by Gwydion Davies | 5 August, 2015 | Uncategorized
The
Denbigh branch of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre hosted an open
day in July 2015. One of the activities held during the day was a harp group to
assess the interest in forming a group that would meet on a regular basis in
the area.
Prominent
harpists Morwen Blythin and Dylan Cernyw lead the group, and a good response
was received to the idea of forming a harp group that would meet regularly.
Morwen
and Dylan were delighted by the progress made by the group during the session
with the group succeeding to learn two new pieces and then giving an informal
concert to the parents at the end.
Morwen
Blythin said:
Learning
and then performing two new pieces is a great achievement especially
considering that this was the first time for the group to meet! Both Dylan and
I are delighted that Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias are starting the Telynau
Clwyd group on a regular basis.
Following
this success, the harp group will be meeting once a month in Denbigh.
Telynau
Clwyd are now inviting more members to join the group. Contact the Music Centre
to register your interest in joining.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias provides music tuition of the highest standard in its
centre in Denbigh, as well as its main centre located in Caernarfon.
The
branch in Denbigh was established in 2012, and now offers music tuition with
experienced tutors, as well as our exciting project Camau Cerdd (Steps in
Music) that introduces music to children aged six months to seven years
old, and the Doniau Cudd (Hidden Talents) project which offers music
sessions for children with learning difficulties, as well as other projects in
the community.
The
aim of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Dinbych is to repeat the success at the
Canolfan in Caernarfon that now sees over 400 people receiving lessons each
week by over 45 experienced tutors.
The Canolfan welcomes any suggestions on the type of activities you would like to see at Denbigh as well as your enquiries by contacting us.
by Gwydion Davies | 17 July, 2015 | Uncategorized
A
successful music day was hosted by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre
on the 12 July at its branch at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias has been providing music tuition of the highest quality
for people of all ages at its main Centre at Galeri Caernarfon for more than
ten years, and since 2012 has been offering music tuition at Its Denbigh branch
as well as other activities within the community.
A
harp workshop with Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin marked a great start to the
day. Harpists from all ages came to the workshop and had the opportunity to
play together.
The
workshop was a great success, and the group succeeded in learning two new
pieces in a very short time, and then gave an informal performance at the end
of the workshop.
Morwen
Blythin was delighted with the progress made by the group:
Learning
and then performing two pieces from new is an amazing achievement considering
that this was the first meeting for the group! I am now hopeful that this
meeting has set the foundation for Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias to form a
harp choir for the future that will meet on a regular basis in the area.
The
day also gave the music centre the opportunity to introduce one of its other
innovative projects in the area for the first time, which is the ‘Camau Cerdd’
(Steps in Music) project that is run in partnership with Marie-Claire Howorth.
The
Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project specialises in providing music education
for children between 6 months and 7 years old.
Three
age-group classes were held during the day by the project’s tutors,
Marie-Claire Howorth and Charlotte Green who were delighted to see all three of
the groups full with a total of 32 children taking part.
Marie-Claire
said:
After
a number of years now of providing the Camau Cerdd project throughout Gwynedd
County, it’s clear to us that there is a demand for a music project for young
children in the Denbigh area, and we look forward to offering Camau Cerdd in
the Denbigh area in the near future with the music centre.
Free
taster lessons were also offered by the music centre’s experienced tutors, with
many children and adults taking up the opportunity to try a musical instrument
for the first time.
The
day came to an end with the ‘Llwyfan Cerdd’ student concert, and the music
centre welcomed the Chair of the Council and the consort Gwyneth Kensler and
Gaynor Morgan Rees to the concert as well as the Theatr Twm o’r Nant Committee
to enjoy the performances from the students of all ages and musical
abilities.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias looks forward to organising music sessions in homes
providing care for people with dementia in Denbighshire in the near future in
addition to continuing to develop it’s Doniau Cudd (Hidden Talents) project for
children and adults with learning disabilities in the County.
by Gwydion Davies | 8 July, 2015 | Uncategorized
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in Denbigh will open its doors to everyone
for a day of music activities on the 12th of July 2015. The day will
include a harp workshop with Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin, Camau Cerdd
(Steps in Music) project for children from 6 months to 7 years old, Llwyfan
Cerdd Concert by the music centre’s students and free taster lessons with
experienced tutors.
