by Gwydion Davies | 26 June, 2017 | Uncategorized
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 16 May, 2017 | Uncategorized
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 15 March, 2017 | Uncategorized
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.
IRISH HARPISTS COME TO WALES TO REMEMBER AN ANCIENT
LEGEND
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.
FESTIVAL LECTURE
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! “
FESTIVAL CONCERT
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 28 January, 2017 | Uncategorized
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
by Gwydion Davies | 18 November, 2016 | Uncategorized
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias music centre in Caernarfon received a huge surprise when
a National Lottery player revealed their application for funding had been
successful.
The
Music Centre was presented with a cheque for £7,000 as part of The National
Lottery’s ‘Thank You Wales’ campaign. The campaign allows players to find out
more about the projects that benefit when they buy a ticket.
Bernii
Owen, 22 from Llanfairpwll, who has been a keen National Lottery player since
she became eligible to play six years ago, spent a day with harpist Elinor
Bennett finding out more about the organisation and how it supports people with
a love of music, including those with learning disabilities and dementia.
Elinor
explained how the funding will help the centre purchase new instruments,
upgrade its facilities and improve its teaching provision to people of all ages
from across the area.
Internationally
renowned harpist Elinor Bennett co-founded Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and
still teaches there. She said:
“This
National Lottery funding from the Arts Council of Wales will be hugely
beneficial to our organisation. Whether young or old, music can play a
significant role in people’s lives, whether it helps them to express themselves
creatively, communicate with others, develop a talent, form friendships,
provide them with escapism or improve their mental well-being, it can provide a
huge number of benefits.
“The
funding will enable us to not only invest in more equipment but also hold more
classes across north east Wales, where we now also have a branch and reach out
to more communities, particularly Communities First areas. It will also
help us to develop the classes we currently offer to young children as well as
enabling us to grow our Hidden Talent and music memories programmes – which are
dedicated to helping provide people living with learning disabilities and
dementia with a way of communicating with others.”
Bernii
Owen, who works as a supervisor at Wal restaurant in Caernarfon said: “It’s
great to discover more about a local organisation that is benefitting from
National Lottery funds, and also to be part of such a big surprise.
“It’s
not every day you get to hand over a cheque to an organisation knowing that the
money is going to help make a difference to the lives of so many people.
“It
was really exciting handing the envelope over to Elinor and waiting for her to
absorb the content. She was so grateful and overwhelmed to receive the funding.
There were so many smiles and hugs – it was overwhelming.
“When
you buy a ticket you usually think about the money up for grabs, but I’ve never
really thought too much about the fact that some of my ticket money goes to
such deserving local organisations like Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias.
“It’s
been a great experience to be involved in the campaign, and I’m sure the other
National Lottery players have had an equally rewarding experience when visiting
other projects across Wales. I’ll definitely be spreading the word about where
the money goes from now on, especially after seeing the impact it has
first-hand, and how many people benefit as a result.”
Jackie
O’Sullivan, Director of National Lottery Good Causes, said:
“National
Lottery players have raised a massive £1.6 billion to fund projects right
across Wales. The ‘Thank you Wales’ campaign is thanking lottery players,
without whom none of this would have been possible. We want to make National
Lottery players aware of the thousands of fantastic projects across Wales that
would never get off the ground if it weren’t for their money.”
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias, established in 1999, is located at Galeri, Caernarfon.
Individual musical training is offered from beginner to professional level.
Currently, more than 350 students from 5 to 80+ years old attend individual
lessons regularly provided by a team of 40 tutors at the Centre in Caernarfon
and at its Denbigh branch.
