by Gwydion Davies | 26 February, 2019 | Uncategorized
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 22 February, 2019 | Uncategorized
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 14 February, 2019 | Uncategorized
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 12 January, 2019 | Uncategorized
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.
by Gwydion Davies | 24 December, 2018 | Uncategorized
The
Winner of the Ben Muskett Scholarship 2018: Cerys Edwards from Pwllglas
Cerys
Edwards, a student at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Ruthin branch), has been
awarded this year’s scholarship from CGWM in memory of Ben Muskett. Cerys,
who’s 16 years old, studies the piano with Teleri-Siân.
Cerys
said, “It was a surprise to hear that I had won the Ben Muskett Scholarship. I
had just performed in a concert by some of CGWM’s students and was called back
to the stage to be presented with the trophy and the scholarship money.”
Congratulating
Cerys, Meinir Llwyd, Director of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias explained “Ben
Muskett was an inspiring piano tutor at CGWM when he tragically died in a car
accident in 2011 aged only 25. This scholarship is awarded annually to pianists
under 18 years old who receive lessons at CGWM. This is our way of honouring
Ben’s passion for music and teaching children and young people”
Cerys
said, “Being awarded the scholarship means a great deal to me. The money will
help me to buy new piano pieces that I wish to learn – including Chopin
Waltzes, and Debussy Preludes as well as some jazz pieces too.”
Cerys
studies music at Ysgol Brynhyfryd with Miss Llinos Williams. She started piano
lessons when she was six years old with Mavis Johns, before starting lessons
with Teleri-Siân in 2012.
According
to Cerys, “I really enjoy coming for lessons with Teleri-Siân at CGWM and with
her help, I succeeded in passing my Grade 8 piano with merit during the
Summer.”
Llinos,
Cerys’ mother said: “We have been very fortunate to receive piano tutors of the
highest standard over the years – my son Sion, as well as Cerys’ sister,
Cathrin, have enjoyed coming for piano lessons with Teleri-Siân.”
In
Year 9, Cerys won the third prize in the Years 7-9 Piano Solo Competition in
the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Bridgend. She is also is a faithful member of
Côr Cytgan Clwyd.
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) was established in Caernarfon in 1999 and
since 2012, the music centre has also been providing music lessons on Monday
evenings at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh, and since 2017, at Capel Tabernacl,
Ruthin on Wednesday evenings.
The
scholarship trophy was presented to Cerys during a ‘Llwyfan Cerdd’ student
concert at Pwllglas Village Hall. The concert included performances by students
of all ages who receive lessons at the music centre, as well as the music
centre’s junior and senior harp ensembles, Telynau Clwyd under the direction of
Morwen Blythin and Dylan Cernyw.
Naturally,
Cerys’ piano tutor, Teleri Siân was delighted to hear the news: “It’s always a
pleasure to teach Cerys the piano at CGWM. She’s a special student who’s well
on her way to being a confident, and mature musician.”
by Gwydion Davies | 25 November, 2017 | Uncategorized
Canolfan
Gerdd William Mathias, a charity dedicated to providing experiences in music to
the public is calling for the support of the local community and businesses to
help reach a fundraising target of £3,000 which will be doubled during the Big
Give Christmas Challenge 2017.
Any
online donations made to Canolfan Gerdd William
Mathias (Music Centre) between 28th November – 5th
December will be doubled and will contribute to the continuity of Hidden
Talents, a programme which provides opportunities in music making for
adults with disabilities from the Caernarfon area.
The
project has been held successfully for over 10 years and has become immensely
important to over 30 participants who attend weekly sessions at Galeri
Caernarfon. It was established in 2003 by the Music Centre and musician
Arfon Wyn with support of the Arts Council of Wales and Gwynedd Council Social
Services. Local individuals living with disabilities benefit both
socially and educationally. For some participants, music offers a natural means
of communication in the absence of speech. Other benefits include
confidence-building and opportunities for social interaction.
Take
a look at this film for a taste of what the project offers.