The
Denbigh branch of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias started to give music tuition
in the town in 2012 and has since grown to provide lessons on a variety of
instruments and voice with experienced tutors including Ann Atkinson, Teleri
Siân, Glian Llwyd, Alfred Barker, and Morwen Blythin. Community projects
including the Hidden Talents programme for adults who have learning
disabilities and music sessions in nursing homes have also been developed in
collaboration with Denbighshire Arts Services.
The
day will begin with a harp workshop by Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin. This
will be open to harpists of all ages and abilities, and will end with a short
informal performance at 12.
Camau
Cerdd is a project that Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is already offering at
its Centre in Caernarfon. The project leader, Marie-Claire Howorth is looking
forward to introducing the project in Denbigh for the very first time. She
said:
‘Camau
Cerdd is a project which has several years of proven success behind it
throughout Gwynedd. It is with great enthusiasm that I am now looking forward
to introducing Camau Cerdd to Denbigh. It’s an exciting and important project
that I believe has the potential to empower the body and brain, develop
literacy, numeracy, coordination, memory and social skills. The project builds
an understanding of culture and identity too as the classes are bilingual and
encourage early learning of folk songs. Young children and their families will
have the opportunity to discover the wonders of the world of music using
instruments, games, songs and more’.
Sessions
targeting 6-24month olds, 2&3 year olds and 4-7 year olds will be held
during the afternoon. There will be a special price of £2 per child to
celebrate starting this exciting project in Denbigh.
The
Canolfan will also offer a range of free taster lessons with experienced
tutors. They will be available on the harp, piano, violin, and voice. Contact
the Canolfan to book your free taster lesson.
To end this special day a Llwyfan Cerdd Concert will be held by the Canolfan’s students. These concerts provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain confidence by performing in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Donations will be gratefully received at the end of the concert.Contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias to book your free taster lesson, or to register and receive more information about the Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project or the Harp Workshop with Dylan Cernyw and Morwen Blythin.
by Gwydion Davies | 2 July, 2015 | Uncategorized
University.
Elin has been working with us to organise a series of concerts by former
students. Here is a post from Elin discussing her work with the Canolfan:
As
a former student of the William Mathias Music Centre and MMus student at Bangor
University, I am very fortunate to have gained an ATM scholarship through which
I am working for the Canolfan over the summer period. The ATM (European Social
Fund) is a scholarship for masters students, supporting their studies and
enabling them to work for a local company.
One
of the tasks that I have been assigned to is organising a series of concerts
over the summer, to include various former students of the William Mathias
Music Centre. Many of these musicians are studying at a music college or have
recently graduated and are embarking on a professional career. They are
grateful for the opportunity to perform in their local area and everyone at the
Canolfan is looking forward to seeing some of them return to North Wales!
Elin
Roberts
These
are the details of the concerts to come:
Meinir
Wyn Roberts (soprano) and Steven Evans (piano)
Saturday
afternoon, July 18, 3pm
Feed
My Lambs Hall, Caernarfon
Gwyn
Owen (trumpet) and Steven Evans (piano)
Thursday
evening, August 13, 7pm
Powis
Hall, Bangor University
More
dates to follow soon!
by Gwydion Davies | 30 June, 2015 | Uncategorized
On Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th of June Camau
Cerdd/Steps in Music visited the Showground in Mona for the Anglesey Family
Festival.
They had three sessions each day and had a variety of
children coming to meet Mr. Cerdd and learn music.
