Please see some of the highlights from the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2023-24 Highlights: Celebrating Our Achievements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSummer Lights Concert Series at Gregynog Hall, Powys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ensemble.cymru\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/annual-report-2324-summer-lights-1024x408.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nEnsemble Cymru\u2019s Summer Lights concert series was a refreshing addition to the summer calendar, offering Saturday morning concerts at the historic Gregynog Hall<\/a> in Powys. Working in collaboration with the Gregynog Trust and with the backing of Levelling Up funds distributed by Powys Council, this series showcased the talents of Welsh musicians and enriched the region\u2019s cultural offerings. This series was part of Ensemble Cymru\u2019s commitment to making high-quality music accessible to the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVivaldi\u2019s Gloria: Empowering Young Voices on Ynys M\u00f4n <\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ensemble.cymru\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/annual-report-2324-vivaldi-gloria-1024x391.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnother standout achievement was our Vivaldi Gloria project with music teachers and students from Ysgol David Hughes<\/a>, supported by Cyngor Ynys M\u00f4n. This initiative engaged students in an immersive musical experience, giving them the opportunity to perform Vivaldi\u2019s Gloria alongside professional musicians from Ensemble Cymru. The performance was held in Bangor Cathedral and reached a capacity audience.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nI was at the staff meeting this morning – almost two weeks after the event – and one of the teachers asked when the next project was. Last week a pupil came to me and asked if he could join the choir. There were tears in the eyes of many of the audience at the end of the evening, parents and primary and secondary teachers. There\u2019s still a buzz the length and breadth of the school. For me that is the measure of the success of the project.\u201d<\/em>
(English translation) <\/p>\nEinion Dafydd<\/strong> Pennaeth Cerdd | Head of Music, Ysgol David Hughes <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nVerdi\u2019s Macbeth: Bringing Opera to New Audiences <\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ensemble.cymru\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/annual-report-2324-macbeth-1024x374.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nEnsemble Cymru\u2019s musicians contributed to the critically acclaimed touring production of Verdi\u2019s Macbeth<\/em>, attracting great reviews in the press including 4 stars in the Guardian<\/a> and 5 stars in the Gramophone<\/a>. Over the course of nine performances, our ensemble worked with our friends at Mid Wales Opera <\/a>to bring the drama and passion of Verdi\u2019s opera to audiences across rural Wales and border regions, with stops from Milford Haven to Mold. For many, this was a rare opportunity to experience opera live, demonstrating Ensemble Cymru\u2019s dedication to expanding access to cultural performances in communities often overlooked by larger touring companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n This show is full of imagination and intelligent use of limited resources. A surprisingly large cast of singers thanks to the names principals supplemented by a community choir, and the Ensemble Cymru players fearlessly conducted by music director Jonathan Lyness, gave a reading of the Scottish play that would grace any touring stage.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\nOperaScene.co.uk<\/a><\/strong> (Spring 2024)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nNavigating Challenges: A New Vision for Ensemble Cymru\u2019s Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\nArts Council Investment Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The past year wasn\u2019t without its challenges. Notably, our application to the Arts Council of Wales\u2019 Investment Review<\/a> was declined. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOur strategic partner, Mid Wales Opera had their funding removed impacting the foundation of support we had relied upon and the artistically ambitious work we are able to provide for chamber musicians throughout the year. This was a unexpected blow to both organisations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An opportunity to rethink…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As Ensemble Cymru\u2019s trustees, we\u2019ve had to review the charity\u2019s strategy to secure its future sustainability. Due to the unfailing generosity of the many individuals who believe in us and our mission we had the resources to innovate, evolve and seek resources from elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helping us move forward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We are so grateful to the trustees of the Gaynor Cemlyn Jones Trust who have given a pledge of \u00a35,000 which will enable us to promote a 12-month regular giving campaign \u2013 Ystafell Gerdd 125 starting in the autumn 2024. We are also immensely grateful for generous support from the Garfield Weston Foundation<\/a> towards the charity\u2019s core costs and support from the Davies Charity <\/a>towards Ensemble Cymru\u2019s concert series in Gregynog and Conwy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA legacy of hope and joy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Charity has also been notified that it is one of ten music charities named as beneficiaries of the will of the late Mrs Lois Miller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ensemble.cymru\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/annual-report-2324-mrs-lois-millar-1024x783.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMrs. Miller and her late husband were supporters of and audience members at Ensemble Cymru\u2019s concert series at Venue Cymru. We were so sorry to learn of her passing and deeply touched to have been remembered in her will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are committed to ensuring her legacy is one of hope and joy through classical chamber music for audiences of all ages in north and mid Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for 2024-25 and Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The coming year holds exciting possibilities as Ensemble Cymru renews its commitment to communities, audiences, children and young people through performances of chamber music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trustees have resolved to launch a new programme of activities in autumn 2024 focused on the county of Conwy and Gregynog. These activities will prioritise a chamber music concert series, a chamber music academy for emerging and leisure-time musicians and support for young people studying music in secondary education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trustees recognise the impact of the economic climate on classical music in Wales and the arts in general. The charity will continue its commitment to providing artistically ambitious professional opportunities for Wales\u2019 classical musicians and composers and hope for future generations of audiences, musicians and composers in Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During 2024-2025, the Charity will be…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- An annual concert Series<\/strong>