Musician
and session leader Arfon Wyn said: “I have great satisfaction from working with
‘Hidden Talents’, we improvise together musically and have made friends for
life”.
Since
2012 the project has expanded to Pwllheli and Denbighshire and in 2013 was
awarded with the Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award for promoting the Arts
in Social Care.
Nia
Hughes from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias said: “The project has become a real
inspiration to all involved. The individuals who attend are given
opportunities to express themselves through music, and often perform to the
public in events held by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias. Their faces as
they perform is a joy to see, which emphasises the importance of this
project. Please support if you can.”
The charity works tirelessly to secure funding of up to £14k annually towards this project. To support Hidden Talents and help continue to enrich the lives of people living with disabilities, please donate online to Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias between 28th November – 5th December 2017. For more information, contact Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230.
by Gwydion Davies | 25 November, 2017 | Uncategorized
A
FEAST OF MUSIC is a special concert organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias
which will be held at Theatr John Ambrose, Ruthin on the 3rd of
February 2018 at 7:30pm.
The
concert will celebrate the fact that the Music Centre has started to provide
tuition in Ruthin as part of the charities effort to expand its provision in
North East Wales. The Music Centre, whose primary location is situated at
Galeri Caernarfon, has been providing music tuition at Theatr Twm o’r Nant
Dinbych for several years and is proud to be expanding its provision to
Ruthin.
The
concert will include performances from the Music Centre’s tutors, as well as
present and past students who have gone on to study at music colleges and local
youth choir Côr Cytgan Clwyd. Amongst the artists performing in the concert
will be Rhys Meirion, Elinor Bennett, Ann Atkinson, Alfred Barker, Glian Llwyd,
Teleri Siân, Morwen Blythin, Dylan Cernyw and Kate Griffiths.
The
Music Centre’s singing tutor Ann Atkinson, who also is the Director of the
North Wales International Music Festival and conductor of both Côr Trelawnwyd
and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr, is looking forward to the concert:
“I’ve
been teaching for Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias since 2012 when we started to
provide tuition at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh. It’s fantastic to see the
Music Centre expand its provision by offering music tuition in Ruthin too.”
“I’m
looking forward to sharing the stage with other tutors as well as some of the
students that I have been teaching in Denbigh who have now gone on to study the
voice further in music colleges.”
Three
of Ann’s past students will be taking part in the concert – Tesni Jones and
Lisa Davies who have gone on to study the voice in the Royal Northern College
of Music and Steffan Davies who now studies Music and Welsh at Bangor
University.
According
to one of the Music Centre’s piano tutors, Teleri-Siân, who lives in Llanfair
Dyffryn Clwyd, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias is working hard to develop its
centre in Ruthin. She said:
“We
have started by offering piano, singing, violin and theory lessons in Ruthin
for children and adults, but we intend to expand the provision to include
lessons on a variety of other instruments so it’s important that people contact
us to express their interest. We will also continue to develop our provision of
group activities during the next months.
“This
special night of music on the 3rd of February will help to raise
awareness that lessons are now available in Ruthin. Come and enjoy the feast of
music!”
The
Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project – music groups for young children has been
held in Denbigh in partnership with Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and Denbighshire
Arts Service for several years. A group for children aged between 6 months and
3 years old is held at 1:45pm at the Hwb in Denbigh and a group for children
between 4 – 7 years old at Theatr Twm o’r Nant after school on Mondays.
Tickets
for the concert ‘A Feast of Music’ to be held at Theatr John Ambrose on the 3rd
of February at 7:30pm are now available from Siop Elfair, Ruthin and from Siop
Clwyd, Denbigh. The ticket prices are £7, £6 (pensioners), £3 (children).
by Gwydion Davies | 24 October, 2017 | Uncategorized
Since
November 2016, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias has been holding music sessions
for older in Gellilydan and Awel y Coleg, Y Bala, led by Nia Davies Williams.
Children from the local primary schools have also been taking part in Camau
Cerdd sessions (Steps in Music) with Marie-Claire Howorth before joining the
older generation to sing and enjoy music activities.
