A musical group that’s providing a lockdown lifeline for people in Gwynedd with and without learning disabilities has launched a new video with the help of some star names.
Performing with the members, tutors and volunteers involved in the Canfod y Gân (Discovering Music) project were Geraint Lovgreen, from Caernarfon, Dewi Pws who lives in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula, along with Rhys Parry who plays guitar in Bryn Fôn’s popular band.
The video was produced using audio and video from members improvising musically which were recorded by family members or support workers on phones and tablets.
The music track was then mixed and edited by Edwin Humphreys, from Pwllheli, a tutor with the project and the video was created by Gwydion Davies, from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre (CGWM).
The Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped the group from making music despite the fact they can no longer meet up for their fortnightly sessions in Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Harlech.
Led by CGWM and working in partnership with Gwynedd Council’s Learning Disability Team, they have put together a video of members performing the national anthem of Wales as well as the group’s own unique signature piece which they’re hoping will go viral on social media.
The project, which is funded by a three-year grant from Spirit of 2012, the London 2012 legacy fund, gives disabled and non-disabled people the opportunity to come together as equals to create music with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing.
Matthew Murray, 25, from Bangor, a member of the Caernarfon group, loves being part of the group.
He said “I like to rap and have been writing my own stuff for a long time. My social worker was looking for a music project I could get involved with and that’s how I got to be with Canfod y Gân.
“I volunteer in a cafe at the leisure center in Caernarfon on Mondays’ or until the virus I did. So, I started going to Canfod y Gân after my shift in the cafe. I love working with other people and like pretty much everything about the group.
“I’ve met a friend there who volunteers and we are going to work together on some raps and we plan to record some of my lyrics. That’s really exciting.
“I write what comes to mind. I write about things that are going on in my life, about family issues and things like that.”
He added: “I enjoyed being involved with the video that we have done. I wrote lyrics about the hard times and how we are coping with the pandemic and friends and family.”
Terry Tuffrey, 20, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, is a member of the Harlech group and is a student at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor in Dolgellau where he is studying independent living skills.
He said: “I usually go every other Tuesday night and like it a lot. I’m a very sociable person and I get to meet friends from Harlech and the area. It’s always good fun and I learn new singing skills.
“They often have new instruments to try but I prefer to sing although I can play tambourines and wind chimes things like that. I started going when I was 18 and I’m just 20 now. The singing we do I like because I get to sing the sort of things I like.
He added: “The virus has been horrible and has stopped the Canfod y Gân sessions. As a family we are just following the guidelines and hoping for the best, that’s all you can do.
“But I’m looking forward to going back and meeting everyone again.”
According to project manager Mared Gwyn-Jones, the aim is to enable all members of the group to come together with professional music tutors and volunteers to create music as equals.
She said: “Spirit of 2012 awards grants for inclusive arts, sports and volunteering activities in communities that bring people together to improve their wellbeing which is exactly what Canfod y Gȃn does.
“The Coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to our fortnightly groups at all three locations and we have to accept that is likely to continue being the case for a considerable time.
“However, we have worked together to develop alternative means of working. Not being able to meet up and work together face to face was a massive blow to many of our members as well as the freelance music tutors who have been working on the project.
“Since having to suspend group meetings we have been keeping in touch with many of our members through regular phone calls and video recordings of favourite songs.
“This has been very important in keeping spirits up and to keep the project going. “Our Caernarfon group has taken this remote meeting a step further with their own project.
“The idea started when we received two clips of group member Llŷr Griffith, from Llanllyfni, playing the national anthem on keyboards and then our group’s signature song which has been composed, both music and lyrics, by members working together.”
“Edwin Humphreys was inspired to start something akin to a musical snowball. Using Llŷr’s clips, along with other tutors, members and volunteers, he created a track of this particular song.
“He has created an absolutely fantastic and inspiring track in his own recording studio from the clips group members sent him and Gwydion Davies has created a fantastic video to go along with the track.
“We now plan to replicate this project with our other groups and the process is now already underway with our Harlech and Pwllheli groups.”
Edwin, from Pwllheli, worked as a session musician for many years and retrained to become a psychiatric nurse.
He said: “Members recorded snippets on their phones and I’ve put those individual pieces together into one recording. Considering members had to record themselves on mobile phones or tablets they have done really well.
“I’m really pleased with what we have achieved together and hopefully the other two groups can now do something similar. I’m really looking forward to working with them.”
Fellow tutor Gwenan Gibbard, from Pwllheli, who’s an acclaimed harpist, says being involved with the scheme has proved to be an “absolute joy”.
She said: “The whole Canfod y Gân experience has been a privilege. It’s amazing as there is real talent out there and the best thing is everyone makes new friends. “Before Christmas we also had a couple of public performances which were really special. We performed music as a group and had some individual performances too.”
“On the video there is an eclectic mix of instruments. Several group members played guitars, there’s a cellist, a flautist, drummers and a glockenspiel and many different voices including Matthew Murray who does his own raps.”
CGWM director Meinir Llwyd Roberts said: “It has been wonderful to see Canfod y Gân develop during the 18months since we received the support from Spirit of 2012 and we’re delighted that we have been able to maintain contact with our members and ensure that music continues to be part of their lives during lockdown.
“We believe that every person has a song to sing and that every person deserves the opportunity to discover and share their song.”
The doors to our Centres in Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin are closed at present but with the cooperation of our fantastic team of tutors, the music continues. Here’s a taste of our online provision with more projects to come during the next few weeks…..
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.
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.
