Entertainment

Ex-royal harpist Claire helps pull strings to inspire new generation

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2022

The woman who convinced King Charles to reinstate the position of royal harpist after a century-long gap is aiming to inspire a new generation to play the instrument.

Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett is going on a 12-stop Wales-wide tour, The Dwylo ar Dannau’r Delyn (Hands on Harp Strings) and will be joining forces with former royal harpist Claire Jones, who hails from Pembrokeshire.

The concerts, masterclasses and workshops will take Elinor, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Harp Festival, to places where she has close personal connections.

Claire Jones, who was the Official Harpist to the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, between 2007 and 2011, will be joining Elinor at Ysgol Preseli in her home village of Crymych on Saturday, November 19.

She became a household name for her acclaimed performance at the royal wedding for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and has performed over 180 times for the Royal Family.

The tour also includes dates in Pwllheli, Llangefni, Llanrwst, Swansea, Barry and Denbigh.

Elinor will also be going to Llangadfan in Powys where she has close family links and Aberystwyth where she studied for a law degree at the town’s university.

She will also visit Swansea, Barry, Crymych in Pembrokeshire along with Merthyr Tudful where she once lived and Llanuwchllyn near Bala where she spent a large portion of her childhood.

The tour, which follows a launch concert for the festival at Bangor University’s PJ Hall, will feature some her former students and colleagues.

As well as re-igniting interest in harp music following the Covid pandemic, the aim is to promote the fifth Wales International Harp Festival which will be staged at Galeri Caernarfon from April 5-11.

She will also be inviting harpists to take part in four competitions at the festival, with the aim of giving children and older harpists a platform to perform, receive comments from internationally esteemed harpists and make friends with young musicians from other parts of the world.

The closing date for applications for the competitions is January 2, 2023.

She will be stepping down as the festival’s Artistic Director after next year’s event.

Elinor said: “At each location on the tour I will be joined by either a former pupil or someone I have worked with in the past.

“We hope local harp tutors and teachers will bring their pupils along. Each event will last for about four hours and at the start there will be workshops and master classes where the youngsters can play together and then some solos.

“To close the event there will be a concert where I will play along with the guest tutor and perhaps with some of the youngsters if they wish. The concerts, of course, will be open to the public.

“And there will also be an exhibition of harps by the Vining company from Cardiff. They sell Camac instruments and are sponsoring the festival.”

According to Elinor, one of the aims of the tour is to encourage youngsters to learn how to play the harp.

“I have heard that fewer children and young people are taking up the harp and the tour will create an interest in the harp and raise awareness of the festival itself,” she said.

She added tickets for the tour are available online at www.walesharpfestival.co.uk and some local shops but will also be available on the door.

Elinor said when she started learning to play the harp in 1954 when there were very few harpists.

Born at Llanidloes in the former county of Montgomeryshire, her family later moved to Llanuwchllyn near Bala in Merionethshire.

Her father bought her first harp when she was just seven years of age though she did not begin lessons for another four years as her legs were not long enough to reach the pedals.

She said: “My father was very musical, as were my mother and grandfather. After we moved to Llanuwchllyn my father joined Cor Godre’r Aran. In 1949 they went to London to sing at the Dorchester Hotel, and while in the city he bought a harp for £30 and brought it back to Llanuwchllyn on the (London) Underground and the train.

After leaving school Elinor studied law at Aberystwyth but later applied for and won a scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Osian Ellis, the acclaimed Flintshire-born harpist. After graduating she played with numerous orchestras at home and abroad.

Though known mostly for classical music she has also played with some of Wales’ most renowned rock musicians. She has recorded twelve solo albums and founded the Coleg Telyn Cymru (Harp College of Wales) and helped set up Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in Caernarfon.

Finding herself seated next to the then-Prince of Wales at a dinner, she told him of the tradition of a Royal harpist but which had not been filled for more than a century.

“He was interested and asked me to send him a proposal which I duly did. That led to the revival of the tradition with the first being Catrin Finch in 2000,” said Elinor.

The fifth Wales International Harp Festival will bring together leading exponents of the instrument from around the world to Galeri Caernarfon next April.. Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) it will feature concerts, masterclasses, workshops and lecture recitals.

Elinor said performances will be given by world-class artists representing various aspects of the harp spectrum.

These include the Latin-American harpist from Colombia, Edmar Castaneda, French harpist Isobel Moretti, who makes a return visit to Caernarfon and jazz harpis Deborah Henson-Conant from the USA.

The festival commission is a new work, Llechi (Slate), by harpist and composer, Math Roberts, with poetry by Wales’ National Poet, Ifor Ap Glyn.

Elinor said this has been written for a chamber ensemble and vocal soloists and will celebrate the unique culture of the slate-mining areas of Gwynedd, recently awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.

“Participants in each of the categories in the four competitions are encouraged to create their own choice of programmes and include one or two items listed in the published syllabus.

“In the Youth and children competitions, equal scholarships will be awarded for the three top performances, to help talented young harpists to receive continuing expert tuition/

“Please join us over Easter in Caernarfon for a joyful and enriching experience.,” said Elinor.

Further details about the tour, the festival and the competitions are available on the Festival website www.walesharpfestival.co.uk

Entertainment

Music at the Manor returns for an exciting evening of entertainment

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE is proud to announce the return of Music at the Manor on Friday 10^th May at Scolton Manor for an evening of fantastic entertainment.

More than 150 Pembrokeshire young musicians will showcase their talents in the beautiful surroundings of Scolton.

This is the third Music at the Manor event, expanding on the success of previous years to bring an exciting evening of musical celebration from across Pembrokeshire.

Gates open at 4.30pm for a 6pm start and guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket and arrive in plenty of time to relax, soak up the atmosphere and grab something to eat.

Food lovers will be well catered for with Daps Baps, Pembs Pizza co and Worley’s Ice-creams on hand and Absolute Events Bars to provide a drink to enjoy along with the music.

Face painting by the talented Gabrielle Swales will also be on offer.

Performing are:

Pembrokeshire Music Service (PMS) Youth String Orchestra
PMS Youth Wind Band
PMS Youth Brass Band
PMS Rock and Pop bands “Nebular” and “Broken Strings”
PMS Youth Woodwind ensemble
PMS Training Orchestra featuring the Second Steps ensemble players

Cleddau Chamber orchestra and Pembrokeshire Music Service Community Choir will also perform.

Compere for the evening is Ysgol Greenhill Headteacher David Haynes.

Tickets are £8, £4 Concessions and £18 family ticket.

You can purchase tickets online or alternatively contact Angela White on 01437 775202.

Tickets will be available on the night but to reduce potential for congestion please pre pay where possible.

Entertainment

Classic car extravaganza returns to Carew Castle this Bank Holiday

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ONE of the highlights of the Pembrokeshire calendar is set to return this Bank Holiday, as Carew Castle prepares to host some of the finest classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles from across South Wales.

The Carew Castle Car Show will take place on Monday 6 May, with plenty of entertainment for all the family, including music throughout the day by local folk band ‘Razor Bill’, and a variety of vintage funfair rides and games from Pembrokeshire Attractions.

For an extra cost of £2, younger visitors will also be able to take part in a Brilliant Birds Trail around the Castle

Manager of Carew Castle, Daisy Hughes, said: “We’re delighted to host the ever-popular Car Show at Carew for another year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts and families alike to admire the beauty of classic and vintage vehicles in an equally impressive vintage setting.

“There is no need to book tickets in advance – just turn up on the day to make the most of this fantastic event.”

Nest Tearoom will be open from 10am onwards to serve bacon rolls and hot drinks, with the usual mouth-watering selection of homemade lunches and cakes available throughout the rest of the day. Visitors are welcome to explore the majestic Castle and Tidal Mill during their visit, to find out more about the events and colourful characters that shaped this site’s fascinating history.

While the car show itself is currently at capacity and no longer accepting new entries, anyone interested in securing a spot for their vehicle on the reserve list are encouraged to register their interest by following the link at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/spring-events.

Carew Castle Car Show will take place from 10am-3pm with the Castle open from 10am-4.30pm. Normal admission charges apply: Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children £6 and a Family Ticket (two adults and two children) £25.

Please note the event may not take place in the event of bad weather. For more information visit www.carewcastle.com or follow Carew Castle’s Facebook page (Carew Castle and Tidal Mill) for event updates.

To learn about other events that are taking place in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this Bank Holiday and throughout the rest of the year, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.com/events.