Since
being commissioned by Gwynedd Council’s Community Arts Unit, the sessions have
helped older people in rural communities come together to meet new people and
enjoy music as well as raise confidence.
We’re
very pleased to announce that sessions will begin in Deiniolen and Bethesda at
the end of October. They are open for all older people who enjoy music to come
for a cup of tea and a song. Sessions in Bethesda will begin October 27,
10:30 – 11:30 in Neuadd Ogwen, and every other week from there. Similarly,
sessions i Deiniolen will begin on October 27 at 14:00 – 15:00 in Tŷ
Elidir. A cup of tea will be available after each session and the local
primary schools will join in the Spring 2018.
Take
a look at this film for a taste of the Bala and Gellilydan
activities.
For
further information, contact us on 01286 685 230
by Gwydion Davies | 1 October, 2017 | Uncategorized
The
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Chamber Choir took part in a concert at St Asaph
Cathedral on Sunday the 24th of September as part of the Welsh
National Opera Community Chorus and performed the Welsh premier of Oliver
Tarney and Paul Mealor’s Magnificats.
“This
was a great experience for the choir to be part of the WNO chorus and to sing
in such a stunning location as St Asaph Cathedral” said Jenny Pearson, the
choir’s conductor.
Jenny
Pearson has been leading the Choir for almost a decade, and under her
direction, the choir has experienced many successes, including taking part in a
cultural exchange project with the Incantanti Choir from Switzerland only last
year.
Some
of the more ambitious and most successful performances given by the choir in
recent years include: Bach Magnificat, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Fauré’s
Cantique de Jean Racine and Mozart’s Requiem.
Many
of the choir members have gone on to sing with the National Youth Choir of
Wales, WNO Youth Opera, and on to renowned conservatoires.
With
several of the choir members having moved on to universities and conservatoires
in September, the choir is now very eager to appeal to new members to join the
team.
The
choir is open to singers between 12 – 25 years of age, and Jenny Pearson is
eager to emphasise that past experience of singing in choirs is not necessary
in order to join:
“Côr
Siambr CGWM is open to all – regardless of experience, you don’t need to be
receiving singing lessons, and there’s no audition. If your child is a music
geek of any sort, they’ll love it! Being a part of the choir is also of benefit
for those receiving instrumental lessons – helping with aural and sight-reading
skills and their knowledge of music theory.”
The
first rehearsal in the series will be held for free, on Thursday the 5th
of October between 4:45 – 6:00pm, at SP3, Galeri Caernarfon.
This
first free rehearsal is a great opportunity for children who wish to have a
taste of being a part of the choir before registering for the series, as well
as having an opportunity to have an informal chat with Jenny.
To
register for the free taster rehearsal and to learn more about the CGWM Chamber
Choir, contact 01286 685 230
by Gwydion Davies | 11 August, 2017 | Uncategorized
Congratulations
to all CGWM pupils who competed at the National Eisteddfod this year.
Here is a list of winners, including current and former pupils:
Unawd
Llinynnau dan 16 oed: Strings solo under 16:
Gwydion Rhys
Unawd
piano dan 16 oed: Piano solo under 16:
Gwydion Rhys
Medi Morgan
Deuawd
offerynnol: Instrumental duet:
Rhiain Awel Dyer & Chloe Roberts
Gwenno & Medi Morgan
Unawd
i ferched 16-19 oed: Solo for girls 16 – 19
Tesni Jones
Lisa Dafydd
Unawd
i fechgyn 12-16 oed: Solo for boys 12 – 16
Tomi Llewelyn
Unawd
Telyn dan 19 oed: Harp Solo under 19:
Elain Rhys
Unawd
mezzo-soprano 19-25 oed: Mezzo-soprano solo 19 – 25:
Morgana Warren-Jones
Unawd
Piano dros 19 oed: Piano solo over 19:
Gwenno Glyn
Unawd
Telyn dros 19 oed: Harp solo over 19:
Glain Dafydd
Rhuban
Glas Offerynnol dros19 oed: Instrumental Blue Ribbon over 19:
Glain Dafydd
