A giant bust of Beethoven is wowing visitors to an arts centre – and heading for the record books.
The huge pȃpier-maché and timber sculpture at Galeri in Caernarfon is believed to be the world’s biggest version of the stellar composer’s head.
The massive model, 5ft 6ins tall and weighing in at five stone, was made for the International Piano Festival that’s dedicated this year’s event to a belated celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth
Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre) every four years, the festival showcases recitals by professional musicians, and hosts prestigious piano competitions – with prizes totalling nearly £10,000.
Originally scheduled to take place in 2020, it had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is now taking place between October 15 and 18.
But organisers are continuing with their tribute to the German music icon whose works rank among the most performed in the world.
The hypnotic installation was created by acclaimed North Wales artist Catrin Williams and her husband Bedwyr ab Iestyn who also used wire and recycled materials to make it.
With eerily dark eyes and wildly dishevelled hair, it hangs from the main foyer ceiling at Galeri where it is already causing a sensation.
It was nearly two years in the making, created during the height of the pandemic and national lockdowns and took up most of the couple’s garage at their home in Pwllheli.
Catrin said: “It was an unusual time, and we came to have quite a strange relationship with this giant figure in our garage. He was part of our ‘lockdown bubble’.
She said: “I painted it in the garden during fine weather over summer and it caused intense curiosity among our neighbours who could see it from their bedroom windows. They must’ve wondered what on earth was going on.”
International concert pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones who is the piano festival’s artistic director said the sculpture is unique.
He said: “Artistically it is like a Damian Hurst style experience, a little bit scary, but you just can’t take your eyes off it. That is exactly how we wanted it when we asked Catrin to do her magic.
“Beethoven had a tormented life, being a magnificent composer but suffering the torture of going deaf early in adulthood. We wanted the statue to convey some of that torment.”
Iwan and Catrin have also been leading creative workshops in local schools, linking art and music interpretation.
Iwan said: “The goal of our piano festival is to focus on three areas – performance, competition and education. There has always been a rich culture of music and music education in Wales and through our community outreach projects we aim to build on this, helping nurture an interest in music among pupils from an early age.”
During the workshops at Ysgol Llanrug, Caernarfon, and Ysgol Glancegin, Bangor, Iwan played played Beethoven works and Catrin led an arts session in which Year five pupils interpreted the music through drawing.
A large paper canvas was laid across the floor and children used ink pots, paints and other colouring materials to intuitively create original designs.
Ysgol Llanrug teacher Alaw Tecwyn said it was a delight to welcome Catrin and Iwan into school after so many months when they have had to forgo music lessons and group singing due to pandemic restrictions.
She said: “To have the sound of live music in our hall again and see pupils so inspired is heart-warming. It brings a sense of normality back into school.”
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Alaw is an accomplished operatic singer and teaches music. At the end of the arts session she sang a soprano solo piece for the group, the Meirion Williams composition, Mai, accompanied by Iwan on piano.
Two other schools, Ysgol Cybi, of Holyhead, and Ysgol Edmund Prys, of Blaenau Ffestiniog, were also involved in outreach projects developed by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias with funding from Arts and Business Cymru’s Culture Step programme in support of the partnership with Roberts of Portdinorwic who are sponsoring the main prize at the Festival. This project will culminate with a virtual concert on the theme of Saint Saen’s Carnival of the Animals, featuring musicians Elin Taylor on cello, Teleri-Sian on piano and Glian Llwyd also on piano.
The concert will be available to watch online on Sunday October 17, at 6.30pm, as part of the festival’s hybrid format devised to adhere to pandemic social distancing.
Other concerts available to view online feature top classical musicians including globally famous Wrexham-born piano maestro and Beethoven specialist Llyr Williams. He headlines the festival opening night concert, streamed on Friday, October 15.
