Chuck Berry gig postponed until the spring

Chuck Berry fans will have to wait until the spring to see the rock and roll legend live in Swansea.

A gig that had been arranged for the Brangwyn Hall on Wednesday December 2 has now been postponed until March 2010.

Promoters of the Chuck Berry tour have announced similar postponements throughout the UK.

Tickets already purchased will be valid for the new gig but anybody who would like to have a refund can do so at their original point of purchase.

Details of the new concert date will be confirmed as soon as possible.

read more... “Chuck Berry gig postponed until the spring”

First concert for the Vale from its new community choir

Over 50 singers who have joined the Vale of Glamorgan’s new community choir are busily rehearsing for their debut concert performance at St Donats Arts Centre on Sunday 6th December at 4pm.

The St Donats Atlantic Chorale will be performing their first concert that will include a selection of carols from around the world as well as a rare performance of Charpentier’s Midnight Mass, an enchanting piece of 18th century frippery based on popular Christmas tunes.

The ambitious choir, which has members hailing from all over the county, is led by one of the most imaginative choirmasters in south Wales, Carl Grainger, who is also Director of the Welsh Sinfonia Chorus.

Both the response to the new choir and the sales for its first concert have been very enthusiastic, “I am thrilled by the way people from the local community have come forward eager to make music and sing within Donats Arts Centre and Castle. They are both superb venues for choral music with magnificent spaces, perfect acoustics and an idyllic setting.”

The choir’s first performance follows last year’s magnificent concert of Handel’s Messiah which was conducted by Carl and performed by The Welsh Sinfonia and Chorus in St Donats Castle.

The new choir, which is still open to new members, attracted further support from the Vale of Glamorgan Assembly Member, Jane Hutt, when it began rehearsing in the summer, “the fantastic response from people across the Vale of Glamorgan to join up is superb.”

Tickets for the concert on Sunday 6th December include mince pies and mulled wine and are available from 01446 799100 or online at www.stdonats.com If anyone would like to join, or find out more, they can contact John Pengelly at the St Donats Arts Centre box office, St Donats Castle, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF. enquiries@stdonats.com 01446 799100.

read more... “First concert for the Vale from its new community choir”

Christmas at the Cathedral

Don’t forget the Denbighshire County Council Carol Service at St Asaph Cathedral!

The service, which takes place on Wednesday, 2 December at 7pm, will include musical performances from the recently formed Denbighshire County Council choir as well as other talented council staff and school children. It will also include lessons telling the Christmas story, read by staff and councillors.

A collection will be made during the service towards Cancer Research UK – Breast Cancer.

Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served at the Dean's Library (opposite the Cathedral) after the service.

Parking is available in the car park next to the cathedral and also at Ysgol Glan Clwyd.

read more... “Christmas at the Cathedral”

Percussionist Hits the Right Note

Percussionist Philip Howells was the overall winner of this year's Secondary Schools' Music Festival.

The annual festival, which is organised by the Pembrokeshire County Council Music Service and sponsored by Chevron, took place on Saturday (14th November) at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest.

Over 400 young musicians from the County's eight secondary schools took part in individual and ensemble competitions throughout the day.

Later in the evening an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a feast of music at a special concert showcasing both the individual winners as well as the winners of the instrumental and vocal ensemble competitions.

Philip Howells of Pembroke School was the Open Percussion Class winner - as well as the overall winner. He performed Paciocchino's Dream by Zizkovich on the marimba.

Winner of the Open Brass was Tenor Horn player (and Phillip's brother) Ryan Howells of Sir Thomas Picton School, who performed Cornocopia by Bram Wiggins accompanied by Simeon Morris

Sam Turton of Greenhill School was the winner of both the Open Woodwind and Piano classes for the second year running. In the woodwind competition he performed Andante and Scherzo by Paul Pierne accompanied by Clive Raymond. For his piano performance he played the 1st movement of Grieg's Piano Sonata.

The Open String Competition was represented by violinist Rebecca Hobbs of Greenhill School, who performed Romanze by Svendsen accompanied by Rebecca Whitehurst.

The winner of the Open Jazz Competition was saxophonist David Crane from Sir Thomas Picton School, who played the unaccompanied If Only by James Rae.

Jessica Cale of Sir Thomas Picton School was the winner of the Open Vocal competition and sang When I am laid in Earth by Henry Purcell.