The
Centre also provides other music opportunities including the following:
- ‘Music Steps’ for children 0-7 years of age
• ‘Hidden Talents’ for children and adults with learning disabilities
• Choir and chamber ensembles for youth
• Adult Choir during the day
• theory and composition classes
• Concerts and various music festivals
• Workshops and master classes by leading musicians
• Sessions in homes for the elderly
The grant will fund the replacement and improvement of the Centre’s stock of musical instruments and associated equipment (such as stools) as well as providing a laptop for video editing and other purposes.
by Gwydion Davies | 9 August, 2016 | Uncategorized
Congratulations to several of our students on their success at the National Eisteddfod this year:
Boys’ Solo Under 16 years – 1st Tegid Goodman-Jones / Tutor
Ann Atkinson
Girls’ Solo 16-19years – 1st Tesni Jones / Tutor Ann
Atkinson
Piano Solo Under 16 years – 3rd Gwydion Rhys / Tutor Sioned
Webb
Strings Solo Under 16 years – 3rd Gwydion Rhys / Tutor Nicki
Pearce
Boys’ Solo Under 16 years – 3rd Gronw Ifan Elis Griffith
/ Tutor Mary Lloyd-Davies
Boys’ Solo 16-19years – 3rd Gwern Brookes / Tutor Sian Wyn Gibson
Congratulations also to singing students Leisa Gwenllian and
Fflur Davies for winning third prize in the Cerdd Dant Duet under 21years and
to Math Roberts for winning the John Weston Thomas memorial prize on the triple
harp for the third year running.
Huge congratulations to Ela Haf, the daughter and pupil of our
brass tutor Dylan Williams, on winning the Instrumental Blue Riband for those
under 16 years and to our ex-student Gwyn Owen for winning the Instrumental
Blue Riband for those aged over 19 years. Congratulations also to Gwyn on being
awarded an MA degree with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music, London.
We look forward to following his professional career.
It was great to see so many of our students, tutors and
friends competing as members of choirs and parties, performing in various
events and accompanying during the week.
by Gwydion Davies | 3 May, 2016 | Uncategorized
Following four days of competitions, concerts
and workshops the Wales International Piano Festival came to a close on a high
note on Monday evening (2nd May) with Belgian pianist Yulia Vershinina
being named the winner of the Senior Piano Solo Competition. Yulia who studies
at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester was awarded the main prize
of £2,000 donated by Roberts of Port Dinorwic.
Hungarian Domonkos Csabay was the winner of
the competition for piano accompanists. The prize was £1250 donated by the
Sickle Foundation. Domonkoz is currently studying at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
17 year old Callum McLachlan from
Stockport who is a student at Chetham’s School of Music won the Junior Piano
Solo Competition 1st prize of £700 supported by piano tutors of the Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre.
The festival organised by Canolfan Gerdd
William Mathias Music Centre and directed by pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones was
held in Galeri, Caernarfon from 29 April – 2 May.
by Gwydion Davies | 5 April, 2016 | Uncategorized
On
Wednesday 6 April, the new artistic director of the Wales International Piano
Festival, pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones will take to the road for a series of
impromptu performances in North West Wales. Armed with a brilliant red
piano supplied by Pianos Cymru and with the help of Ian Jones, Iwan will visit
four venues in Bangor, Menai Bridge and Caernarfon to play a wide selection of
popular music for passers-by, from Chopin to Stevie Wonder.
Iwan
said, “It’s going to be fun going on the road with this bright red piano –
you’ll not be able to miss us! I hope that people enjoy hearing lovely
piano music played live in these rather unexpected places. I’ll be taking
requests, so people can come along and I’ll play something just for them. They
can even have a sing along if they like, or join me in a duet!”
The
aim of the Roadshow is to raise awareness of the Wales International Piano
Festival 2016, which is organised by the William Mathias Music Centre in
Galeri, Caernarfon and which takes place from 29 April – 2 May, 2016. This
four-day event features concerts, a competition with competitors from all over
the world, and performances in informal settings.
Schedule:
Wednesday
6 April
9.30am
Gwynedd Hospital, Bangor
11.00am Waitrose Supermarket, Menai Bridge
12.30pm Frongoch Garden Centre, nr Caernarfon
2.30pm Morrison’s Supermarket, Caernarfon
by Gwydion Davies | 24 March, 2016 | Uncategorized
The
Wales International Piano Festival will be held from 29 April – 2 May 2016 at
Galeri, the iconic arts centre in Caernarfon. This year’s festival has a new
Director, pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and is the third festival to be presented
by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (CGWM/The William Mathias Music
Centre). The festival comprises concerts, competitions, masterclasses,
workshops, lectures and interviews with guest artists.