Building on the success of Summer Lights, Ensemble Cymru is thrilled to announce a 10-month concert series at Gregynog Hall<\/a>\u00a0 and at St Mary’s Church<\/a>, in Conwy in association with Conwy Music Festival<\/a>. These performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with a range of repertoire across an extended season, bringing both new and returning visitors to Gregynog Hall and St Mary’s Church, Conwy for moments of inspiration and musical discovery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- A new membership programme<\/strong>
Our organisation will soon launch a membership programme, designed to offer exclusive benefits and bring our community closer to the heart of Ensemble Cymru\u2019s mission. Through this initiative, members will have the chance to support our work directly, access exclusive musical experiences, and enjoy special events. We\u2019re excited to build a network of supporters who share our vision and love for Welsh music and live chamber music across Wales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Community and School Engagement<\/strong>
With a renewed commitment to engaging with schools and communities, we are exploring opportunities to bring the joy of live music into new settings. This focus on outreach will help us reach more young people, who, like the pupils of Ysgol David Hughes, will be able to experience the transformative power of music first-hand. We\u2019re also committed to supporting teachers and community leaders in incorporating music into their curriculums and events, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of musicians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn Gratitude: Thank You to Our Supporters and Partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ensemble Cymru\u2019s achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and community support. As we look forward, our mission remains clear: to bring the beauty of Welsh music to all corners of Wales, sharing the transformative power of music and building lasting connections with our audiences, creating music making opportunities for all communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Board wish to acknowledge the wonderful generosity of all who continue to support our mission. You enable us to enrich lives and support the aspirations of emerging and established performers, composers and arts managers. Your unwavering and growing support enables us to plan with increased confidence and is the lifeblood of the charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Trustees would like to pay tribute to the many individuals as Friends of Ensemble Cymru who, through regular giving, provide selfless and generous support throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you so much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can download the report here: 2024-09-07_AnnualReport_FINAL.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nEnsemble Cymru\u2019s Summer Lights concert series was a refreshing addition to the summer calendar, offering Saturday morning concerts at the historic Gregynog Hall<\/a> in Powys. Working in collaboration with the Gregynog Trust and with the backing of Levelling Up funds distributed by Powys Council, this series showcased the talents of Welsh musicians and enriched the region\u2019s cultural offerings. This series was part of Ensemble Cymru\u2019s commitment to making high-quality music accessible to the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another standout achievement was our Vivaldi Gloria project with music teachers and students from Ysgol David Hughes<\/a>, supported by Cyngor Ynys M\u00f4n. This initiative engaged students in an immersive musical experience, giving them the opportunity to perform Vivaldi\u2019s Gloria alongside professional musicians from Ensemble Cymru. The performance was held in Bangor Cathedral and reached a capacity audience. I was at the staff meeting this morning – almost two weeks after the event – and one of the teachers asked when the next project was. Last week a pupil came to me and asked if he could join the choir. There were tears in the eyes of many of the audience at the end of the evening, parents and primary and secondary teachers. There\u2019s still a buzz the length and breadth of the school. For me that is the measure of the success of the project.\u201d<\/em> Ensemble Cymru\u2019s musicians contributed to the critically acclaimed touring production of Verdi\u2019s Macbeth<\/em>, attracting great reviews in the press including 4 stars in the Guardian<\/a> and 5 stars in the Gramophone<\/a>. Over the course of nine performances, our ensemble worked with our friends at Mid Wales Opera <\/a>to bring the drama and passion of Verdi\u2019s opera to audiences across rural Wales and border regions, with stops from Milford Haven to Mold. For many, this was a rare opportunity to experience opera live, demonstrating Ensemble Cymru\u2019s dedication to expanding access to cultural performances in communities often overlooked by larger touring companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This show is full of imagination and intelligent use of limited resources. A surprisingly large cast of singers thanks to the names principals supplemented by a community choir, and the Ensemble Cymru players fearlessly conducted by music director Jonathan Lyness, gave a reading of the Scottish play that would grace any touring stage.