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<\/a>Collaboration is at the heart of how Ensemble Cymru works and in particular it\u2019s creative output. For the May season tour, EC\u2019s newly appointed Principal Harpist – Anne Denholm worked with Artistic Director and Principal Clarinettist Peryn Clement-Evans to curate the programme. According to Denholm: \u201cOur goal was to show a variety of instrumental combinations featuring the harp, and to create programmes that are diverse, entertaining, and sometimes challenging\u201d.<\/p>\n
This innovative approach to programming is a key feature of EC\u2019s approach to music making. It aims to combine much-loved works from the traditional canon alongside modern classical music. It is indicative of EC\u2019s desire for experimentation, to introduce audiences<\/p>\n
to new works and contemporary compositions especially those by Welsh composers, and its continued ambition to push the boundaries of chamber music in Wales.<\/p>\n
For an insight in to this creative approach, you can read an interview with Anne Denholm here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The following month, Ensemble Cymru also took part in a week-long Welsh Government trade and cultural mission to China, where they joined an eclectic mix of colleagues from BBC NOW, Hijinx Theatre, National Theatre of Wales and Theatr Genenedlaethol Cymru.<\/p>\n EC\u2019s ambition is to continue to build a model of international cultural exchange, and to create opportunities for performers and composers in Wales worldwide and in doing so generate an interest in Wales\u2019 rich musical heritage and contemporary culture.<\/p>\n Ensemble Cymru performs outside of the concert hall and takes Chamber music directly to those who would otherwise not get to experience it. On the 4 February 2017 and 6 May 2017, during our two main season concert tours, Ensemble Cymru musicians performed for patients and their families at Llandudno Hospital.<\/p>\n As a part of ‘Dementia Awareness Week’, Ensemble Cymru joined forces with the Alzheimer\u2019s Society to perform a free concert in advance of the main season concert at Aberystwyth Art Centre, where the public where also given the opportunity to seek information about Alzheimer\u2019s, Dementia and other related illnesses from representatives of Alzheimer\u2019s Society Wales.<\/p>\n Ensemble Cymru believes that music can play a powerful palliative role in the care of those who are suffering from all forms of illness and we are looking forward to developing our work with hospitals, care homes, as well as further collaboration with the Alzheimer\u2019s Society.<\/p>\n Alongside Community and outreach events, Ensemble Cymru works closely with primary schools in order to take Chamber Music in to the class room and provide additional support for Music education in Wales. As part of our February and May tours, Ensemble Cymru musicians worked with pupils at Ysgol y Garnedd (Bangor), Ysgol Pendalar (Caernarfon) and Ysgol Hafod Lon (Penrhyndeudraeth).<\/p>\n 2017 also saw EC\u2019s first ever \u2018Chamber Academy\u2019 in Aberystwyth. In partnership with Ceredigion Music Service, pupils from Penglais and Penweddig school participated in in a workshop with award-winning violinist and long standing Ensemble Cymru member, Florence Cooke, and flautist Georgiana Hughes, followed by a live public performance at the Arts Centre, before EC\u2019s main concert on 12 February.<\/p>\n EC has already established a Chamber Academy in Caernarfon and have plans to work in partnership with Swansea Music to bring a Chamber Academy to The Great Hall, Swansea during the 2017-18 season.<\/p>\n The Chamber Academy aims to nurture and inspire the next generation of chamber musicians and music practitioners in Wales by giving them the opportunity to work alongside some of the country\u2019s leading chamber musicians.<\/p>\n You can view a short film documenting EC\u2019s first Chamber Academy in Aberystwyth below.<\/p>\nInternational \u2013 Switzerland and China<\/h4>\n
<\/a>For many years EC has been working to build international connections, in order to promote Wales\u2019 musical and cultural heritage on the World stage, and 2017 has seen some exciting developments. In a continuation of EC\u2019s previous work in Switzerland, the chamber group was invited to perform on the final day of the 11th Welsh Alpine Championships in Champ\u00e9ry on 27 January 2017.<\/p>\nCommunity and Outreach<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Ensemble Cymru\u2019s Chamber Academy and Education Work<\/h4>\n
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