generation to sing and enjoy music activities.
Since being commissioned by Gwynedd Council’s Community Arts Unit, the sessions have helped older people in rural communities come together to meet new people and enjoy music as well as raise confidence.
We’re very pleased to announce that sessions will begin in Deiniolen and Bethesda at the end of October. They are open for all older people who enjoy music to come for a cup of tea and a song. Sessions in Bethesda will begin October 27, 10:30 – 11:30 in Neuadd Ogwen, and every other week from there. Similarly, sessions i Deiniolen will begin on October 27 at 14:00 – 15:00 in Tŷ Elidir. A cup of tea will be available after each session and the local primary schools will join in the Spring 2018.
Take a look at this film for a taste of the Bala and Gellilydan activities. For further information, contact us on 01286 685 230
The Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Chamber Choir took part in a concert at St Asaph Cathedral on Sunday the 24th of September as part of the Welsh National Opera Community Chorus and performed the Welsh premier of Oliver Tarney and Paul Mealor’s Magnificats.
“This was a great experience for the choir to be part of the WNO chorus and to sing in such a stunning location as St Asaph Cathedral” said Jenny Pearson, the choir’s conductor.
Jenny Pearson has been leading the Choir for almost a decade, and under her direction, the choir has experienced many successes, including taking part in a cultural exchange project with the Incantanti Choir from Switzerland only last year.
Some of the more ambitious and most successful performances given by the choir in recent years include: Bach Magnificat, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine and Mozart’s Requiem.
Many of the choir members have gone on to sing with the National Youth Choir of Wales, WNO Youth Opera, and on to renowned conservatoires.
With several of the choir members having moved on to universities and conservatoires in September, the choir is now very eager to appeal to new members to join the team.
The choir is open to singers between 12 – 25 years of age, and Jenny Pearson is eager to emphasise that past experience of singing in choirs is not necessary in order to join:
“Côr Siambr CGWM is open to all – regardless of experience, you don’t need to be receiving singing lessons, and there’s no audition. If your child is a music geek of any sort, they’ll love it! Being a part of the choir is also of benefit for those receiving instrumental lessons – helping with aural and sight-reading skills and their knowledge of music theory.”
The first rehearsal in the series will be held for free, on Thursday the 5th of October between 4:45 – 6:00pm, at SP3, Galeri Caernarfon.
This first free rehearsal is a great opportunity for children who wish to have a taste of being a part of the choir before registering for the series, as well as having an opportunity to have an informal chat with Jenny. To register for the free taster rehearsal and to learn more about the CGWM Chamber Choir, contact 01286 685 230
Congratulations to all CGWM pupils who competed at the National Eisteddfod this year. Here is a list of winners, including current and former pupils:
Unawd
Llinynnau dan 16 oed: Strings solo under 16:
Gwydion Rhys
Unawd
piano dan 16 oed: Piano solo under 16:
Gwydion Rhys
Medi Morgan
Deuawd
offerynnol: Instrumental duet:
Rhiain Awel Dyer & Chloe Roberts
Gwenno & Medi Morgan
Unawd
i ferched 16-19 oed: Solo for girls 16 – 19
Tesni Jones
Lisa Dafydd
Unawd
i fechgyn 12-16 oed: Solo for boys 12 – 16
Tomi Llewelyn
Unawd
Telyn dan 19 oed: Harp Solo under 19:
Elain Rhys
Unawd
mezzo-soprano 19-25 oed: Mezzo-soprano solo 19 – 25:
Morgana Warren-Jones
Unawd
Piano dros 19 oed: Piano solo over 19:
Gwenno Glyn
Unawd
Telyn dros 19 oed: Harp solo over 19:
Glain Dafydd
Rhuban
Glas Offerynnol dros19 oed: Instrumental Blue Ribbon over 19:
Glain Dafydd
An Open Day will be held at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre), Galeri Caernarfon on Saturday 22 July between 10 -4pm. A range of events for young people will be held throughout the day; all free of charge, giving a taste of what is offered by the Centre.
This dynamic Centre was established in 1999 in Caernarfon providing opportunities in music education for people of all ages and abilities through lessons on instruments and voice by experienced tutors, theory lessons, ensembles, choirs and much more!
A highlight of the Open Day will be celebrating ‘Steps Music’s 10th birthday. Steps Music is a project that presents the fundamental elements of music in a fun and educational way for young children from 6 months to 7 years old. At 1pm there will be a class for children aged 4-7 years, and a class for children aged between 6 months and 4 years with their parents at 2pm. To follow, we will enjoy musical performances by former Steps in Music pupils and tutors at a party with games and cake.