There were joint winners of the Vocal Ensemble Class - Bro Gwaun Singers and Pembroke School trio. Unfortunately Bro Gwaun singers were unable to perform at the evening concert due to a prior commitment so Pembroke School Trio performed It Don't mean a Thing accompanied by Chris Preddy.

The winners of the Open Ensemble Class were the Greenhill School Clarinet Quintet, who performed the 3rd Movement of Brahms Clarinet Quintet.

The invited professional adjudicators - Peter Morgan, Percussion; Edward Burns, Strings; Christopher Lovegrove, Piano + Keyboard; Ted Wilson, Ensembles; Gareth Kirby, Brass; Dennis Mahoney, Jazz; Jacqui Scaife, Woodwind; Timothy Angel, Voice - were greatly impressed with the high standards and strength of the music on show.

On behalf of the judges Edward Burns congratulated all the participants, as well as staff and parents, who he said had helped make the day such an outstanding success.

Jane James of Chevron said the company was delighted to be involved in such a prestigious event.

The winners of both the solo and ensemble competitions showcased a range of styles - from classical music to contemporary popular songs, jazz and film music - at the evening concert.

Also performing were Sir Thomas Picton School Orchestra conducted by Tim Bourne; Ysgol Greenhill School Orchestra conducted by Paul Rapi;

Milford Haven School Wind Band conducted by Gareth Sanders Swales and Sarah Lloyd. Tasker Milward School conducted by Sarah Richards;

Ysgol Dewi Sant School Orchestra conducted by Tom Earey;

Pembroke School Choir and Orchestra conducted by Chris Preddy and Sammy Hughes; Ysgol Bro Gwaun Orchestra conducted by Adrian Clifford and Ysgol Y Preseli Wind Band conducted by Gareth Sanders Swales.

The master of ceremonies was Chris Llewellyn, the County Music Co-ordinator.

COMPETITION RESULTS

WOODWIND
Class 1 Grade 4 Woodwind

1 Libby Roberts Tasker Milward
2 Jnt Francesca Murphy Preseli
2 Jnt Sarah Merritt Greenhill
HC Shona McEvoy Dewi Sant

Class 2 Grade 5 Woodwind

1 Ceri-Ann Absalom STP
2 Hannah Taylor Greenhill
3 Angharad Thomas Preseli
HC Ceridwen Price Dewi Sant

Class 3 Grade 6 Woodwind

1 Sarah Davies Greenhill
2 Molly Brick Tasker Milward
3 Rhodri Maiden Preseli

Class 4 Grade 7 Woodwind

1 Claudia Belli Greenhill
2 Brendan Bunker Pembroke
3 Alex Lucas STP

Class 5 Grade 8 Woodwind

1 Danielle Harries Greenhill
2 Fiona Griffiths Greenhill
3 Eleri Evans Pembroke

Class 6 Open Woodwind

1 Sam Turton Greenhill
2 Sian Evans Pembroke
3 Hollie Lewis Pembroke
HC Katy Harrier STP

BRASS
Class 7 Grade 4 Brass

1 Kiaran Dearing Tasker Milward
2 Eleanor Armstrong Tasker Milward
3 Sophie Rees STP

Class 8 Grade 5 Brass

1 Jack Roberts Tasker Milward
2 Aled Meredith-Barratt Dewi Sant
3 Tomos Lewis Tasker Milward
HC Llinos Raymond Bro Gwaun
HC Alice Smith STP

Class 9 Grade 6 Brass

1 Ben Williams- Stacey Bro Gwaun
2 Geraint Harries Preseli
3 Alex Morgan Preseli
HC Ben Lawrence Bro Gwaun
HC Thomas Jordan Pembroke

Class 10 Grade 7 Brass

1 Bronwen Parratt Tasker Milward
2 Sam Freeman Milford
3 Gethin Llewelyn Pembroke

Class 11 Open Brass

1 Ryan Howells STP
2 Gareth Trott Tasker Milward
3 Ffion Haf-Williams Preseli
HC Adam Hensman Greenhill
HC Jake Watson STP