Peter
Donohoe, acclaimed international pianist, opens the festival on Friday 29 April
at 7.45pm in a recital of works by Ravel, Debussy, Scriabin and Rachmaninov. A
former winner and recent jury member of the Tchaikovsky International Piano
Competition, Peter Donohoe will chair the Jury for the Senior Solo Piano Competition.
The
first of three piano competitions begins on the morning of Saturday 30 April
with the preliminary stage of the Junior Solo Piano Competition; the final
round takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 1 May. The Senior Solo and Piano
Accompanist Competitions begin on the morning of Sunday 1 May (preliminary
rounds) with the public finals on the afternoon of Monday 2 May. Participants
come from all over the UK and abroad.
At
lunchtime on Saturday 30 April, there will be a concert entitled ‘Satie on the Sidewalk’,
celebrating the music of Erik Satie.
The
evening concert on the 30 April at 7.45pm showcases the versatility of Welsh
music and musicians, featuring six world premieres of specially commissioned
short works for solo piano, inspired by images and words on the theme of ‘Peace
and Remembrance’. Three works are by young, upcoming composers and three by
renowned composers of international standing: Paul Mealor, well known for his
anthem for the marriage of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; Richard Baker,
noted for his orchestral and chamber music, and Owain Llwyd who is at the
cutting edge of film and media composition. The young composers are Luke
Lewis, Mared Emlyn and Maja Palser.
The
Festival Education Project reaches its climax in this Saturday evening concert
with the premiere performance of a new work for chamber ensemble by four
young A-level students. This three-movement composition with accompanying
fanfares will be performed by instrumentalists from CGWM.
On
Sunday 1 May at 7.45 we go into ‘Fiesta’ mode when the piano take centre stage
to raise the roof with other instrumentalists, singers and narrators in a
concert of music from across the globe including Lambert’s Rio Grande,
Poulenc’s delightful setting of Babar the Elephant and Milhaud’s Scaramouche.
The programme features five pianists, including Festival Director Iwan
Llewelyn-Jones, and the CGWM Chamber Choir.
On
the final morning, Monday 2 May, two fun events will be held in Galeri’s
atrium: ‘Coffee and Croissants with Chopin and Debussy’ at 10.00am and at
midday, the ‘Pianothon’, where pianists of all ages and abilities have an
opportunity to tinkle the ivories.
by Gwydion Davies | 24 March, 2016 | Uncategorized
The
Wales Harp Festival will be held on Wednesday 6 & Thursday 7 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 public concerts and a
lecture recital. 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 2018.
A
two-day Harp Course takes place from 10am – 5pm on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7
April and is suitable for harpists of all ages and abilities. Tutors include
Festival Director, Elinor Bennett, Eira Lynn Jones (Professor of Harp at the
Royal Northern College of Music), Morwen Blythin, Einir Wyn Hughes and Dylan
Wyn Rowlands.
On
Wednesday 6 April at 7pm, Lord Thomas of Gresford, QC, gives a fascinating
history of his family who originate from the famous Welsh Romani, Abram
Wood. Lord Thomas is descended from Abram Wood’s granddaughter, Black
Ellen – a reputed witch – whom he describes as “the finest story-teller and
the most powerful witch of all the descendants”.
Another
prominent member of his family was the famous harpist, John Roberts, ‘The
Harpist of Wales’ whose 200th anniversary we celebrate during this
year’s Festival. Following his family tradition, Lord Thomas has recently
learnt to play the harp and will perform short excerpts during his talk.
Festival
Director Elinor Bennett said: “It is particularly interesting that a
distinguished member of the Upper Chamber in Parliament UK talks about his
itinerant and immigrant ancestors who contributed so richly to folk music in
Wales over two hundred years ago.”