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\nOperaScene.co.uk<\/a><\/strong> (Spring 2024)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The past year wasn\u2019t without its challenges. Notably, our application to the Arts Council of Wales\u2019 Investment Review<\/a> was declined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our strategic partner, Mid Wales Opera had their funding removed impacting the foundation of support we had relied upon and the artistically ambitious work we are able to provide for chamber musicians throughout the year. This was a unexpected blow to both organisations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Ensemble Cymru\u2019s trustees, we\u2019ve had to review the charity\u2019s strategy to secure its future sustainability. Due to the unfailing generosity of the many individuals who believe in us and our mission we had the resources to innovate, evolve and seek resources from elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are so grateful to the trustees of the Gaynor Cemlyn Jones Trust who have given a pledge of \u00a35,000 which will enable us to promote a 12-month regular giving campaign \u2013 Ystafell Gerdd 125 starting in the autumn 2024. We are also immensely grateful for generous support from the Garfield Weston Foundation<\/a> towards the charity\u2019s core costs and support from the Davies Charity <\/a>towards Ensemble Cymru\u2019s concert series in Gregynog and Conwy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Charity has also been notified that it is one of ten music charities named as beneficiaries of the will of the late Mrs Lois Miller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mrs. Miller and her late husband were supporters of and audience members at Ensemble Cymru\u2019s concert series at Venue Cymru. We were so sorry to learn of her passing and deeply touched to have been remembered in her will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We are committed to ensuring her legacy is one of hope and joy through classical chamber music for audiences of all ages in north and mid Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The coming year holds exciting possibilities as Ensemble Cymru renews its commitment to communities, audiences, children and young people through performances of chamber music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trustees have resolved to launch a new programme of activities in autumn 2024 focused on the county of Conwy and Gregynog. These activities will prioritise a chamber music concert series, a chamber music academy for emerging and leisure-time musicians and support for young people studying music in secondary education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trustees recognise the impact of the economic climate on classical music in Wales and the arts in general. The charity will continue its commitment to providing artistically ambitious professional opportunities for Wales\u2019 classical musicians and composers and hope for future generations of audiences, musicians and composers in Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During 2024-2025, the Charity will be…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensemble Cymru\u2019s achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and community support. As we look forward, our mission remains clear: to bring the beauty of Welsh music to all corners of Wales, sharing the transformative power of music and building lasting connections with our audiences, creating music making opportunities for all communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Board wish to acknowledge the wonderful generosity of all who continue to support our mission. You enable us to enrich lives and support the aspirations of emerging and established performers, composers and arts managers. Your unwavering and growing support enables us to plan with increased confidence and is the lifeblood of the charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Trustees would like to pay tribute to the many individuals as Friends of Ensemble Cymru who, through regular giving, provide selfless and generous support throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you so much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can download the report here: 2024-09-07_AnnualReport_FINAL.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nVivaldi\u2019s Gloria: Empowering Young Voices on Ynys M\u00f4n <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
(English translation) <\/p>\nEinion Dafydd<\/strong> Pennaeth Cerdd | Head of Music, Ysgol David Hughes <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nVerdi\u2019s Macbeth: Bringing Opera to New Audiences <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Navigating Challenges: A New Vision for Ensemble Cymru\u2019s Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arts Council Investment Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An opportunity to rethink…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Helping us move forward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A legacy of hope and joy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLooking Ahead: Future Plans for 2024-25 and Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Building on the success of Summer Lights, Ensemble Cymru is thrilled to announce a 10-month concert series at Gregynog Hall<\/a>\u00a0 and at St Mary’s Church<\/a>, in Conwy in association with Conwy Music Festival<\/a>. These performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with a range of repertoire across an extended season, bringing both new and returning visitors to Gregynog Hall and St Mary’s Church, Conwy for moments of inspiration and musical discovery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Our organisation will soon launch a membership programme, designed to offer exclusive benefits and bring our community closer to the heart of Ensemble Cymru\u2019s mission. Through this initiative, members will have the chance to support our work directly, access exclusive musical experiences, and enjoy special events. We\u2019re excited to build a network of supporters who share our vision and love for Welsh music and live chamber music across Wales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
With a renewed commitment to engaging with schools and communities, we are exploring opportunities to bring the joy of live music into new settings. This focus on outreach will help us reach more young people, who, like the pupils of Ysgol David Hughes, will be able to experience the transformative power of music first-hand. We\u2019re also committed to supporting teachers and community leaders in incorporating music into their curriculums and events, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of musicians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn Gratitude: Thank You to Our Supporters and Partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ensemble.cymru\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cefnogwyr-1024x213.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"