Also on the virtual programme is a concert of chamber music by violinist Sara Trickey, cellist Sebastian van Kuijk and Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, and world premieres of four newly commissioned works by prominent Welsh composers Pwyll ap Sion, Joseph Davies, Sarah Lianne Lewis and Bethan Morgan-Williams featuring Soprano Alys Roberts.
In addition audiences are invited to Galeri to watch live as a series of thrilling competitions take place. There will be 16 competitions in each of three categories for junior solo pianists, senior solo pianists, and accompanists. Competitors include talented young pianists from different corners of the world with the potential to be big names of the future.
There will also be an opportunity to enjoy live performances in Galeri’s atrium by duo Sian James and Sioned Webb and CGWM alumni student Gwenno Morgan.
Organisers emphasised that it would not be possible to stage the festival without support from its sponsors including the Arts Council of Wales, Bangor University, Colwinston Trust, Foyle Foundation, Gwynedd Council, Pendine Park care organisation via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, Roberts of Portdinorwic, Ty Cerdd, Snowdonia Fire Protection, A&B Cymru and several individual donors.
For more details about the festival timetable, to order virtual concert tickets or find out how to sponsor a note visit www.pianofestival.co.uk
World renowned pianist Llyr Williams will headline a virtual concert at a top festival.
The Wrexham-born maestro will perform works by Beethoven, Chopin and Schubert on a stunning new Steinway piano for the Wales International Piano Festival.
It will be the first time the classical music star has appeared at the festival which is held every four years, organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), Caernarfon.
The event showcases recitals by outstanding professional musicians as well as hosting prestigious piano competitions – with prizes this year totalling nearly £10,000.
Despite 18 months of logistical setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 festival has attained a full complement of competition entrants.
There will be16 competitors in each of three categories for junior solo pianists, senior solo pianists, and accompanists. It is one of only a handful of festivals in the world which includes an accompanist category.
This year the festival takes on a hybrid format with the evening concerts pre-recorded and streamed online, while competitions and other events will happen live at Galeri Caernarfon.
Organisers say it would not be possible to put on the festival without the support of the sponsors which include the Arts Council of Wales, Colwinston Trust, Foyle Foundation, Gwynedd Council, Pendine Park care organisation via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, Roberts of Portdinorwic, Ty Cerdd, Snowdonia Fire Protection, A&B Cymru and several individual donors.
The Llyr Williams concert has been recorded in advance and will be streamed online on the October 15 to open the festival.
Music lovers will be able to buy tickets to watch the virtual recital on the festival’s website www.pianofestival.co.uk which will be available to view for 24 hours.
Llyr is a globally acclaimed performer and a specialist in Ludwig van Beethoven works with several of the composer’s complete sonata cycles under his belt. He has performed at iconic venues including Carnegie Hall, New York, and Wigmore Hall, London.
His affinity with Beethoven’s music fits in perfectly with the Wales International Piano Festival 2021’s central theme, paying homage to Beethoven and his considerable legacy. Llyr’s programme will include Beethoven’s Sonata Opus 31, no 3 (The Hunt), and Frédéric Chopin’s majestic ‘Funeral March’ Sonata.
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, the festival’s Artistic Director, said: “Llyr is an extraordinary musician and a consummate performer and we are delighted to welcome him to the 2021 festival.
The concert was recorded at Bangor University’s Powis Hall with Llyr performing on the magnificent new Steinway concert grant piano recently purchased by the university.
After recording, Llyr described the Steinway as remarkable: “It really draws out all the different colours of the music.”
The festival was originally due to be staged in May 2020 to mark the year of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in December 1770.
But due to the effects of global pandemic lockdowns and concert venue closures worldwide it had to be postponed twice
Iwan said: “After the uncertainties of the last 18 months and the ongoing pandemic situation we made the bold decision to adopt a hybrid format. It means people will be able to enjoy watching these magnificent performances online from the comfort of their own homes.”
Llyr said: “I feel honoured to be helping to mark the two and a half centuries which have passed since Beethoven’s birth, and especially so as we didn’t get to celebrate as fully as he deserved last year which was the actual 250th anniversary year.”