The
talk is followed by a short performance by Elinor Bennett on the Welsh Triple
Harp. Her programme will include Sonata No.3 from Four Lessons 1761
written by the great 18th century harpist John Parry. “
A
spectacle of fifty harpists playing together takes place on the galleries and
balconies of the Galeri foyer at 5:00pm on Thursday 7 April. This event
will include a variety of ensemble pieces and a mass performance of dance tunes
taught during the course by Robin Huw Bowen in further
commemoration of John Roberts.
The
Festival Concert features a range of music from traditional to jazz and takes
place on Thursday 7 April at 7:30pm. Gypsy music of Wales is performed by Robin
Huw Bowen ‘Master of the Triple Harp’and performing Irish
folk music are Irish duo Chris Newman (guitar) and Maire Ni Chathasaigh (harp),
who has just been awarded Female Musician of the Year in Live Ireland 2016
Awards.
Award-winning young harpist Ben Creighton-Griffiths plays jazz on the new Camac
Electric Harp,
incorporating its technology and impressive special effects into his programme.
This exceptionally talented harpist, who is still in his teens, made his first
international professional debut in 2004 at only 7 years old.
The
2016 Wales Harp Festival is supported by Clogau Gold, Arts Council of Wales,
Gwynedd Council and Telynau Vining Harps.
by Gwydion Davies | 3 March, 2016 | Uncategorized
A
busy day in Llangollen on St. David’s Day!
A
fun day for babies, toddlers and their parents/guardians was organised by
Menter Iaith to celebrate Diwrnod Dathlu Dewin.
Many
organisations were in attendance including our very own Camau Cerdd.
Sessions
of Cropian Cerdd (Shuffle Time Music) and Camau Cyntaf (First Steps) were held
during the course of the day and a lot of fun was had by all!
Through
song and music making we visited the sea side, the farm and the jungle. We
learnt our do-re-mi’s with Mr Cerdd and felt the beats of music with Plu Enfys.
The sessions also included our new song about the daffodil, celebrating Saint
David’s day perfectly.
Camau
Cerdd had a wonderful time in Llangollen and we hope to be back some time in
the not so distant future.
If
you were at the event or are sorry you missed it then please take note that we
will be doing some similar sessions in Denbigh on the 3rd of April.
More
information coming soon – follow us on Facebook.
by Gwydion Davies | 11 February, 2016 | Uncategorized
Wyn
ap Gwilym from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin, has recently passed his grade 3
harp exam.
Wyn
studies the harp with Morwen Blythin at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music
Centre in Denbigh. He previously passed his grade 8 piano whilst a student at
Abergele Grammar School, before he went on to study Micropaleontology (the
study of micro-fossils) at Aberystwyth University.
Whilst
studying at Aberystwyth, Wyn happened to visit Carmarthen Eisteddfod where he
saw a stand displaying a brand new harp which was made out of carbon fibre. Wyn
was drawn to the instrument, and decided to buy it.
He
took the harp back with him to the Solomon Islands where he was living at the
time. Wyn found that playing the harp was a rewarding activity and it reminded
him of his Welsh roots, especially being so far from Wales. He recalls:
‘I
played the harp in numerous locations on the Islands, the most interesting
place was on a French research ship called, The Norris. The majority of the
crew came from Brittany, and we had a lot of fun singing Breton lyrics to Welsh
folk melodies!’
It
wasn’t until Wyn returned to Wales in the 70s to study a doctorate degree in
Aberystwyth that he started to have harp lessons. But with the pressure of work
and a new baby, he had to put the harp to one side for a while. Despite this,
the harp travelled with him when he moved back to the Solomon Islands, then on
to Singapore, and even to Saudi Arabia, where he lived and worked until 2013
before finally moving back to Wales.
In
2015, Wyn started his lessons with Morwen Blythin and now a year later he has
passed his grade 3 harp exam with distinction. His tutor said:
‘To
think that Wyn has only been having harp lessons with us here at Canolfan Gerdd
William Mathias Denbigh for a year, he has made significant progress and learns
very quickly. Wyn is incredibly enthusiastic about learning the harp, and I
enjoy teaching him immensely.’
