Ensemble Cymru’s Big Give fundraiser got off to a tuneful start as five young cellist from Ysgol San Siôr performed at the special event at Venue Cymru in December.
The coffee morning was organised by the Bangor based classical music charity, Ensemble Cymru, to raise money for its ChamberFest music event planned for March 2015. The charity was chosen to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, a match funding scheme which doubles donations made at the beginning of December while funds are available.
Photo caption: (from left to right) Esme Williams, Catrin Lindskog, Belle Harvey, Thomas Pearce, Otis Adams-Jammeh with their cello teacher Nicola Pearce
The donors were treated to a performance of Bach by violinists Maddie Chitty and Antonia Munro, both music students from Bangor University, and also a recital by Ysgol San Siôr’s Cello Orchestra led by Ensemble Cymru cellist, Nicola Pearce.
One of the young cellist, seven-year-old Thomas who started playing the cello just eight weeks ago, enjoyed the experience of playing in front of an audience as he said;
“I’ve never performed before so I’m really proud of myself.”
And the budding musicians were also a big hit with the audience as Brenda Watkins, a regular audience member at Ensemble Cymru concerts commented;
“It was great fun and really inspiring to see the young children performing and really enjoying themselves!”
And you can hear the cellists performance in this video.
After just six days of fundraising, Ensemble Cymru have succeeded in raising almost £8,000 through the Big Give.
The funds raised through the campaign will go towards the ChamberFest event which will be a celebration of chamber music involving professional musicians from the ensemble, along with local people and children – if you’re interested in taking part, text your name to 07537 416 257 and include the word ‘ChamberFest’, or email kate@ensemblecymru.co.uk