Also on the festival’s virtual programme is a concert of chamber music with a performance of Beethoven’s Archduke Trio by Sara Trickey (violin), Sebastian van Kuijk (cello) and Iwan Llewelyn-Jones.
Soprano Alys Roberts, will join them to give the world premieres of four newly commissioned works by the prominent Welsh composers Pwyll ap Sion, Joseph Davies, Sarah Lianne Lewis and Bethan Morgan-Williams.
Using traditional Welsh music and literature and drawing inspiration from Beethoven, the composers have created highly evocative works that explore time and place with atmosphere and drama.
The final evening concert will see a performance of French composer Camille Saint-Saens’ iconic masterpiece Carnival of the Animals which also provides the inspiration for community outreach projects and school workshops which the festival team is undertaking in the run up to the main weekend.
Further details of how to view the three virtual concerts can be found on the festival website, www.pianofestival.co.uk
In the piano competitions entrants have their sights on a top prize of £700 in the junior category, £3,000 in the senior and £1,500 in the accompanist category.
Catrin Morris Jones, who is one of the administrative team organising the festival, said “We look forward to welcoming the competitors to Galeri Caernarfon and it will also be possible for members of the public to come to watch the competitions. Final timetable and details will be announced on the website soon.”
: “It has been a challenging 18 months but we are determined to deliver a fantastic festival. We have some money left to raise in order to reach our fundraising target and we have set up forms on our website for people to take part in Sponsor a Note – which is basically sponsoring us via choosing your favourite piano key.”
For more details about the festival timetable, to order tickets or find out how to sponsor a note visit www.pianofestival.co.uk
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Charli Britton.
Charli made a huge contribution to Welsh pop music as a drummer with rock band Edward H Dafis and several other bands.
We are extremely grateful to him for sharing his passion and expertise with dozens of young aspiring drummers from North West Wales through his work as a tutor at the Canolfan for 15 years. He was a kind and popular tutor who inspired his students.
He was also a very talented graphic designer who was responsible for designing several of the Canolfan’s marketing materials. Always willing to go the extra mile and a pleasure to work with.
He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Charli and thank you.
2019-2020 has been another busy year for CGWM and it was wonderful to celebrate twenty years since the Centre opened its doors by inviting some of our past and present pupils to mark the occasion at a special concert in Galeri.
After our highly successful Piano day last year we were determined not to let the current situation with Covid-19 defeat us, so we moved this year’s Piano Day on-line. The response was very encouraging with 65 performances given by pianists of all standard and ages, not only from the UK but as far afield as Germany and Thailand. The repertoire performed ranged from Classical and Romantic pieces to Jazz, Ragtime & Blues and 20th Century.
Our esteemed panel of piano experts, Dafydd Meurig Thomas, Gwawr Owen and Evgenia Startseva gave constructive feed-back to all the performers. Evgenia reflected that “it was an enormous pleasure and enjoyable experience. The performers were really impressive.”
The feedback from parents and performers was most enthusiastic with many positive observations:
“Thank you very much for the opportunity for our children to play in the Piano Day and get such useful and confidence boosting feedback!”
“It’s so important for these pianists to have the opportunity to perform beyond a competitive atmosphere, and for that we appreciate the Day immensely.”
“The Piano Day has been a very rewarding experience with a very homely feel even though it was on ZOOM – thank you for all your hard work.”
We had a very informative and enlightening ‘Question and Answer’ session during the afternoon which elicited the following comment from an audience member:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Q & A session. One can often feel isolated as a tutor and I firmly believe that such sessions, where problems can be aired and good practices shared, are of enormous benefit to many of us.
We are delighted to have created this wonderful on-line community of pianists, parents, and teachers and look forward to planning many more events of this nature in the near future.
It is with sadness and regret that we wish to record the death of harpist and scholar, Osian Gwynn Ellis at the age of 92. He was a great friend and supporter of the work of the William Mathias Music Centre and the Wales International Harp Festival & he will be sorely missed.