Wyn
is now looking forward to continuing his lessons and preparing for his next
grade.
by Gwydion Davies | 17 December, 2015 | Uncategorized
On
Monday 14th December 2015 the specially designed music room at Bryn
Seiont Newydd – the Dementia Care Centre recently opened by Pendine Park
Company- was used for its first performance. Marie-Claire Howorth and Meinir
Llwyd Roberts from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias hosted an informal
interactive performance involving some of the pupils of the successful project
Camau Nesaf Cerdd (Next Steps in Music) for 4-7 year olds.
The
residents were charmed by the children’s characterful sense of dress and
ability to play and share their music. They participated in the activities by
shaking pom-poms and playing bells. To close the event Marie-Claire’s grade 6
and 8 clarinet pupils (who had also performed in the event) provided the
accompaniment for some festive carol singing. We would like to thank all the
parents and staff at Bryn Seiont Newydd for making this event possible
and enjoyable. The children particularly loved the cakes!
We
look forward to 2016 when we hope to continue this important venture between
the younger and senior members of our community with Nia Davies Williams the
Resident Musician at Bryn Seiont and Resident Visual Artist Nia Lloyd-Roberts.
To find out more about Camau Cerdd please see the Camau Cerdd page on this
website or find us on facebook/camaucerdd
by Gwydion Davies | 10 December, 2015 | Uncategorized
The
first series of Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project in Denbigh has come to an
end, and Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias are delighted to announce that the
series has been a huge success.
The
Camau Cerdd project has been developed in partnership between Canolfan Gerdd
William Mathias and musician Marie-Claire Howorth since 2007. The project’s
tutor in Denbigh is Charlotte Green who also tutors in areas of Gwynedd and
Anglesey following the recent expansion of the project.
The
project’s aim is to offer music tuition for children from the very start. An
education in music has the potential to empower the body and brain: develop
literacy and communication; emotional intelligence; numeracy; coordination;
memory and social skills. Camau Cerdd also develops a firm basis for further
musical learning when the children go on to start one-to-one instrumental or
singing lessons.
Support
was received by Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and Denbighshire Arts Service to
develop the project in Denbigh and two sessions for different age groups were
held:
Camau
Cyntaf Cerdd (First Steps in Music) sessions for children between 15
months and 3 years old were held at the HWB Dinbych. They provided a general
introduction to the world of music and also inspired parents and carers to use
music confidently with their children at home.
Camau
Nesaf (Next Steps in Music) is for children between 4 and 7 years old
and the sessions were held in Theatr Twm o’r Nant where the Music Centre also
provides one to one music tuition for children and adults. The aim of these
music sessions that were held through the medium of Welsh is to develop the
children’s understanding of music in a fun way through games, sol-fa and
musical instruments.
A
special session was held on the last week to celebrate the success of the
series. Menter Iaith arranged for everyone to have a “panad” and cake and the
end of the session, giving everyone the opportunity to socialise and reflect on
the series.
The
children of the Next Steps classes gave their parents an informal concert to
show them the progress they have made over the series. The children were proud
to show them what they had learnt including singing sol-fa, playing the
pentatonic scale on bells, showing their parents the different rhythms and
finishing by dancing as they played a Latin-American rhythm on Clave.
The
parents were very proud to see their children enjoying themselves as they got a
taste of what they had been learning. Elin Jones said:
‘My
child enjoyed the sessions very much. I have been hearing her singing do re mi
often. The activities are fun, colourful and memorable. Thanks to Charlotte for
being so lively and friendly’.
Charlotte
Green, Camau Cerdd tutor explains the importance of the project:
‘By
the time children start their musical education at school or start receiving
instrumental or singing lessons, Steps in Music will have already given them a
firm grasp of the world of music –understanding rhythm, being able to read
music, have a knowledge of different instruments and the sounds that they make,
and being able to listen and express themselves through music’.
The
next series of Camau Cerdd will start in Denbigh on the 11th of
January with many of the children looking forward to continuing in their
musical learning. New members are welcome. To book a space for your child, download the registration form or contact us.
by Gwydion Davies | 16 November, 2015 | Uncategorized
Galeri’s
Theatre was alive with the sound of music from all four corners of the globe on
Sunday 8th November. Despite the blustery weather outside, nothing
seemed to dampen the spirits as a packed house, whose age ranges spanned from 4
months to 80 +, was treated to a spectacular concert that marked the launch of
the 2016 Wales International Piano Festival.