The project was established by the William Mathias Music Centre and musician Marie-Claire; who is a postgraduate student at the University of Sheffield studying for an MA in Psychology in Music Education. The scheme has managed to bring an inspirational musical curriculum to communities in north Wales, reaching into nurseries, nursing homes and schools. Marie-Claire said:
“It is exciting to see how the way we have used music to empower individuals as a whole has had such a powerful and positive impact on so many people. As a music tutor I’m so proud to see former pupils of the project growing in the music community, and looking forward to hearing them perform on the day.”
Two workshops will be held during the day. A woodwind workshop at 10am with tutors Rhiannon Mathias, Marie-Claire and Elin Roberts, and voice Masterclass with tenor Huw Llywelyn at 2pm. Offering opportunities for young pupils to learn in groups is important to the Centre, providing opportunities for individuals to perform and work together with other musicians who share the same interest.
Free taster lessons are also offered during the day on the drums, guitar and piano with tutors Graham ‘La’ Land, Neil Browning and Diana Keyse. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy live music performances by pupils and tutors at the Galeri Café Bar. Weather permitting, the day will end with a performance by Hidden Talents and Arfon Wyn on the Dock at 3: 30pm.
The event is held with the support of Tŷ Cerdd. All activities are free of charge, and there is a warm welcome to everyone. To express your interest, or for further information please contact the William Mathias Music Centre on 01286 685 230.
This year’s Summer Concert was held on a warm and sunny Sunday, 18th of June in Powis Hall, Bangor University.
We were treated to performances by the talented pupils from CGWM as well as the string quartets and ensembles conducted by Nicki Pearce.
Again
this year we awarded special prizes to the promising pupils of the Centre.
A scholarship in memory of Ben Muskett, awarded to a young and enthusiastic
pianist, and two awards to the pupils who gained the highest marks in their
ABRSM exams.
Winners:
Ben Muskett Scholarship: Gwydion Rhys – Piano
Award in memory of Thomas Williams Jones: Leisa Lloyd-Edwards – Voice grade 1
Award in memory of Noel ab Owen Roberts: Ynyr Pritchard – Viola grade 8
We’d like to congratulate the three on their achievements and performances, and to everyone who took park in the concert on Sunday.
It’s fair to say the future won’t be short of musical talent.
An open day will be held by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh on Sunday the 9th of July.
There will be a variety of activities happening throughout the day including free music taster lessons on the harp, violin, singing and piano, Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project for young children, Junior Harp Ensemble for young harpists, and to finish a concert by the music centre’s students.
The day will begin with Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) taster sessions with the tutor Charlotte Amy Green. The project introduces music in a fun and imaginative way to young children. There will be a session for children aged 15 months – 3 years old at 10:30am, and a session for children age 4 – 7 years old to follow at 11:30am. The sessions will be free, however booking is essential.
The Camau Cerdd has been taking place in Denbigh since two years with one session taking place at Hwb Dinbych and another at Theatr Twm o’r Nant on Monday afternoons during the school term.
The Junior Harp Ensemble will follow under the direction of Morwen Blythin and Dylan Cernyw which is aimed at young harpists up to grade 3 standard. Following the ‘Telynau Clwyd’ harp project which meets once a month at Hwb Dinbych, the ambition is to form a harp ensemble for younger harpists too.
Morwen Blythin, one of the ensemble’s leaders said:
“I’m looking forward to the Open Day at CGWM Denbigh in order to start the new harp ensemble for junior harpists. Practicing the harp by one’s self can be a lonely task sometimes, so having this opportunity to play with other harpists and have fun is of great benefit to the harpists in the area.”
In addition to these projects, there will be opportunities to have free taster lessons with the experienced tutors of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias. Offered during the open day will be violin lessons with Alfred Barker, harp with Morwen Blythin, singing with Ann Atkinson and piano with Teleri-Siân.
According to violin tutor, Alfred Barker, “This open day is a wonderful opportunity for people who have been thinking of taking up an instrument or voice to have a free taster lesson and meet the experienced tutors that we have here at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias.”
It is necessary to book your place before hand for the taster lessons by phoning the CGWM office.
To finish the open day there will be an informal ‘Llwyfan Cerdd’ concert at 3:30pm given by the music centre’s students. Tickets for the concert will be sold on the door.