A native of Ffynnongroyw, Flintshire, Osian was brought up in Denbigh, the son of the Rev. T.G. Ellis, a Wesleyan minister, and his first harp teacher was Alwena Roberts (‘Telynores Iâl’). As a child, he sang and performed with his mother and other members of his family, in concerts throughout Wales.
Following a period studying the harp with Gwendolen Mason at the Royal Academy of Music (London), he succeeded his teacher as harp Professor at the institution from 1959 until 1989. Early in his career, he appeared in popular television programmes on BBC Wales, and gave numerous performances of poetry and music with actors such as Dame Peggy Aschcroft, Dame Sybil Thorndyke, Cecil Day-Lewis, Hugh Griffith and Richard Burton.
As the most prominent & outstanding harpist of his time, as harp teacher, composer, arranger, penillion singer and scholar, he contributed widely to the nation’s traditional music as well as to developments in the European classical music of his day. In his numerous recordings with Sain, Philips, Lyrita, Meridian and Decca, he highlighted the varied harp repertoire, including 18th, 19th and 20th century Welsh compositions. He travelled extensively during his career, promoting the harp and the music of Wales on all four continents.
Osian Ellis was Principal Harpist of the London Symphony Orchestra from 1961, and worked with the eminent conductors of the time, such as Pierre Monteux, Pierre Boulez, Colin Davis, Antal Dorati, André Previn and Claudio Abbado. He was a regular soloist with the LSO and, as the founding harpist of the Melos Ensemble, his recording of Ravel’s Introduction et Allegro won the Grand Prix du Disque in Paris in 1962.
From the early ’60s, he worked & collaborated with the renowned English composer, Benjamin Britten, & Osian played in several performances and recordings at the Britten Festival (Aldeburgh). This partnership resulted in the harp gaining its place in several of Britten’s works – including, the War Requiem (1962), Midsummer Night’s Dream, Curlew River (1964), The Prodigal Son (1968) and his most important harp work, Suite for Harp (1969).
From 1973 – 1980, following Benjamin Britten’s illness, Osian Ellis performed many concerts with Peter Pears (tenor), and several new works were written for them. He later performed with his son, the late Tomos Ellis (tenor), giving several performances in Wales and overseas.
Osian Ellis encouraged many contemporary composers from Wales & further afield to write new works for harp – including, William Mathias, Alun Hoddinott, Rhian Samuel, David Wynne, Malcolm Arnold, Robin Holloway, Elizabeth Machonchy, William Alwyn, Carlo Menotti and Jorgen Jersild.
As a scholar, he published several seminal works on the history of the harp in Wales, the Robert ap Huw Manuscript, John Parry (Ruabon) and Cerdd Dant. His volume, The Story of the Harp in Wales, was published by the University of Wales Press (Cardiff) and he contributed to a myriad of television and radio programmes in Wales and London.
He was a member of the executive committee of the Welsh Folk Song Society and Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru. He received numerous honours from the University of Wales, Bangor University as well as from the nation’s leading musical institutions and a CBE from the Queen. As a harp teacher, he influenced generations of aspiring musicians and harpists, including Elinor Bennett and Sioned Williams.
After celebrating his 90th birthday, he was further inspired to compose two new works: ‘Cylch o Alawon Gwerin Cymru’ (for Bryn Terfel and Hannah Stone) and his work for solo harp, ‘Lachrymae’.
We extend our deepest condolences to his son, Richard Llywarch, daughter-in-law Glynis, and grandchildren David and Katie in their sadness.
A switch to online classes because of the covid crisis has enabled an acclaimed music centre in North Wales to provide lessons around the world.
Among the tutors at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), which has bases in Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin, is internationally renowned harpist Elinor Bennett who is now teaching one of her young protégés 7,500 miles away in the Welsh colony of Patagonia in Argentina.