On the Friday schools from all over Anglesey were at the
festival and those who frequented the Steps in Music sessions with Charlotte and
Gethin learnt how to play different rhythms in time on percussive instruments
as well as learning to sing the sol-fa with the corresponding hand gestures.
On the Saturday it was a turn for younger children to have a
music session with their parents and Marie-Claire and Gethin. They got to meet
Mr. Cerdd and sing songs and play instruments whilst hearing the story ‘A
Rumble in the Jungle’ (by Andreae and Wojtowycz).
We all had a wonderful time!
by Gwydion Davies | 3 June, 2015 | Uncategorized
Congratulations to the following students who receive their tuition
at CGWM on their success in the National Urdd Eisteddfod last week :
Strings Solo Year 7-9 : Gwydion Rhys 3rd
Tutor : Nicki Pearce
Girls’ Solo Year 7-9 : Llio Meirion Rogers 2nd
Tutor : Ann Atkinson
Piano Solo Yr. 10 – under 19 : Math Roberts 2nd
Tutor : Iwan Llewelyn-Jones
Woodwind Solo Yr.10 – under 19 : Megan Hunter 2nd
Tutor : Rhiannon Mathias
Song from a Musical for singers aged 19-25 : Gwen Elin 3rd
Tutor : Mary Lloyd-Davies
Congratulations also to Mabon Llyr who is a member of CGWM’s chamber
duo for winning 3rd prize in the Strings Solo for Year 10- under 19
years.
We look forward to seeing Gwen Elin and one of our ex-students
Meinir Wyn Roberts (now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, London) taking
part in the Bryn Terfel Scholarship competition in the Autumn. Good luck to you
both and well done for being selected.
We were thrilled to hear about Math Roberts’ success in the
Composer’s Medal competition. 15 year old Math’s composition for the harp was
awarded second place in the competition which was open to composers under the
age of 25 – quite an achievement. Math studies the harp with Elinor Bennett at
CGWM and started composing the piece during the composition workshops arranged
by CGWM as part of the 2014 Wales International Harp Festival.
Congratulations also to all the students who were successful
in other competitions including recitation, ensembles and choirs during the
week
by Gwydion Davies | 3 June, 2015 | Uncategorized
Guitars@Galeri Festival Direcotr, Neil Browning is overjoyed
after a successful guitar event brings guitarist from all over Wales to
Caernarfon to learn more about the guitar and to attend a concert by well-known
guitarist Gary Ryan.
The event was held on the 22-24 of May 2015, and began with an
open mic event where all the course participants were invited to perform in the
bar.
The weekend continued with a series of tutorials and workshops
with guest tutors including Stuart Ryan, Neil Browning, Andy Maceknzie, Colin
Tommis, and Dave King. We were delighted to be able to offer such a variety of
guitar styles during the event.
Above is a picture of Andy Mackenzie’s Gypsy Jazz Rhythm workshop
where he introduced the basic ‘la pompe’ rhythm playing and chord shapes.
The Festival also welcomed renowned guitarist Gary Ryan to
give a masterclass and perform in a concert on the Saturday night. A variety of
music was performed by Gary including music from Pratorius, Dowland and Bach
and also his own compositions that demonstrated innovative and virtuosic
techniques on the guitar.
by Gwydion Davies | 12 May, 2015 | Uncategorized
Guitars@Galeri – 22-24 May 2015
Internationally renowned guitar soloist Gary Ryan is joining a host of experienced guitarists to teach and perform at this month’s Guitars@Galeri event in Caernarfon. Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias once again hosts a music teaching event at Galeri, the arts and performance space in the heart of this historic town.
Guitars@Galeri is a weekend of tutorials, performances
and workshops from a team of top tutors aimed particularly at acoustic,
electric and bass guitarists. Learners of all ages and abilities will be
able to take part in mix’n’match mini-workshop series featuring a variety
of topics and musical genres. Tuition elements suitable for adults and young
guitarists aged 15+ and is not suitable for complete beginners.