No
less than twelve of the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias’s piano tutors performed
duets and trios from the classical, jazz and popular piano repertoire with accompanying
images.
Immediately
following the concert the audience enjoyed a ‘paned’ and a slice of the
magnificent cake made especially for the event by Enlli Vaughan.
Wales
International Piano Festival Director, Iwan Llewelyn-Jones gave the audience a
brief outline of the Festival programme that will include a much anticipated
recital by the world renowned concert pianist Peter Donohoe, an evening devoted
to the very best of Welsh music and musicians, and a gala ‘Fiesta’ night for
all the family. With competitions, classes and informal concerts this promises
to be an action packed four days!
Sunday’s
concert also saw the official launch of the festival’s fundraising initiative –
Noddi Nodyn / Sponsor a Note – an unique opportunity for individuals and
businesses to support the festival by sponsoring any note on the piano for £50.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias’ Director Meinir Llwyd Roberts said:
It
was fantastic to see our piano tutors together on stage. We are very grateful
to Festival Director Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and all the tutors for all their hard
work and for ensuring that the launch was a resounding success. We also extend
our sincere thanks to Ian Jones (Pianos Cymru) for supporting this concert.
The
Wales
International Piano Festival will be held between Friday 29th
April and Monday 2nd May 2016 at Galeri, Caernarfon.
by Gwydion Davies | 7 November, 2015 | Uncategorized
This November, Galeri Arts Centre in
Caernarfon will be alive with the sounds of piano music from across the world
as the tutors Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre come together to
showcase their talents, celebrate the world of piano music, and whet the
appetite for the prestigious forthcoming Wales International Piano Festival
being held at Galeri in the Spring of 2016.
The programme for the afternoon concert at 3pm on the 8th of November will include a feast
of piano duets and trios from Classical, Jazz and Popular repertoire, involving
almost a dozen pianists truly providing something for everyone.
The repertoire represents a musical journey across the world,
taking in the sounds of France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Russia through
the works of Fauré, Ravel, Poulenc, Handel, Dvorak and Rachmaninov.
The players will take the audience to even more exotic
destinations, with the work of Arthur Benjamin representing the Caribbean;
Percy Grainger evoking the sights and sounds of Zanzibar in Africa;
and the towering figures of George Gershwin and Dave Brubeck bringing the brash
and stylish flavours of the United States to the shores of the Menai.
A highlight of the concert will be a
4-handed, two piano performance of ‘Eryri’ by rising star of the Music Centre,
16 year old
Math Roberts, from pianists – Sian
Wheway and Sioned Webb, rooting the concert firmly on the home ground of
Snowdonia.
The festival is also proud to announce that the veteran
international concert pianist John Lill has kindly agreed to become Patron of
the 2016 festival, with the composer John Metcalf its President. Their backing
underlines the importance and status of the Wales International Piano Festival
in the musical calendar, and the quality and ambition it plans encourage.
International
concert pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, Director of the 2016 Festival says:
This
will be a fabulous curtain raiser for what promises to be a stunning action
packed festival in the spring. We’ll be showcasing wonderful music for
all tastes which I hope will appeal not just to piano music enthusiasts, but to
anyone who wants to be introduced to what the piano world has to offer.
Meinir
Llwyd Roberts, Director of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre says:
This concert, leading up to the International Festival in 2016 is proof of the standing of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias in the musical world. Following on from the success of our International Harp festivals, we’re fast becoming a musical powerhouse not just in Wales and across the UK but Internationally as well.
You
can book your ticket from Galeri Box Office online or over the phone (01286
685222)
by Gwydion Davies | 3 November, 2015 | Uncategorized
A
concert was held at the end of September by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias at
Galeri Caernarfon to recognise the success of its students during the previous
academic year.