In order to book your free taster lessons, Camau Cerdd or Harp Ensemble, contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230 or via email.
Canolfan Gerdd William Music Centre in Caernarfon and Denbigh will be offering free music taster lessons during May 2017 for older people who are interested in taking up a new instrument or singing lessons.
This special offer is part of the Gwanwyn Festival, a month long national festival held across Wales in May each year. Recently the music centre received funding from the Gwanwyn Festival in order to offer free taster lessons to people over 50 years old as well as to hold a concert with present students during May.
According to Elinor Bennett, one of the founders of the Music Centre: “This provides a great opportunity for individuals over fifty to take up instrumental lessons after retirement – perhaps on an instrument that they have previously had lessons when they were a child, or to start instrumental or singing lessons for the first time. I sincerely hope that many people will take advantage of this exciting offer.”
There are over 45 experienced tutors at the William Mathias Music Centre who provide tuition on a broad range of instruments, including singing. It is possible to learn about the variety of lessons offered as well as booking a taster lesson by phoning Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230.
Elizabeth Jones from Talysarn receives lessons with Geraint Roberts and is also a member of Côr Hamdden Mathias. She said:
“I used to have singing lessons when I was about 15 year old onward, but had a break from the lessons when I started work, and I have now taken up lessons again after retiring.”
“Having singing lessons with Geraint Roberts at the music centre has given me confidence and I’m now thinking about getting back into competing.”
Another student who enjoys his lessons at the William Mathias Music Centre is Huw Roberts, a retired GP of four years. He said:
“After retiring I took the opportunity to join local choirs. I hadn’t received any singing tuition prior to this, and I therefore decided to start weekly singing lessons at the Music Centre in Caernarfon with Trystan Lewis.”
“I really enjoy my lessons – and feel lucky to have found such a patient and experienced tutor.”
Receiving weekly cello lessons is an important part of life for Sioned Huws from Caernarfon. She said:
“Music means a great deal to me – it lifts my spirits and helps to relieve boredom sometimes.”
Sioned receives cello lessons with Nicki Pearce as well as being part of the CGWM Adult Cello Ensemble.
As well as encouraging people to take up an instrument, there will also be an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of the music centre’s existing students, through the ‘Miwsig Mai’ concert held in Stiwdio 1 Galeri Caernarfon on the 18th of May.
In this concert, adults who receive lessons at the centre will have the opportunity to perform in an informal concert. As well as solo pieces by the students, the music centre’s choir, Côr Hamdden Mathias will also perform.
The choir was formed in 2015 and the members come together weekly during the school term on Thursday afternoons.
To organise your free taster lesson, phone Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230.
12 &13 April 2017: Celebrating the harps of Ireland and Wales.
The Wales Harp Festival will be held on Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 April at the arts centre, Galeri, in the culturally dynamic town of Caernarfon. Directed by world renowned harpist Elinor Bennett, this year’s Festival features a two-day course for harpists, as well as a concert, competition and lecture. The Festival is an annual event organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre. Every fourth year it becomes the larger scale Wales International Harp Festival. The next International Festival will be held in April 2018.
The two-day Harp Course takes place from 10am – 5pm on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 April and is suitable for harpists of all ages and abilities. Leading harpists from Ireland – Denise Kelly and Cliona Doris – will join Festival Director, Elinor Bennett, Catrin Morris-Jones, and Elfair Grug Dyer from Wales, to teach and celebrate the long history of the harp in both Celtic countries. Children and young people from Wales will be taught Irish harp tunes by the visiting students from Dublin and will be invited to perform with them during the Festival.
On Wednesday, April 12, at 4pm, at Galeri Caernarfon, Dr Sally Harper will give a talk entitled :-
‘Creating a tradition together: Welsh and Irish Harpists at the medieval council of Glyn Achlach, Co. Leinster’
Dr Harper says: “The ‘Legend of Glyn Achlach’ has fascinated musicians and historians in Wales for centuries. It describes an early musical partnership between Wales and Ireland that seems to have emerged during the early years of the 12th century, centring on a ‘council’ of Welsh and Irish harpists who met together at ‘Glyn Achlach’ in Ireland. Their purpose was to discuss the finest features of their craft, and to write down the rules associated with it.
But how far should we believe this account – or is it really just an imaginary story?