The long-distance tutoring through the medium of Welsh is a dream come true for talented teenage harpist Helen Green who loves the lessons with her music idol.
The centre has managed to continue to conduct 65 per cent of its one to one lessons since the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Within a week of going into lockdown in March, the lessons moved online – something that also allowed the centre to extend its reach well beyond its traditional heartland.
Some face-to-face lessons have now resumed but centre director Meinir Llwyd Roberts revealed the virtual lessons are here to stay for those who are unable to attend lessons in person.
That’s music to the ears of 15-year-old Helen who said: “I feel so lucky that we have the technology to do this. To have Elinor as my mentor is a real privilege, a chance to learn so much. It’s the second-best thing to having her in the room. She’s an extraordinary teacher, an amazing harpist.”
The trans-Atlantic connection is one of the remarkable achievements secured by centre which is working hard to keep music lessons available and its teachers in work through the pandemic.
The live lessons take place online through the video communications platform Zoom.
Elinor said she immensely looks forward to the fortnightly lessons with Helen and enjoys catching up with news in ‘beautiful Patagonia’ which she has visited three times.
She said: “The miracles of modern technology have been hugely beneficial during this difficult period for musicians worldwide.
“Despite this we’ve struck up an exciting connection which Helen and I look forward to every two weeks.
“It takes great preparation on both sides to make it work and we have to factor in the three hour time difference but so far the lessons are going fantastically well.”
Elinor holds an OBE and has performed with the English Chamber Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as giving regular recitals on BBC radio and television. Her past students include the former Royal harpist Catrin Finch, now a renowned classical musician who was official harpist to Prince Charles from 2000-2004.
Elinor said she would not be able to mentor Helen so easily without help from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (CGWM) of which she is a long-standing supporter.
CGWM was established in 1999 to improve access to instrumental and singing lessons for the North Wales community and provide a work outlet for self-employed music teachers.
It encompasses 42 freelance tutors who offer individual and group tuition to more than 500 people on a weekly basis across the board from pre-school to pension ages.
These are normally in-person activities at Galeri Caernarfon, or satellite centres at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh, and Capel Tabernacl, Ruthin and in the wider community.
Face to face activities were put on hold during the summer lockdown and recent Wales firebreak. But helped by funds from the Arts Council of Wales’ stabilisation fund made possible by The National Lottery, and the willingness of tutors to adapt, most of its music projects were transferred online
CGWM director Meinir Llwyd Roberts said: “There’s no question we’ve faced unprecedented obstacles sustaining musical education provision during the pandemic, but we’ve succeeded in adapting all our regular projects to offer some online provision. It’s opened our eyes to opportunities for using this as a method of delivering activities in the future.
“Face-to-face lessons are the best option and we can’t wait to be able to return all our projects face to face but in some circumstances where this isn’t possible the online facility is a great alternative option. We’ll be continuing to offer it in the long term, post pandemic.”
“One only has to look at the remarkable example of Elinor and Helen to see how music education really can transcend boundaries whether they be geographical, physical or emotional.”
Elinor was put in contact with Helen and her music loving family by another of her former students Esyllt Roberts de Lewis, who grew up in Wales but moved to Patagonia to teach.
After they met Esyllt recognised Helen had great potential and would benefit from more advanced tutoring. Esyllt contacted Elinor to ask if she could recommend a good mentor and was thrilled when Elinor took on board the task herself.
Helen and her mum, a violinist, were delighted.
Elinor said: “Helen is such a keen, self-motivated student, a real pleasure to work with. She was improving noticeably after just five sessions and is currently preparing to join a virtual online performance with other CGWM students. We’re hopeful of arranging it soon. She has also taken part in a music festival in Buenos Aires.”
Patagonia is a Welsh-language colony on Argentina’s border with Chile first inhabited by Welsh settlers in the 19th century. It is the only part of the world other than Wales where Welsh is commonly spoken. Helen lives in Gaiman, near Trelew, in the Chubut area.