The festival kicks off with an open mic event on the Friday evening where
all performers and styles will be made welcome.
Saturday’s activities will begin with a short informal performance from the
four main course tutors, and will be brought to a close by the main festival
concert featuring Gary Ryan.
Along with his own compositions, Gary will play music by
Praetorius, Dowland, Bach, Dyens and Brouwer, arrangements of Celtic Folk Music
by David Russell. The concert commences with a short performance by Neil
Browning’s ‘Fragile Egosystem’, featuring echo-guitar, followed by a short
break.
There will also be opportunities for jam sessions during the
weekend!
There’s still time to take part in the event – contact
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias for details. Contact the Galeri Box Office for
tickets for the evening performance.
by Gwydion Davies | 10 May, 2015 | Uncategorized
Thursday the 7th of May 2015. An important day with thousands
across the country casting their vote in the UK General Election. It’s also an
important day for us at the Music Centre since we’ve organised for a team from
Theatr Gybolfa to come and film ‘A Usual Thursday in the Life of the Music
Centre’.
Thursdays at the Music Centre is a great day to get an
overview of some of the most varied activities offered: In addition to the
bustle of day to day instrumental and singing lessons, we have other activities
such as Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) sessions throughout the morning at Noddfa
in Caernarfon, a Mixed Choir for Adults led by Gearing Roberts in the
afternoon, Doniau Cudd (Hidden Talents), and our Chamber Choir led by Jenny
Pearson.
We’re looking forward to see the video that Theatr Gybolfa are
creating for us, which will reflect the variety of activities that happens in
the Music Centre during one day.
by Gwydion Davies | 6 May, 2015 | Uncategorized
One of the events during the Wales Harp Festival 2015 welcomed
every course member to take part in a special concert that we call ‘Galeri’s
Galleries’. Harps were placed around the building spread out on the galleries
on every floor.
Once every harp, stand and stool was in its place, the
Festival director, Elinor Bennett had the privilege of leading this special
ensemble, and we heard performances of folk, classical and jazz music.
The Festival was brought to an appropriate ending with a
concert by some of our brilliant ex-students performing alongside members of
the 2015 Harp Course and fusing classical and folk music. We enjoyed
performances from Elinor Bennett, Stephen Rees, Glain Dafydd, Rhian Dyer,
Elinor Evans, Elen Hydref, Angharad Wyn Jones, and Patrick Rimes.
We hope that everybody who attended the harp course, the
concerts and all the other activities during the Wales Harp Festival 2015
enjoyed themselves as much as we did during the festival, and we look forward
to welcoming everyone back for the next harp festival.
by Gwydion Davies | 4 March, 2015 | Uncategorized
One of the top barbershop singers and competition judges in
the United States is heading to Wales to offer two exciting workshops in this
unique style of singing. Paul Wigley, all the way from Minnesota has
gained a formidable reputation for the genre and has extensive experience of
directing choirs, giving workshops and lectures on barbershop harmony singing
all around the world.
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre is proud to offer
an opportunity to learn from Paul Wigley with two workshops to open to all
singers interested in this fabulous style of singing – the first is being held
at Galeri, Caernarfon, on Thursday evening, February 12th from 7 to 9 pm
and the second, in Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff on February 18th from 7.30 to 9.30pm
Paul will be demonstrating his style and offering his
directing skills to would-be and experienced barber shop singers, and drawing
upon his extensive experience.
He was chair of the panel of Judges in the International
Barbershop Harmony Society quartet and chorus contests in 1991, 1994, 1997,
1999, 2002, 2008, 2011 and 2014. Paul has also taught at Barbershop Harmony
Society Directors Colleges in New York, Maryland, Kentucky, Wisconsin,
Missouri, Washington and California, and served on the National Youth Outreach
Committee.
Paul is currently the director of the Minneapolis Commodores,
who qualified for the International barbershop chorus contest in 2007 and
2009. He is currently Category Specialist in the Music category of the
Barbershop Harmony Society judging system.