Though the ‘Legend’ does reveal some mythological features, other details are definitely grounded in reality. We now know that ‘Glyn Achlach’ was the Welsh name for Glendalough in Co. Leinster, home of St Kevin, while the ‘Mwrthan’ said to have presided over the council was undoubtedly Muirchertach O’Briain, King of Munster and High King of Ireland until his death in 1119. But perhaps of most interest for us is the practical outcome of the council – a set of musical ‘measures’, or structural patterns, that still survive. Their influence is clearly seen in the famous harp tablature copied out by the Anglesey harpist, Robert ap Huw, in c.1613 – and it is surely no coincidence that the titles of these measures bear the stamp of both the Irish and Welsh language.’
Dr Sally Harper, the leading authority internationally on early Welsh music, will provide the key to unlock one of Wales’ most fascinating and forgotten legends, and will recount how Gruffydd ap Cynan (c.1055 – 1137) known as “The Prince of Wales” brought Irish musicians to Wales with him, and is said to have organised a great congress or eisteddfod for Welsh and Irish musicians in Caerwys, Flintshire.
Festival Director, Elinor Bennett, said:
“The harp is the national emblem of Ireland and appears on flags, Irish euros – and is the logo for Guiness! It is Wales’ national instrument with an unbroken tradition stretching back for 1500 years, according to the evidence of poets and their verses. I look forward very much to hearing what happened when “The Prince of Wales – Gruffydd ap Cynan- brought harpists from Ireland to meet their Celtic cousins Wales.
“In April this year, young Irish harpists will come to the Wales Harp Festival to enjoy making music together and to rekindle the memory of a remarkable event that happened almost 880 years ago.
“The Welsh Government has designated 2017 as the “Year of the Legend”, and I am delighted that Dr Harper has agreed to come to the Festival to remind present-day harpists of this ancient legend. It is heart-warming to know that a distinguished musicologist of English birth has made such an enormous contribution to the understanding of our ancient heritage! “
The Festival Concert “Harps of the Celtic Sea” on Thursday, 13 April, 7.30 pm
will feature performances of traditional and classical music from Wales and Ireland given by some of the most talented young harpists from both countries.
Ten students from the Conservatory of the Institute of Technology, Dublin, will perform alongside some of Wales’ most talented young harpists in a varied and lively programme of music from both sides of the Irish sea.
The distinguished harpists and teachers, Denise Kelly and Cliona Doris will accompany the eight harpists and will bring two traditional musicians with them to play the Irish pipes and bodhran.
One of Wales’ leading traditional singers, Gwenan Gibbard will bring her brand new choir – “Côr yr Heli” – to make its concert debut at the Festival before they cross the Irish Sea to compete at the Pan-Celtic Festival in Carlow, Ireland the following week.
The Festival is thrilled to invite Côr Telyn Gwynedd / Môn Harp Ensemble, comprising 18 young harpists, to open the concert with their conductor, Alwena Roberts, who is the leading peripatetic tutor for Gwasanaeth Ysgolion William Mathias Schools Music Service in local schools.
A warm welcome will be extended to two ex-students of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias’ – Elfair and Rhiain Dyer – to perform solos and a duo composed by the Festival’s Honorary President, Osian Ellis.
During the concert, the introductory brochure of the 2018 Wales International Harp Festival will be launched. The Festival will celebrate the work of Wales’ most distinguished living harpist – Dr Osian Ellis – who lives in Pwllheli.
Tickets for the Lecture and Concert available form Galeri Box Office 01286 685 222.
Harpist Elinor Bennett and cellist Nicki Pearce will appear at a concert organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre at the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre at 4:00pm on Sunday the 29 January 2017.
The prominent harpist and cellist are both tutors at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, a charity which provides one to one music tuition at its centres in Caernarfon and Denbigh, as well as a wide range of other music activities across North Wales.
Elinor Bennett was one of the founders of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and has been teaching the harp at the centre since the very beginning. She said: “It’s wonderful to see Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias expanding its provision and I’m looking forward very much to performing solo pieces and duets with Nicki Pearce at this special concert.”
The concert will also give an opportunity for some of the music centre’s students to perform.
Director of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, Meinir Llwyd Roberts said: “The string ensembles which are coached by Nicki Pearce, provide an excellent opportunity for young musicians to come together and enjoy performing as part of a group
“A number of the members also come to us for one to one lessons and being a part of the ensembles is a great way of developing their musical skills.”
James Scourse, a Professor at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University will appear with Nicki Pearce and the Senior Cello Ensemble to perform the Double Cello Concerto by Vivaldi during the concert.
Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children are available from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias