Entertainment
Review: Welsh National Opera Orchestra New Year Concert at St Davids Cathedral
THE New Year concert by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra (WNO) at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire was an event of unparalleled majesty and musical brilliance, setting an exalted tone for the 2024 season of the Fishguard Festival of Music. Held on a Saturday, January 20, the concert was a resplendent showcase of Viennese music, masterfully delivered by an ensemble that has firmly established itself as a titan of classical performance.
With mezzo-soprano Beca Davies as guest soloist, the orchestra navigated through a sophisticated repertoire – vibrant showcase of favourites from Vienna. The selection included the works of Brahms, Delibes, Dvořák, Schubert, and the Strausses among others, each piece unfolding with an elegance and dynamism that captivated the audience from start to finish.
Full of fun, attractive and zesty rhythmic masterpieces, enjoy some of the most brilliant examples of Viennese music, from Weber’s romantic concert waltz and Strauss II’s riveting polka to Josef Strauss’s Dynamiden waltz and Lanner Der Romantiker waltz, complete with a few rousing, and familiar, surprises.
The acoustics of St Davids Cathedral, a venue steeped in history and architectural grandeur, played a pivotal role in the day’s success. The sacred walls of the cathedral seemed to breathe with the music, enhancing the orchestra’s sound to create an atmosphere that was both intimate and expansive. The natural reverberation of the venue lifted the performances, allowing each note to resonate fully and beautifully with the assembled audience.
The event was a testament to the WNO Orchestra’s reputation as a world-class ensemble. As noted by Gillian Green MBE, Artistic Director of the Fishguard Festival of Music, the orchestra’s return was highly anticipated and they did not disappoint. The afternoon was indeed a “feast of classical music,” with moments of toe-tapping joy and profound emotional depth that moved many to tears.
The extended applause that followed the final note was a fitting tribute to the musicians’ talent and the emotional resonance of the performance. It was clear that the audience was not merely applauding the day’s performance but also expressing their anticipation and excitement for future events. The WNO Orchestra’s ability to draw such a heartfelt response speaks volumes of their connection with their audience and their impeccable artistry.
The success of the concert also highlighted the importance of accessibility to such cultural events, with a festival bus ensuring that music lovers from Cardigan, Newport, Dinas, Fishguard, and Goodwick could join in this celebration of classical music. It was a reminder of the communal spirit that the arts can foster, bringing together individuals from across the region for a shared experience of beauty and inspiration.
As we look forward to the remainder of the Fishguard Festival of Music and beyond, it is with a sense of gratitude and anticipation. The New Year concert by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at St Davids Cathedral was not just a musical event; it was a powerful reminder of the enduring beauty of classical music and its ability to uplift, unite, and inspire. We eagerly await the next opportunity to be moved by such world-class performances, confident in the knowledge that music, at its best, is a gift that continues to give, resonating within us long after the last note has faded.
The Music
Weber Aufforderung zum Tanze (Invitation to the Dance), Op 65
Johann Strauss II Wo die Zitronen blüh’n (Where the Lemons Bloom) Waltz, Op 364
Josef Strauss Ohne Sorgen (Without Worries), Polka schnell, Op 271
Schubert Ave Maria, D 839
Brahms Hungarian Dance No 5
Johann Strauss II Ich lade gern mir Gäste ein (I love to invite my friends) from Die Fledermaus
Josef Strauss Dynamiden Waltz, Op 173
Interval
Suppé Dichter und Bauer Overture
Dvořák Slavonic Dance No 2 Dumka Allegretto grazioso Op 72
Delibes Pizzicati from Sylvia
Richard Strauss Beim Schlafengehen from Four Last Songs
Lanner Der Romantiker Waltz Op 167
Johann Strauss II Furioso Polka Op 260
Stolz Du Solsst der Kaiser meiner Seele sein from Der Favorit
Entertainment
Dolly Parton ‘tickled pink’ by curiosity about her Welsh roots
DOLLY Parton has expressed her delight over the interest in her Welsh heritage, saying she is “tickled pink” about the curiosity. The country music star traced her ancestry to South Wales for a TV programme.
In a brief clip played on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Parton mentioned she couldn’t “give away all the secrets yet”. She added that “all the juicy details” will be revealed when her documentaries air later this year.
Parton, born in Tennessee, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her niece, singer Jada Star, found it “a lot of fun” to discover their Welsh roots.
“Finding out about that side of our family is really extraordinary,” Jada said. “Especially with everything we’re uncovering about our musical connections—how it’s always been with us—is wonderful.”
Jada suggested that some of Parton’s music, and her own, may have been inspired by their Welsh heritage. “A lot of music, especially from the Appalachians and east Tennessee where we come from, reflects where those people settled. The skill of hearing a story and then relaying it memorably, so it lives on forever, is a big part of Welsh music. These are stories passed down for centuries.”
Jada also mentioned she is currently learning Welsh and hopes to use it when she visits the country. “I’m trying my best. I’ve got that little owl on Duolingo working double time for me. I can do some morning and afternoon greetings. I’m trying not to butcher it, and I hope everyone can help me when I get there.”
This isn’t the first time the “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has been linked to Wales. During a 2008 concert at the Cardiff International Arena, Parton reportedly told fans she had Welsh ancestry.
Entertainment
St Davids Cathedral Music Festival representatives attend Royal Garden Party
SIMON PEARCE, the esteemed Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral, was honoured to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The event, celebrating the UK’s Creative and Cultural Industries, featured an array of celebrities, stunning displays of spring gardens, and performances by the Band of The Marines.
Mr Pearce, who attended with his wife Katherine was appointed in 2022 as the Director of Music at the cathedral—a position he has held since 1998 in an assistant capacity—expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent the festival. “Every single moment was to be savoured,” he remarked, noting the “wonderful music, fantastic host of celebs, a sumptuous tea party, stunning gardens and Palace, and glorious British spring weather.”
The St Davids Cathedral Music Festival 2024 will open with a dazzling performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on May 25. The orchestra will treat audiences to Mathias’s Festival Overture and Brahms’ Second Symphony.
Adding to the splendour, award-winning violinist Inmo Yang will grace the stage with his rendition of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
This year’s festival will also introduce several new performers. The Choir of Royal Holloway is set to debut on May 27, enchanting attendees with choral arrangements of orchestral classics. Local talent is also in the spotlight, with Pembrokeshire-born horn player Simon Lewis performing alongside Trio Preseli on May 26, showcasing works by Welsh composer Anthony Randall.
Adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the festival, clarinet virtuoso Emma Johnson returns on May 28 with her Orchestra for the Environment.
Their repertoire will include pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Johnson’s own composition, ‘The Tree of Life’.
The festival will kick off with the 150-strong Children’s Festival Chorus on May 24, captivating audiences with their youthful energy and a live band.
Throughout the week, the cathedral musicians will feature prominently in several concerts, with the highlight being the full Cathedral choir performing Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3.
This prestigious invitation to Buckingham Palace came just two years after Mr Pearce’s official appointment as the Master of Choristers, a role in which he has pledged to continue enhancing the cathedral’s distinguished musical tradition.
At the time of his appointment, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, as Dean of St. Davids, praised Mr Pearce’s exceptional talents, saying, “It has been a pleasure to enjoy the excellence of Simon’s playing and conducting over the years.”
Under his leadership, the Cathedral Choir and Choral Foundation have been furthering their well-deserved reputation for excellence. “St Davids Cathedral is a spiritually inspiring and beautiful place in which to make music,” Mr Pearce said, acknowledging the special connections the cathedral maintains with the local community, school, and the wider Pembrokeshire area.
Entertainment
Dinosaur fans should head to The Torch Theatre on July 31
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE is back and even more ROARSOME!
Join our brave Rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND.
When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone – including the Dinosaurs!
It’s a race against time to help our Rangers and favourite Dinosaurs in this thrilling prehistoric expedition, to save Volcano Island from imminent disaster.
Meet the incredible Triceratops, the cheeky Spinosaurus, our cute baby dinos and the gigantic T-Rex as we follow in their huge footprints and journey across the island. We’ll encounter wild new species of Dinosaur whilst conquering exhilarating challenges at every turn!
This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Remember to join us after the show for a free photo opportunity and meet the dinos!
“There’s trouble on Volcano Island, get ready for an explosively good time!”
Dinosaur Adventure Live will be visiting The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on July 31.
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