STRINGS

Class 13 Strings Grade 4

1 Ella Sutton Dewi Sant
2 David Baggs Preseli
3 Katie Baggs Preseli

Class 14 Strings Grade 5

1 Abbie Andreo Preseli
2 Elinor Davies Dewi Sant
3 Sarah Baggs Preseli
HC Luke Jenkins Dewi Sant

Class 15 Strings Grade 6

1 Rebecca Griffiths Greenhill
2 James Horton Home Educated
3 Madi Phillips STP
HC Christine Calditaran Tasker Milward

Class 16 Strings Grade 7

1 Cethin Ravenhill Pembroke
2 Lara Thomas Preseli
3 Alistair Davies Bro Gwaun
HC Angharad James Preseli

Class 17 Open Strings

1 Rebecca Hobbs Greenhill
2 Hannah Lowe Greenhill
3 Georgia Williams Greenhill
HC Oliver Irving STP

PIANO

Class 19 Piano Grade 4

1 Mari Lewis STP
2 Lara Thomas Preseli
3 Amber McAnley Pembroke
3 Hannah Rowe Pembroke
HC Sian Lewis STP
HC Madeline Phillips Pembroke

Class 20 Piano Grade 5

1 James Horton Home Educated
2 Tom Milne Bro Gwaun
3 Lois Lewis Preseli
HC Claudia Belli Greenhill

Class 21/22 Piano Grades 6 + 7

1 Blythe McGechan-Davies Preseli
2 Simran Mann Bro Gwaun
3 Josie Green Greenhill
HC Dominic Ciccotti Preseli
HC Catrin Raymond Bro Gwaun
HC George James Pembroke

Class 23 Open Piano

1 Sam Turton Greenhill
2 Josh Wood Milford
3 Talis Spence Greenhill
HC Daniel James Pembroke

PERCUSSION

Class 26 Kit Percussion Grades 3-6

1 Jordan James Bro Gwaun
2 Mathew John Tasker Milward
3 Tommy Bryant Pembroke
HC Richard Phillips Dewi Sant
HC Peter Lewis Greenhill

Class 27 Orchestral Percussion Grades 3-6

1 Harry Whitehurst Greenhill
2 Carys Evans STP
3 Rhea Hrysicos STP
HC Alice Smith STP

Class 28 Open Percussion

1 Philip Howells Pembroke
2 Dan Brown Greenhill
3 Max Smith-Wrench Greenhill

VOCALS

Class 29 Classical Vocal Years 7-9

1 Jnt Naomi Nicholas Preseli
1 Jnt Bethan Davies Preseli
3 Keya Henderson Tasker Milward

Class 30 Classical Vocal Years 10-13

1 Catrin Raymond Bro Gwaun
2 Caryl Lewis Preseli
3 Blythe Davies Preseli
HC Sam Freeman Milford Haven

Class 31 Non Classical Vocal Years 7-9

1 Gwennan Williams Preseli
2 Sara Watkins Preseli
3 Nicola Clark Preseli
HC Iolo James Preseli
HC Glesni Edwards STP
HC Madi Phillips STP
HC Rhiannon Stephens Milford Haven

Class 32 Non Classical Vocal Years 10-13

1 Rosanna Cale STP
2 Emily Kajaks Pembroke
3 Gemma Johnson Tasker Milward
HC Eleanor Brown
HC Aaron Lewis
HC Bethan Davies
HC Abi Kinnock
HC Isobel Sherwood
HC Abigail Merritt
HC Stacey Etherington

Class 33 Open Vocal

1 Jessica Cale STP
2 Delun Nia Gibby Preseli
3 Lucy Morris Greenhill
HC Naomi Thomas STP

JAZZ

Class 34 Grade 3-5 Jazz

1 Jessica Lewis STP
2 Katie Isles STP
3 Mathew Davies Milford Haven
HC Ben Thomas Preseli

Class 35 Open Jazz

1 David Crane STP
2 Jack Stacey Preseli
3 Dominic Ciccotti Preseli

ENSEMBLES

Class 36a Grade 5 Wind/Brass Ensemble

1 Flute Trio Tasker Milward
2 Recorders Dewi Sant
3 Percussion Ensemble STP

Class 36b Grade 5 String Ensemble

1 Preseli Cello Quartet
2 Tasker Milward Violin Trio
3 Sir Thomas Picton 2 Violins & Piano
HC Preseli Pedwarawd Mared
HC Bro Gwaun String Trio