If the surname sounds familiar, Paul Wigley is a distant
cousin of Dafydd Wigley. His great- great-grandfather emigrated from
Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire to the USA in 1857 and became State Senator in
Minnesota. In the 1970’s Paul’s father, the late Richard Wigley was also
elected Senator in Minnesota . For over 100 years, there was no contact between
the two branches of the family until connection was remade in 1974, when Dafydd
Wigley was elected Member of Parliament for Caernarfon. Dafydd Wigley’s
son Hywel is owner of Acapela Arts Centre in Pentyrch, just north of Cardiff.
by Gwydion Davies | 1 January, 2015 | Uncategorized
Any form of music making is a cause of celebration, but 15 years of consistent, high quality music performance, training and facilitating against a backdrop of ever tighter budgets is certainly something to shout about. The Caernarfon based Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre must be fairly unique in the music world, and has grown from first tentative steps to become a vibrant and forward looking vehicle for music expression across North Wales, reaching out across the world through festivals and new media.
Broadcaster, Bob Jones, spoke to one of the of the trustees of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre – the internationally renowned harpist, Elinor Bennett.
“We wanted to create a space dedicated to music, where
children and people of all ages could have tuition from expert musicians to
enrich their education without having to travel miles from their homes. It was
crucial to create opportunities for young people to nurture their natural
talents and provide work for professional musicians within Wales enriching the
local community.”
Elinor Bennett, still looks back on the last ten years with astonishment and pleasure in equal measures. The whole venture has become greater than she could ever have imagined, she admits to initial nervousness.“It was like taking a step into space! The first Monday in September 1999 and with the new millennium round the corner there was great excitement in the air. We opened for one day only for the first few weeks and there were only two teachers: Annette Bryn Parry brought her six piano students and I had an equal number of harpists receiving weekly lessons. The house we used next to St Mary’s Church in Caernarfon felt large and empty, and I was so scared that it would remain so! We had two pianos, and managed to get an Arts Council of Wales grant to buy three new teaching harps from France which were housed on the top floor with a superb view across the Menai Straits to Ynys Mon. Naturally, the room became known as ‘Y Nefoedd’ (Heaven)!’
As a journalist, I’ve always savoured my visits to the Canolfan. They always had so much to say. But I have to confess I was always at a loss to describe what they were and how they managed to touch so many lives in so many ways. Remarkable, this area rich in natural beauty, is seen as one of the most deprived areas in Wales. Parts of Caernarfon score highly on the scale of Multiple Deprivation, on a par with the industrial areas of the Welsh valleys in the south. Easy then for all parts of the community to miss out on high quality music experiences, and opportunities to learn. But as Elinor Bennett found out, that’s more than made up for by a passion for music.
“Soon, more students and many more instrumental teachers were enrolled until the whole house was in use a few months later. There was no sound-proofing in those early days. It might have been a cacophony, but I have warm memories of the various sounds that emanated from different rooms – and of overhearing the teachers’ comments.”
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias was set up as a tribute to one of Wales’ most famous composers William Mathias who died in 1992. A passionate exponent of music teaching and spreading the love of music. He was known as a conductor and pianist, and gave or directed many premières of his own works. He also founded the equally successful North Wales Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral and remained its artistic director until his death.
Mathias made a highly significant contribution to
twentieth-century organ music, and his church music and carols are still
regularly performed worldwide. He also was called upon to compose for
Royal occasions include the fanfare for the tenth anniversary of the
Investiture of the Prince of Wales which took place just a few yards away from
Galeri in Caernarfon Castle; but also music for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and
the anthem especially composed for the wedding of The Prince and Princess of
Wales in 1981.
For many, Mathias’ musical language embraced both instrumental and vocal forms with equal success, and that’s reflected in the work of the Canolfan today.