The
concert included performances by some of the Music Centre’s most promising
students with soloists including Medi Morgan, Medi Evans, Megan Hunter, Erin
Swyn Williams, Gwenno Morgan, Ynyr Pritchard, Seimon Menai, and Math Roberts
taking to the stage.
The
Music Centre’s instrumental and vocal ensembles were also well represented on
the night with performances by the Cello Ensemble, Piano Trio, String Quartet
and Chamber Choir.
It
wasn’t performance alone that was recognised on the night, with the Music
Centre taking pride in including pieces composed by its young students in the
programme.
Thalia
Lichtenstein is a member of the Cello Ensemble, and some months ago she
composed a piece with the ensemble in mind. The piece was titled ‘Atgofion
Heddychlon’ (which translates as ‘Peaceful Memories’.)
Nicola
Pierce, the Music Centre’s cello tutor and leader of the ensemble said:
Thalia
composed this lovely piece especially for the group. It was a privilege to
perform this work and great experience for Thalia – not only to hear the piece
being performed in concert but also conducting the performance.
Another
young composer who was recognised in the concert was Gwydion Rhys who composed
‘Introduction & Grand Polonaise’ for cello and piano.
Gwydion,
12 years old from Llanllechid, had composed the piece with his cello tutor,
Nicola Pierce in mind who performed the piece on the night with accomplished
pianist and CGWM tutor Steven Evans. Nicola said:
Here
is a mature piece composed by Gwydion which displays many different techniques
on the cello and piano.
One
of the highlights of the night was presenting some of the Music Centre’s
students with prises. Math Roberts from Llanrug won the Ben Musket Scholarship
and the Noel ab Owen Roberts memorial cup for a member of the Caernarfon Male
Voice Choir. Erin Swyn who receives lessons with Ann Atkinson in our Denbigh
branch won the Thomas William Jones memorial cup, a member of Caernarfon Male
Voice Choir.
The
concert was brought to close with a performance of select movements from
Mozart’s Requiem performed by the Chamber Choir who meet on Thursday nights at
Galeri.
During
the concert, it was announced that Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias will be
hosting the Wales
International Piano Festival between the 29th of April
and the 2nd of May 2016 under the direction of acknowledge pianist,
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones.
A
fundraising concert for the Piano Festival will be held on the 8th
of November and will include a brilliant programme of piano duets and trios
from the classical, jazz and popular repertoire.
by Gwydion Davies | 23 October, 2015 | Uncategorized
The
pioneering project Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) is set to be introduced for the
very first time in Denbigh from the 28 September onwards.
The
project which has been running throughout Gwynedd for a number of years is a
partnership between the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre and one of
the Centre’s music tutors, Marie-Claire Howorth.
The
project tutor in Denbigh will be Charlotte Amy Green who has been working
alongside the project leader, Marie-Claire for several years and also tutors
sessions in Llanfairpwll and Penygroes.
Charlotte,
a music graduate who plays with Menai Bridge Brass Band and also gives brass
lessons in schools and tutors the Dyffryn Nantlle Junior Brass Band, is looking
forward to introducing the project to Denbigh:
‘After
the taster sessions back in July we are confident that Camau Cerdd will
flourish in Denbigh and that we will be able to give the children of the area a
heads start in regards to their musical education’.
The
Music Centre takes pride in the fact that the Steps in Music project is led by
an accomplished musician who has extensive experience of teaching music to
young children.
Classes
targeting two age groups will be held in Denbigh:
First
Steps in Music for children aged 15 months to 3 years old, which aims to give
children a general introduction to music, and also aims to inspire parents to
use music at home with their children with confidence.
Next
Steps in Music is for children aged between 4 and 7 years old. Here the aim is
to further develop the children’s understanding of music in a fun way through
the use of musical instruments, games, sol-fa and more.
‘By
the time children start their music education at school or start receiving
instrumental or singing lessons, Steps in Music will have already given them a
firm grasp of the world of music –understanding rhythm, being able to read
music, have a knowledge of different instruments and the sounds that they make,
and being able to listen and express themselves through music’ explains
Charlotte Green, Steps in Music tutor in Denbigh.