Class 37 Grade 5-8 Ensemble

1 Greenhill Clarinet Quartet
2 Milford Haven Saxaphone Quartet
3 Sir Thomas Picton Cello Quartet
HC Pembroke Violin Quartet

Class 38 Open Ensemble

1 Greenhill Clarinet Quintet and String Quartet
2 Sir Thomas Picton Jazz Piano Duo
3 Sir Thomas Picton Brass Ensemble

Class 39 Vocal Ensemble

1 Bro Gwaun & Pembroke Trio
2 Sir Thomas Picton Senior Ensemble
3 Greenhill Vocal Ensemble
HC Sir Thomas Picton Junior Ensemble

Class 40 Instrumental Duo

1 Deuawd Ysgol y Preseli Preseli
2 Brendan and Patrick Bunker Pembroke

Photograph: The Individual Winners are pictured with Jane James of Chevron. They include- Rebecca Hobbs, Ryan Howells, Jessica Cale, Sam Turton, Philip Howells and David Crane.

read more... “Percussionist Hits the Right Note”

Youngsters tune up for talent show

Talented young musicians will be rocking the judges at an alternative music competition taking place this weekend.

Youngsters from schools across the Caerphilly county borough are busy practicing in a bid to clinch the coveted title of 'Caerphilly Young Contemporary Musician of the Year'.

Vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers will take part in the competition on Saturday 21st November at the Caerphilly Music Service offices in Pontllanfraith.

This year the event, which has been arranged in association with AX Music, has attracted a record 142 young hopefuls who are eager to show off their talent before the judges.

Adjudicators will assess the youngsters' performances during the day before awarding the top prizes of 'Young Contemporary Singer of the Year', 'Young Contemporary Composer of the Year', and finally the 'Young Contemporary Musician of the Year 2009' at 4.30pm.

The prizes will be presented by the Mayor of Caerphilly CBC, Councillor John Evans.

Admission to the event is free. For more information please contact Caerphilly Music Service on 01495 228948.

read more... “Youngsters tune up for talent show”

The authentic sound of traditional Chinese music comes to Lampeter

In a free concert at the University of Wales Lampeter on 27 November 2009, the Nanjing University Orchestra will provide a rare opportunity to hear indigenous melodies from the Chinese province of Southern Jiangsu, as well as traditional pieces reflecting the unique character of other regions.

Specialising in recreating the authentic sound of traditional Chinese music on instruments such bamboo flute and zheng, better known in the west as the zither, the orchestra has received world-wide praise for their refreshing and original rendering of traditional Chinese folk songs and dance music.

Founded in 1996, Nanjing University Traditional Instrument Orchestra is composed of a group of dedicated undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students from various departments of the university, such as Literature, History, Philosophy, Law, Economics, Business Management, Natural Sciences, Engineering Science and Medical Science. The amateur orchestra has toured the United States, Japan, Korea and Malaysia, giving over 300 performances since its inception, winning numerous competitions and gaining and enthusiastic following.

The orchestra promises a lively evening of entertainment with a repertoire that includes:

Celebration Jasmine Flower – Ensemble

The Early Spring Morning on the Snow Mountain – Zheng solo.

The Spring of Xiangjiang River – bamboo flute solo

Melody of South Jiangsu and Horse Racing - Erhu Ensemble

The concert will take place at 8pm on Friday, 27 November 2009 in the Arts Hall, UWL. It is sponsored by The Confucius Institute at the University of Wales Lampeter, whose remit is to foster enjoyment of Chinese language and culture among people of all ages across Wales.

For more information, please email confuciusinstitute@lamp.ac.uk

read more... “The authentic sound of traditional Chinese music comes to Lampeter”

Music, beer, rugby, what could possibly go wrong?

For many years Man struggled and sought in vain for the pleasure to surpass all pleasures - alchemists brewed their elixirs, druggists dug their drugs and writers described the debauched palaces in their own twisted minds, all in search of Big Screen Rugby, beer and top notch live music.

Well, look no further mankind, because Rugby, beer and music is here in our very own capital - the Diff they call Car - at The Globe in Roath.

Wales v Australia, on the biggest screen in Roath (they say), kicks off at 5:30pm, then just while you're arguing over the finer points of the refereeing of the breakdown and whether or not there's still any room for imagination in modern rugby - I mean, would Phil Bennet or Barry John have prospered in these times of the great thud? Sorry, that's a debate for another time.

