Past Events
Worm's Head Top Brass have recently appeared on S4C. They are each talented musicians,who play for various orchestras, but come together for the joy of music.
Angharad Evans is an International Harpist with a very high reputation. In 1990, at the age of 12, she won first prize at the National Eisteddfod playing the triple harp and it is believed that this was the first time in over 70 years that this ancient instrument had been heard in competition on the Eisteddfod stage. Angharad has since then won first prize at Eisteddfodau on two further occasions, once while playing the triple harp and once on the pedal harp. She has played extensively in solo recitals and worked with many orchestras, playing in venues throughout Europe such as the Purcell Room in London, the Holywell Room in Oxford, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Rovaniemi in Finland, Paris and San Lorenzo El Escorial in Spain. Among her many achievements Angharad has appeared on television on numerous occasions, participated in the Arctic Circle Folk Festival and twice performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
James Davies is at present studying ar the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. He has given solo performances from an early age.
What a wonderful time we had. Angharad's bubbling ,charming personality alongside the competant and lively Worm's Head Brass. James Davies , the tenor sang well loved songs for us between the two. The concert ended with a wonderful finale of "The Halleluia Chorus" played alongside "When the Saints go marching In." We were pleased to see Angharad playing the triple harp on television recently in the "Treasures of Wales." Lyrr has been featured many times.
TFC Summer Gala
Everyone left with a smile! What a tribute to the artists who entertained us on Friday 29th June. Worm’s Head Top Brass played with great gusto – opening the concert with a wonderful fanfare. After the National Anthem, they played the well loved "Trumpet Voluntary" by Purcell. A Welsh composer from Swansea had arranged a series of Welsh folk songs for them. "Maggie May" was one, but I enjoyed the tune that reflected the blacksmith’s forge. There was much tapping in time to the music on instruments and music stands. James Davies a young tenor from Birmingham Conservatoire sang well known and loved songs for us and Angharad Evans played the harp with such skill that we were transported. The interval was a time for socialising and refreshments. These were delicious and provided by The Yew Tree Restaurant. Mrs. Marion Morgan made us mouth watering miniature chocolate éclairs. The second half was in reverse order, the climax being Worm’s Head Brass combining Handel’s "Halleluiah Chorus" with "When the Saints Come Marching In." Everybody left with their spirits uplifted.
What a scoop for Trevethin!
On Friday April 27th, Llyr Williams , reputedly the foremost concert pianist in Wales, visited St. Cadoc’s Church for an evening concert. Trevethin Festivals Charity invited him to play our new Beckstein piano. The piano was donated by the family of Dr. Alan Jenkins. The concert was a thanksgiving concert for the life of Dr. Jenkins and also featured Cwmbran Baroque Choir, of which Dr. Jenkins had been a long standing member. The concert was very special. All marveled at Llyr’s brilliant performance. The Baroque Choir was of an equal high standard of entertainment and our own Youth Ensemble impressed the audience. Daisy Evans, from Penygarn, can now say that she has played the piano alongside Llyr! Our Mayor, Mary Barnett, gave a moving tribute to Dr. Alan Jenkins, as he had been a lecturing and trade union colleague. Everyone left feeling uplifted.
Our Autumn Festival features the Brigette Thomas School of Music on Thursday 4th October and a feast of Local Talent on Saturday 6th October, so keep these dates in your diary!
Spring Gala Concert 2007
Entertainment includes:
Piano recital by Llyr Williams|
Cwmbran Baroque Choir
Youth Piano Recital
This was a Memorial Concert of Thanksgiving for the life of Dr. Alan Jenkins
It took place at St Cadoc’s Church, Trevethin, on Friday 27th April 2007 at 7:00pm
Concerts 2006
A gala concert was held in April 2006, with the wonderful voice of Holly Holyoake (truly a second Katherine Jenkins). Her voice was complemented by the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, directed by Gareth Whitcombe. Our own Daisy Evans played the clarinet with such skill that we understood how she has been chosen for the National Youth. She was the first to give a recital on our fabulous grand piano, donated by the heirs of Dr. Alan Jenkins.
The Summer Gala Concert was of the highest professional standard, using both classical and jazz music. Ralph Allin’s group enthralled and enthused the 150 year 6 pupils of two local schools in the afternoon, and were well appreciated. Of those children with no musical experience, about 50 children raised their hands to say that they would like to learn to play an instrument- the acoustic violin being a huge impetus, with Ralph’s brilliant stories of music.
The evening Gala shocked many who perhaps were thinking that it would just be a ‘Concert’. It was, of course, far more than that, with the audience quite silent at the end, but then giving a standing ovation to the players, who when talking afterwards were really overcome by their time here and the hospitality that they received.
The drama workshop progressed through the summer with young people making a full commitment. They were trained in theatre skills, use of masks and mime, which culminated in a final performance workshop.
The drum workshop run by Chrys Blanchard was amazing – 35 drums were hired and were beaten with perfect synchronisation. The youngest child was 9 years old and the oldest were in their 70’s. Chris Blanchard was truly at ease, totally charismatic and inspiring. She empathised, she exalted and she enthralled.
The Autumn Festival Concerts were a great success. On Thursday 28th Pontnewydd Ladies choir were a perfect foil to Pontnewynydd Primary School musicians. The ladies choir were very competent and brought with them a young soloist, Ben Powell. The school children were well received by the audience and gained in confidence (one of the problems for children in our area).
Local talent performed at the Saturday Concert. The drummers from the workshop performed and made a terrific impact. She also persuaded her group, the ‘Djambabes’ to play, letting the uninitiated of us see and enjoy Africa’s music in song and rhythm. Because the building has such excellent accoustics, it was a live presentation that could make that space very special to both players and listeners. Interestingly, as people left the building, they asked how their youngsters could benefit from the T.F.C. Experience.
Definite progress was shown in the development of our own Youth Ensemble. Individuals and groups performed with great skill and confidence. Our Daisy Evans now of the National Youth Symphonia extended her skills to the piano and saxophone. Lauren Jones performed modern dance, but also was choreographer for the other girls to dance to various modern songs.
Three under eight year olds gave us a dance using streamers.
We were able to use one of our young men to work the video camera to show the dancing and full stage on the screen, so that those at the back could appreciate the whole show, developing our use of I.C.T.