Fifteen years later, The Canolfan – now housed in Galeri, a unique arts and business centre in its own right – has become acknowledged as a centre of musical education, supported by the Arts Council of Wales. It co-ordinates master-classes with celebrated musicians as well as concerts, workshops and courses on a variety of musical subjects. It’s the home to the Wales International Harp Festival, with plans more festivals in the near future.
Today, over 350 students aged from 15 months to 85 year old attend the Centre on a weekly basis for individual tuition with 30 professional and specialist music tutors offering tuition on a wide range of instruments.
CGWM works closely with Gwasanaeth Ysgolion William Mathias but it
is totally independent of the schools’ music service and the local education
authorities. Many of the students are still at primary or secondary
school where their musical talents have been recognised and they’re guided
towards extensive more tuition than they are able to receive in school.
CGWM also provides general musicianship classes, creative
music sessions for adults who have learning disabilities, lectures, recitals,
various concerts and music festivals featuring many distinguished musicians,
music listening clubs for adults, chamber music, popular, folk and jazz
workshops and master classes by eminent musicians. All these are arranged in a
friendly and positive atmosphere and provide an invaluable music experience for
all members of the community. All activities take place in both English
and Welsh.
Two very successful and pioneering projects are the Pre-School Music Classes for 15 month to 3 year olds, First Steps in Music (Camau Cyntaf) and the Creative Music Course for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Hidden Talents (Doniau Cudd).
“The greatest
advantage of a centre like Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is that it can employ
people to organise not only one-to-one tuition, but also group activities such
as quartets, ensembles, choirs as well as many exciting activities such as
festivals, master-classes and concerts. The Centre is the most important
resident company in Galeri Caernarfon and brings hundreds of people to the Arts
complex every week. Ten teaching rooms of very high quality are used by 33
teachers working on a free-lance basis and this generates an income that covers
the rent of the facilities. “
I’ve always been taken aback by Elinor Bennett’s infectious enthusiasm for the Canolfan and its work. However, I also know that I would have such difficulty learning there too – nothing to do with the standard of teaching, but the distraction of the inspirational view of the Menai and Anglesey from the practice room windows. Just yards away is the world heritage site, the magnificent Caernarfon Castle with its cosy old town. Physically and ideologically The Canolfan is at the heart of the community.
Like any 15 year old, the Canolfan is bursting with energy and certainly knows how to party! An open day at their Galeri home in September kicked off what promises to be an amazing year of celebration. The doors of the building in Caernarfon were thrown open with gusto, and the public invited to sample the breadth of activities available through the centre – Drumming the Drums; Harps in Heaven, Strictly come Singing – a new mixed choir for adults – A guitar workshop, Hidden Talents sessions and Chamber Choir open rehearsals.
Amongst all the mayhem and chaos, you could see that this was all about breaking down the barriers, and including all ages and abilities in music making. And if the public couldn’t get to the Canolfan, then the Canolfan went to them with a series of pop up concerts by young musicians in shops and public spaces across the town.
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias has already opened a ‘satellite’ operation in Denbigh in North-East Wales and has an ambition to replicate the model in other towns and cities.
So, fifteen years of successful music making under the
belt – what about the next fifteen years? Elinor Bennet is sanguine but
optimistic.
“These are tough financial times for everyone. In these days of stringency, consolidation must be the top priority. There will be a need to ascertain adequate funding to ensure continuity, and we must work hard to maintain the level of support from the local community in Wales. We must always emphasise the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to make music and also hear some of the best performers. Music belongs to everyone – not just the few privileged and wealthy people who can afford to travel to major cities of the world to listen to quality performances. Adequate and more secure funding for groups such as “Doniau Cudd/Hidden Talents” for people with severe learning difficulties, need to be ascertained as do the classes for very young children ‘First steps in music’ for children aged 15 months -7 years old.
“A world without real, live music for my grand-children and their children is abhorrent to me and the Directors of CGWM. That is why Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias was established 15 years ago!”