So, pretty much straight after the game you'll be assailed with the bluegrass styles of - Ginge and Cellboi, something like this in fact (although, hopefully they'll have turned off the audience repelling force field that seems to be in action here):




Following them will be the much-loved and rather hirsute Whistling Biscuits, who like Wales on their third appearance of the Autumn season, are on a run of gigs and - as they won't have been tackled into casualty by 17 stone southern hemispherics who can run the 100m in eight seconds - are really hitting their stride. Like this:




Right, that's it with the rygbi, I pushed it too far I know and for that I am truly sorry, but it's just that I think players are getting all the flare coached out of them in a welter of systems and units and moves, oh for a side-step, oh for a dummy, up here for thinking and all that.

Well, finally, the headliners are also much loved and a real and genuine Cardiff legend (that doesn't mean they're made up) Cakehole Presley - "You'll dance, you'll sing along, you'll drink too much, you'll love every second," say the Globe and they should know.

Here's Cakehole:



Entry after 7.30pm is £5 for just music, or free for ruby and music - do the math, as annoying people say, and I'm nothing if not that.

read more... “Music, beer, rugby, what could possibly go wrong?”

Australian men with tatoos, yes, it's Butterfly Effect

So then, Australian men, tatoos, guitars etc, that's where we going with Butterfly Effect, perhaps the above video has confounded your preconceptions or confirmed your prejudices about Australian men, tatoos, guitars, etc. On youtube it's gone off on one and into a debate about whether Britney's world-wide fanbase means she's any good or, even if you don't like her you should admit that she does have talent.

Oi, people! This is what we call subjective, you see, it's not objective - meaning it can be measured against a set of criteria and judged, it's all in your very own little brain that these things are decided, so just decide them and then shut up, and stop posting comments on youtube you dolts. Sheesh.

All very interesting I'm sure you'll agree, but hardly getting to the root of the matter, which is where can I see these tatood Australian men with their guitars?

Funny you should ask that, you can see them at Cardiff Barfly this very Saturday, in the company of Slaves of Gravity and Touchfinder.

Barfly's just off the end of Queen Street, so you can do your shopping first, because I bet you'll look just great in the subsequent metal club night with your La Senza carrier bag.

The doors open at 7:30pm and if you're under-18 you can just flipping well sod off until you stop being under 18. And all this joy is yours for a bargain £7.50 - I suspect many of you will be drinking lager too, so take about £30 and forget shopping.

read more... “Australian men with tatoos, yes, it's Butterfly Effect”

Cuba Cuba @ Barfly Barfly

Cuba Cuba, the balmy tropical island liberated by Fidel Castro Castro and Che Che Guevara in 1958, hold on, no. Cuba Cuba are a rock and pop band. Now, my dear old mother God rest her... Oh, no she isn't is she. Well, my mother always advised me not to wear white, perhaps that's why I'm a Leeds United fan with possibly the largest acreage of sweat-shopped white polyester in all of Cardiff (I'll take on challengers).

But, we're digressing here.

Cuba Cuba, who we now know to be a band, with a touch of the Futureheads to these ears, play Cardiff Barfly on Monday, December 7.

And, it's not just them, oh no indeed. Blitz Kids (do they loot bombsites or something? Only attendance we feel will answer this question adequately) will also be bouncing around while playing electronic guitars on a small raised platform in the time honoured fashion that's proved such a success since Vera Lynn was but a nipper. Here they are doing just that sort of thing - rationing out now!



And, if that weren't enough, Samoans will be doing similar things too! Wow, and the last time Samoans got lively in Cardiff Warren Gatland had to use the word errors 17 times in his post-match interview, so we're expecting big things here.

Three bands and the good people at Barfly offer as their main selling point, and I quote, "Cheap entry and Cheap Drinks," (their capitals) which strikes me as hiding your lights under someone else's bushell.

Time will tell.

Doors at half-past the seven in the PM. Tickets from the usual suspects.

read more... “Cuba Cuba @ Barfly Barfly”

Carols for a good cause at Advent

The Reflections Carol Concert in aid of The Lewis Gold Appeal takes place at St John the Baptist Chruch, Cardiff on Tuesday, December 1, the perfect time to celebrate the onset of advent and get your caroling in tune for another Christmas.

