We’re throwing one of the biggest celebrations of chamber music in Wales, a two-day festival which we call ChamberFest. And the theme for the 2015 event will be the music of J.S. Bach, with performances and activities taking place in locations across Bangor and Llandudno on March 20th and 21st (21st March would have been Bach’s birthday.) Our ChamberFest event is part of a much bigger, global music festival called ‘Bach in the Subways’ which celebrates Bach’s music every year with free performances all over the world on March 21st. This year, we’re flying the flag for Wales by staging our own events, right here in North Wales.
And the best part is, all of the performances and activities are FREE!
There’ll be performances featuring our own professional musicians, plus we’ve invited local people, amateur singers and musicians, school children, student and youth groups to join forces with our musicians for some unique performances and events. We hope that whether you’re a participant or spectator, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable Bach experience!
Here’s a complete rundown of all the events that’ll be taking place during our two-day ChamberFest, or visit our events section for more details. We hope to see you there!
March 20th
Kids Bach
Local primary school children will join Ensemble Cymru and Bangor Chamber Choir for an interactive Bach performance.
9:45am: Bangor Cathedral
1:30pm: Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno
Pop-up Bach
Listen out for the sound of Bach! Impromptu live music performances from 4pm at Llandudno’s Victoria Centre
Come and Sing Bach
Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno
3pm: Open rehearsal, singers welcome!
7pm: Performance of Bach’s Magnificat with Ensemble Cymru and Bangor Chamber Choir, audience participation welcome!
8pm: Ensemble Cymru perform Brandenburg Concerto No.4
Come and Play Bach
Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno
5:30pm – 6:30pm: young local musicians invited to play Bach with Ensemble Cymru musicians. Spaces limited, please call 01248 383 257 to book your place.
Bach Brass – Menai Bridge
Menai Bridge Band Room
7pm: Menai Bridge Band and Bangor University Brass Band join forces for a one-off performance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue.
Please note: This performance is not open to the public due to limited space in the band room, however a video of the performance will be available to view on our website.
March 21st
Bach Brass – Llandudno
The Tabernacle, Llandudno
10am: Llandudno Training Band perform Bach with Ensemble Cymru trumpeter. Do you play brass? Come and join in! A short performance will follow at 10:30am
10:45am: Have-a-go-session. Chance for non-players to try a brass instrument
Gym Bach
Ysgol Friars School
10.30am: Gwynjim gymnasts present a floorwork display set to Bach’s Brandenberg No. 4 with music performed live by Ensemble Cymru musicians.
Choral workshop
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
10.30am: Top Swiss choral conductor, Christian Klucker, will lead a one-off choral workshop session as part of Ensemble Cymru’s ChamberFest. The event is free and open to anyone with an interest in singing.
Pop-up Bach
Listen out for the sound of Bach! Impromptu live music performances between 10am – 12:30pm at Llandudno’s Victoria Centre
Bach Flash
BHS store, Llandudno
1:30pm Prepare to be dazzled by the Bach Flash! Starring members of Llandudno Youth Music Theatre Group and Bangor Chamber Choir set to live music by Bach performed by Ensemble Cymru.