Entertainment

Trends Shaping the Future of Online Gaming: A Comprehensive Analysis

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2024

Design Team

Online gaming has recently started having its moment. From people looking for online gambling in sa to playing mobile games during their commute, gaming reaches new audiences every day.

One thing that keeps gaming so fun for all is the technological advances that move this digital entertainment forward. For example, even classic online slots are not the same anymore. Today, gamers enjoy a variety of adventure theme slots at online casinos, choosing what they want to see in terms of design and special features. So, let’s see what tech trends are shaping how we will perceive online games of the future.

Cloud Gaming Takes Off

Forget expensive consoles! Cloud gaming lets you play top games on your phone, tablet, or even an older laptop. Here’s the twist: powerful computers in the cloud run the games. You just stream them like a movie. No downloads, no fancy hardware needed. Just a good internet connection unlocks a world of high-quality gaming without the hefty price tag. Cloud gaming is still new, but it could change everything. Imagine conquering epic adventures or dominating online matches on your phone during your commute.

Cross-Platform Gaming

Remember the struggle of wanting to play with friends stuck on different consoles? Cross-platform play fixes that. Now, players on PCs, Xboxes, Playstations, and even phones can team up or battle each other in the same online games. It’s like breaking down walls between gaming systems. Suddenly, you have a much bigger pool of people to play with. No more being left out because your friend has a different console. Cross-platform play is all about uniting gamers, no matter what they use. This creates a more inclusive experience, where friendships can form regardless of your chosen device.

Esports & Competitive Gaming

Forget just playing for fun. Esports turns video games into major league competition. Pro gamers train intensely, compete for millions in prize money, and even have cheering fans. It’s like watching traditional sports but for video games.

Esports even have their tournaments streamed live, which attracts massive audiences today. In a way, this type of gaming has stopped being simply entertainment. It is now a sport and career for many.

VR and AR

VR and AR are reshaping how we play. VR lets you completely enter the game world with a headset, feeling like you’re battling enemies or exploring landscapes. AR overlays digital elements onto your reality – imagine battling aliens in your backyard! Both are still young, but they offer a more immersive and interactive way to play.

Such playing experiences practically erase the line between the digital and our worlds, making all you do in the game feel real. This level of interaction creates an entirely new form of gaming, inserting players into the gaming realms.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

AI is changing games from the inside out. Instead of battling predictable enemies, AI can power realistic foes that learn from your tactics and adapt their strategies. This creates a more challenging and engaging experience. AI can also personalize your gaming journey. By analyzing your data, it can recommend content, adjust difficulty, or even craft unique quests tailored to your interests. Essentially, AI is making games smarter and more fun.

The Metaverse & Persistent Online Worlds

The Metaverse isn’t just another game. It’s a persistent online world – a constantly running virtual space. Here, people use avatars to work, play, and socialize. Imagine attending concerts, conferences, or even shopping sprees, all online. The Metaverse aims to be more than games. It could become a thriving online world that merges aspects of gaming, social media, and even the real world. Think of it as a seamless blend of your physical and virtual life. The future might involve living and working beyond physical limitations, all within this vast online Metaverse.

Focus on Diverse & Inclusive Narratives

Diverse narratives are on the rise, featuring characters and stories that reflect the global audience. Imagine playing as a strong female lead or exploring a world inspired by different cultures. This inclusivity makes games more relatable and enjoyable for a wider range of players. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating a gaming experience where everyone can see themselves.

Mobile Gaming

Developers are looking for more ways to reach a growing audience as modern smartphones have become powerful enough for serious games. Smartphone gaming stands for affordability and convenience. People can play whenever and wherever they want, using only their phones and a few minutes of their free time.

With mobile gaming exploding, developers work on more complex and high-quality products. In fact, cloud gaming and controller support are even making mobile a severe contender to hardcore gamers. Just like that, mobile gaming has become the most accessible form of gaming yet.

Games as Social Hubs

Games are no longer solitary experiences. Developers focus on features that encourage social interaction, teamwork, and community building. Imagine joining guilds, chatting with teammates, or participating in online events – all within your favorite game. This creates a sense of belonging and keeps players coming back for more than just the core gameplay. Social features transform games into social hubs, allowing players to connect, collaborate, and forge lasting friendships through shared experiences.