The service promises a feast of festive music and readings featuring the Welsh tenor, Alun Rhys-Jenkins, 60 strong Cor Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal Bechgyn mixed Choir, Bro Taf Choir and Radnor Primary School Choir.

The Lewis Akrill Gold Appeal will help to reflect on the lives of patients like Lewis Akrill from Caerphilly, who received a kidney transplant from his mum, Tracy, five years ago.

In spite of his health problems, the youngster won gold medal competing for Wales at the British Transplant Games In Coventry this year and is now launching a 'Lewis Gold Appeal' to raise awareness about the urgent need for more organs and support for the children's Kidney Unit.

Lewis said: It’s a chance to remember the donors like my Mum, who have helped children and other patients like me by donating their organs. Without their help, I wouldn't have had the chance to win gold medal.

We hope that you will be able to join us with family and friends for a wonderful festive evening.

For tickets please contact Kidney Wales on 02920343940 or contact andrew@kidneywales.com Donations are welcome at the service.

read more... “Carols for a good cause at Advent”

Athlete go accoustic at Buffalo

Here's Athlete:



They are playing accoustically. OK, so there are plugs on that keyboard and laptop, but we don't need to be sticklers about this do we?

This is what they will be doing at Buffalo Bar, Windsor Place, Cardiff next Friday, November 27.

It's part of Peter Lawrie's residency at the bar. This is Peter Lawrie, he has a very interesting voice and he will be 'projecting' it, that's a technical term, around the same room on the same evening, making up what is called the line up or bill.



What you do is buy tickets at Cardiff University Students Union shop and then you attend what is often called the 'gig'. Easy see, and you made all that fuss about it.

read more... “Athlete go accoustic at Buffalo”

Clwb Ifor Bach angular triple bill

Coming up at Clwb Ifor Bach on Tuesday, December 8, are Kutosis, Joy Of Sex and We're No Heroes - and it's only £4.

Kutosis, are in the over-used phrase, hotly tipped, but have been picked out by the BBC for their Introducing stage at this year's Reading and Leeds festival, on which you can now see them here.



Joy of Sex - and try searching Youtube for that! - remind this old man of The Fall in a way, and are also hotly tipped by the behemoth-like Beeb.

We're No Heroes have won this slot with some impressive demos.

And to top it all, your hard-earned, nicked or borrowed £4 gets you Free Dancing too!

www.myspace.com/kutosis
www.myspace.com/joyofsex
www.myspace.com/werenoheroesband

read more... “Clwb Ifor Bach angular triple bill”

Welsh stars at WMC for Children in Need

The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay is doing its bit for Pudsey the Bear this Friday with a concert for BBC Children in Need.

Tickets for the 7.15pm show are £25, (Under 16's, £15), and Bonnie Tyler, Only Men Aloud, Bryn Terfel and Stereophonics lead the way.

Guests at the special concert on 20 November include John Owen Jones, the singing Soldiers, Rhydian, plus Shaheen and Faryl Smith from Britain's Got Talent.

Full details and tickets at wmc.org.uk.

read more... “Welsh stars at WMC for Children in Need”

Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival scores again

All film and music buffs get ready for a week of sheer bliss as Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival takes over Cardiff for 5 days.

It's going to be hard to top last year's bill which included such high profile guests as Slumdog Millionaire Director, Danny Boyle and renowned Welsh actor, Jonathan Pryce but they've done it again! From Wednesday 18 November to Sunday 22 November, the festival, which takes place in various venues around Cardiff and the Bay area will be welcoming some very special guests...

2009's event will see musical legend, composer and artist, John Cale return once more to Wales. Cale, who was born in Garnant near Ammanford, made his name as the co-founder of iconic New York art-rock group, The Velvet Underground in the 1960s before forging a highly successful solo career as a producer and performer, before making the leap into the world of composition for film.

Cale who represented Wales at the Venice Biennale earlier this year, returns to the Captial to celebrate his career as both a composer and solo musician through two very special events. On the 20th November, John Cale will take part in an 'In Conversation' event where he will discuss his film work before a screening of the cult favourite, 'American Psycho' (for which he provided the score) at Cardiff Cineworld.

