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.