The project’s first series of 10 lessons, supported by Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and Denbighshire Arts Service will begin on the 28th of September 2015 in Denbigh. Contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias for more information and to book a place for your child.
by Gwydion Davies | 23 October, 2015 | Uncategorized
The
first meeting of Telynau Clwyd was held on Sunday the 4th of October
at HWB Denbigh building, welcoming harpists from across North Wales to the
session, following a taster session held earlier in the year to assess the
interest in a harp group in the Denbigh area.
Acclaimed
harpists Morwen Blythin and Dylan Cernyw lead the new harp choir organised by
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre who have been providing music
tuition in Denbigh since 2012 when it opened its branch in the town.
Establishing
a harp choir in Denbighshire has been one of Morwen’s ambitions for some time.
‘I
think that we as harp tutors in the Denbigh area have been hoping to see a harp
ensemble such as Telynau Clwyd for a number of years. I’m delighted to be a
part of this new and exciting group,’ explains Morwen who also tutors the harp
in Denbigh as one of Canolfan Gerdd Wiliam Mathias’ tutors.
The
Music Centre is very grateful to the harp rental company – Telynau Tandderwen
Harps who are supporting the first series of meetings for the group.
Hefina
Williams from Telynau Tandderwen Harps said:
‘It’s
good to hear that Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is expanding its provision of
music tuition in the area with the Telynau Clwyd Harp Choir. Telynau Tandderwen
Harps take pride in offering our support to this new harp group and wish them
all the best with the project’.
12
harpists from North Wales attended the first session on the 4th of
October and succeeded in learning two new pieces. Dylan Cernyw was pleased to
see the progress made by the group during the session. Dylan said:
‘To
think that this was the group’s first meeting, they have made excellent
progress. I’m now looking forward to the group’s next meeting and to continue
with the learning’.
The group is aimed at high school children grade 3 standard
and above mainly. However the Music Centre wishes for anyone interested to
contact them to better understand the demand for similar projects in
Denbighshire.
by Gwydion Davies | 23 October, 2015 | Uncategorized
Erin
who also receives piano lessons at the Music Centre with Teleri-Siân, and
clarinet lessons in school with Dave Hopkins was surprised on the day of the
concert to learn that she had received the best result in the exams:
‘I
had no idea until they called my name for the prize that I had won the cup. The
Music Centre had only told me that I would be performing on the day only – it
was big a surprise to hear my name being called out!’
Ann
Atkinson, Erin’s singing tutor was delighted by the result. ‘Erin has worked
very hard during the year – it is a joy to teach her, and I’m very pleased that
her hard work has been rewarded. I’m now looking forward to going forward with
Erin to learn new repertoire and prepare for her grade 4 exam.’
The
young singer shared the stage with some of the Music Centre’s other talented
musicians and groups including the Centre’s Cello Ensemble, other soloists, trios
and quartets, a performance of pieces by two of the Music Centre’s young
composers, as well as selected pieces from the Mozart Requiem performed by the
Music Centre’s Chamber Choir.
The
Music Centre recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and it is only recently
in 2012 started to provide music tuition in Denbigh with the provision of
projects such as Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) for young children, and a newly
formed harp group, Telynau Clwyd, and theory lessons being offered in Denbigh
for the very first time in October.
A
concert was held on Friday the 18th of September by Canolfan Gerdd
William Mathias Music Centre at Galeri Caernarfon to recognise the achievements
of the Music Centre’s students during the previous academic year.
Amongst
the students who performed and received awards was Erin Swyn Williams from
Llannefydd who has been receiving lessons with Ann Atkinson at the Denbigh
Branch of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre for several years.
Erin,
a pupil at Ysgol Glan Clwyd, was awarded the prestigious Thomas William Jones
memorial Cup which is presented annually to the Music Centre student who
achieves the highest mark in a grade 1-5 practical exam. Erin recently achieved
142 marks out of 150 in her grade 3 singing exam and therefore was a very
worthy winner of the cup which is presented by Caernarfon Male Voice Choir in
memory of a former choir member.