The following evening, November 21, Cale will perform a special concert at the newly reopened Coal Exchange venue in Cardiff Bay. For the first time ever, Cale will perform his seminal solo album, 'Paris 1919' in its entirety, backed by his LA based band and a large compliment of backing musicans.

Also appearing live at Soundtrack '09 will be Cardiff psych-rockers, Super Furry Animals, who will perform at the Coal Exchange as part of a special series of events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Creation Records label. The band will perform tracks from their years on the label on the 20 November.

Gruff Rhys, SFA's frontman will also be making his debut as a film-maker with the premiere of his new film, 'Separado' at Cineworld, Cardiff on November 19. Separado is a psychedelic western musical in which Gruff takes us on a pan continental road trip in search of his long lost Patagonian uncle, the poncho wearing guitarist, Rene Griffiths. The film will be followed by a Q and A session with Gruff, his co-director Dyl 'Goch' Jones and the Guardian Journalist and author, Will Hodgkinson.

This is just a taster of the great events on offer at this year's Soundtrack Festival. For more information, please visit the website: www.soundtrackfilmfestival.com

Film Agency Wales, which organises the festival, is supported by Arts Council of Wales.

Photograph: John Cale at the Venice Biennale (c) British Council

read more... “Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival scores again”

Book your tickets for Brangwyn candlelight magic

Tickets are now available for a magical candlelight concert at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.

Murder, Mystery and Madness is being held at 7.30pm on Sunday November 22.

The three themes have been some of the favourite inspirations for famous composers over the years- some of whom led mysterious lives themselves.

Top Welsh musician and TV personality Alwyn Humphreys will tell some of the more fascinating tales from yesteryear and music will come from the Chamber Orchestra of Wales and guest soprano Ros Evans.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The candlelight concerts are always a treat and the Brangwyn Hall makes for a wonderful classical music venue.

"This is one of many events people can look forward to in the build-up to Christmas."

Tickets are £11.50 and £9.50 for concessions. They're available online at www.swansea.gov.uk/brangwynevents or from the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01792 475715.

The Christmas by Candlelight concert at the Brangwyn Hall is being held on Wednesday December 23 at 7.30pm.

read more... “Book your tickets for Brangwyn candlelight magic”

Blue plaque for Pendyrus Male Choir

The internationally-famous Pendyrus Male Choir is the latest distinguished recipient of a Blue Plaque in honour of its major contribution to creating Wales’s image as the Land of Song.

The Rhondda-based choir, which was formed 85 years ago, has spread the tradition of Welsh choral music around the world and yet still remains very much at the heart of the community where it originated.



At a special ceremony held in Tylorstown Primary School the Blue Plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Robert Smith and Chairman of the Choir Creighton Lewis.


Honoured guests were also given the opportunity to hear Tylorstown Primary School Choir perform followed by a rousing performance of Welsh music and tunes from further afield by the Pendyrus men.

Cllr Smith said: “This has been a splendid occasion and it is a great honour to unveil this Blue Plaque to commemorate the immeasurable contribution the Pendyrus Male Choir has made in enhancing the reputation of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales as a musical nation.

“Their outstanding history speaks for itself and both as a choir and a charitable organization, we are indebted to their commitment to ensure the Welsh choral tradition continues for future generations to enjoy.

“The fact that there are so many fine voices in the Tylorstown Primary School Choir is testament to the fact that the future remains bright for choirs like Pendyrus who can rest assured that choral singing is alive and well in the county borough.”

Chairman Creighton Lewis responded by paying tribute to the ambassadorial role the Choir has played since it was formed in 1924 and expressed the delight of the choristers in being awarded the Blue Plaque.

For almost two years Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Libraries & Museums Service has been working closely with various voluntary organisations and individuals to determine 30 sites in the county borough as yet unrecognized for their historical background with the placing of a Blue Plaque

Due to £49,200 of Heritage Lottery funding, the project has set out to identify icons, events and buildings, culminating in the placing of blue plaques to commemorate their history and achievements.

The Blue Plaque for Pendyrus Male Choir will be placed on Ty Ebenezer in East Street, Tylorstown. This is the site of the former Ebenezer Chapel where the Choir was originally formed by unemployed miners Ben Jones and Emlyn Drew in May 1924 after the friends decided they wanted to add to their leisure time.