After over 6 months of not delivering face-to-face activities we are delighted to announce that one-to-one lessons have resumed face to face at our Centres in Galeri Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin for tutors and students who wish to return to face to face lessons. We continue to organise online lessons for those who prefer to stay online.
We have taken a number of steps to ensure that the lessons are delivered as safely as possible and to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 including :
• Only using rooms that allow a minimum distance of 2 meters between pupil and tutor (at least 3 meters for voice, woodwind and brass lessons). • Invest in transparent screens which are placed between tutor and pupil.
• Installation of hand sanitizing stations throughout our teaching areas. • Take the temperature of pupils and tutors before they go into their lessons • In addition to a Covid-19 risk assessment and policy we have drawn up rules for tutors and pupils which are shared with them before they return to face to face lessons. • Keep detailed records to comply with Test, Trace and Protect requirements
Anyone interested in starting instrumental or vocal lessons at our Centres or online are welcome to contact us to discuss possibilities.
We do not currently carry out any face-to-face group activities but we are extremely grateful to the Arts Council of Wales for the financial support which has enabled us to run a number of virtual activities to keep in touch with our audiences, reach new people and provide work for our free-lance tutors. This includes:
Theory Lessons – We are currently running theory lessons for school age students in small groups over Zoom. Sessions for students from beginner level up to grade 5 are currently available.
Camau Cerdd / Steps in Music : Music sessions suitable for children 6 months-3yrs and 4-7 years. Since April we have been releasing a new video every week for the children and their family to watch at a convenient time for them. There is no charge for these sessions and you can register to enter by following this link.
Concerts from Tutors and Alumni’s homes: As we are not able to hold our series of community concerts at present, many of our tutors and alumni have had the opportunity to record short concerts for release every Tuesday evening. The most recent concerts are available to view on our website www.cgwm.org.uk
Ensembles and Community Orchestra: We have been providing videos and rehearsal tracks for many of our members and some ensembles have collaborated on virtual performances including performances as part of our concert for the North Wales International Festival online https://www.nwimf.com/canolfan-gerdd We plan to hold ensemble sessions over the zoom this term.
Canfod y Gân / Discover the Song : www.canfodygan.cymru. Many of our members have been taking part in virtual performances and we have just started group sessions over zoom. We are extremely grateful to Spirit of 2012 (project funders) for their support and flexibility.
Sgwrs a Chân / Song and a Chat : As we are unable to travel around Gwynedd to deliver our Sgwrs a Chân sessions for older people in the community, since April we have been emailing a link to virtual sessions to many of our members. We are also in the process of preparing a CD for members who do not have access to the web and further plans are being made in partnership with our funders Gwynedd Council.
Update regarding our Music Festivals
Wales International Piano Festival: Unfortunately the Festival due to be held at Galeri Caernarfon 1-4 May 2020 had to be postponed. However, we are really looking forward to hosting a festival from 30 April – 3 May 2021 at Galeri Caernarfon. We are keeping an eye on the developments regarding the Covid-19 situation and considering possible adaptations to some activities. Following the success of our Piano Day to launch the Festival in November 2019, we will be holding a Virtual Piano Day on the 21st of November 2020. For more details, please visit the Festival website: www.pianofestival.co.uk
Wales Harp Festival : The 2020 harp festival had to be canceled but we look forward to holding a Festival on 30 and 31 March 2021. As with the Piano Festival we are keeping an eye on the developments and are busy considering various options to ensure we have another successful Festival in 2021. www.walesharpfestival.co.uk
We would like to thank our wonderful team of free-lance musicians for their cooperation during the last 6 months. It is an extremely challenging time for them all and we will continue do our best to secure as much of their work as possible at CGWM.
We hope that in the coming months we will be able to resume further face-to-face activities. Working online over the last few months has however opened our eyes to new ways of working and we look forward to continuing some online activities in addition to our usual programme of activity the future. If you would like further information on any of the activities please contact us at post@cgwm.org.uk or 01286 685230.
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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…..