Taking its name from a local signal box, the Choir steadily grew into a national competition winner under the baton of Arthur Duggan. They continued to scale the peaks of musical distinction under their second musical director Glynne Jones who led them through a second “golden era”.

Further successes have continued and the choir has recorded a wide catalogue of music and performed at all the major venues throughout the UK as well as undertaking extensive overseas tours of Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

read more... “Blue plaque for Pendyrus Male Choir”

Pop star Pink to play Swansea

Pop music fans had best get the party started because American star Pink has been lined up to perform in Swansea.

The singer will take to the stage at the city's Liberty Stadium on Wednesday June 23 next summer as part of her worldwide Funhouse Carnival Tour.

Pink has already sold over 30 million albums across the globe and some of her best known hits include Rock Star, Get the Party Started and Trouble.

The 30-year-old also collaborated with the likes of Christina Aguilera on the 2001 version of Lady Marmalade.

Swansea is one of only six cities across the UK to host Pink and her Funhouse Carnival Tour.

The Who and Elton John are among the other major acts to have played The Liberty Stadium since it was opened in 2005.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The introduction of the Liberty Stadium to Swansea has been overwhelmingly positive for Swansea both in terms of sports and its wider offer.

"We've already seen other world class musicians play at the stadium and now Pink is following in their footsteps.

"It's a real feather in Swansea's cap that we're one of only six cities to have been selected to host her forthcoming tour. This not only shows confidence in Swansea as a venue that can host major events but it also raises the city's profile both in the UK and overseas."

Tickets for the Pink gig at the Liberty Stadium are being made available from Monday November 9.

They'll be on sale at both the Liberty Stadium's ticket office between 10am and 6pm and at Derrick's Records on Oxford Street.

Twenty four-hour credit card lines are being made available on 0844 847 2450, 0871 230 1080, 0844 338 8000 and 0844 481 1222.

People with internet access can also visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.seetickets.com or www.theticketfactory.com to get their tickets.

Hospitality is also available. Anyone interested should call 01792 616402 for more details.

read more... “Pop star Pink to play Swansea”

Denbigh composer wins 2009 Llangollen Carol Competition

Christmas has come early for one man from Denbigh after his carol won the annual S4C Llangollen Carol competition.

Ynyr Llwyd, a 21 year-old student from Prion, won the competition with his carol Cariad Mam, a tender lullaby sung by Mary to the baby Jesus. Ynyr shares the £1,000 prize with his father Eifion Lloyd Jones, who co-wrote the words for the carol.

There is a different feel to the carol, as Ynyr, who’s studying composition as a post-graduate student at Bangor University, explains.

“I’ve tried to give Cariad Mam a different sound to a conventional Christmas carol – with an acoustic guitar accompanying the verses and an orchestral feel to the powerful choruses.

“This wasn’t the first time for me to try the competition. I tried twice while at school, which makes winning even more satisfying, as I’ve kept at it and tried again.”

The carol will be performed at the Thousand Christmas Voices concert at the world-famous Llangollen International Pavilion on 13 December. The Daily Post-sponsored concert will be broadcast on S4C over the festive period.

The star-studded line-up for the annual event includes Mark Evans, a finalist in the competition Your Country Needs You, and Aberystwyth soprano, Gwawr Edwards, who is currently on tour with Only Men Aloud! Anglesey singer Elin Fflur and Meirionnydd choir, Côr Godre’r Aran will also perform on the night. Alwyn Humphreys will be conducting the singing on this special occasion, with Branwen Gwyn and Robin Jones presenting the evening.

Ynyr will release a CD at the end of the year called ‘Rhwng Gwyn a Du’.

read more... “Denbigh composer wins 2009 Llangollen Carol Competition”

Church music awards

The contribution of musicians to the life of the church will be recognised by the Archbishop of Wales in an award ceremony this weekend.

Dr Barry Morgan will present the Archbishop of Wales' Awards and Certificates for Church Music at a service at St Woolos' Cathedral, Newport, on Saturday, November 7, at 2pm. The preacher will be the Very Revd Jonathan Lean, Dean of St Davids.

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FFaF show postponed

This evening's Funeral for a Friend gig at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay has been postponed until 23rd November.



Tickets for the original date are all still valid and stil on sale at all the usual outets!

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