Foot-tapping folk
Festival provides showcase for album created before lockdown
AGROUP of young musicians who give a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music will be among the star attractions at North Wales International Music Festival. Calan will bring their award-winniang contemporary and lively approach to St Asaph Cathedral on Sunday, September 18.
The group breathe new life into the old traditions through their sparkling melodies and foot tapping tunes along with spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step dancing.
The concert is part of an exciting and varied programme at this year’s festival which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and runs from September 17 to October 1.
Among the other highlights are performances by early music group Red Priest, the spectacular Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, along with resident orchestra NEW Sinfonia.
It’s all being made possible thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales and the headline sponsor, the
Pendine Arts and Community Trust that was set up by the Pendine Park care organisation to provide funding for arts and community activities.
Other sponsors include Jones Bros, Colwinston Charitable Trust, Arts & Business Cymru, Tŷ Cerdd, Salisburys Accountants, Tŷ Architecture and manorhaus.
They will showcase their latest album, Kistvaen, at the concert. This critically acclaimed work was released just before lockdown and was toured live for the first time during April this year.
“Kistvaen is what we are about as a band,” said Calan’s guitarist Sam Humphreys, from Nefyn.
“We recorded it just before the first lockdowns, and we were gutted when we found out we could not take it on tour so we could show everybody our hard work.
“We spent hours handpicking our favourite tunes and songs from the national archives and gave them a new lease of life and now, at last, we have been able to share it.”
Calan normally have five members but only four - Sam Humphreys (guitar), Patrick Rimes (violin), Bethan Rhiannon (vocals, accordion and step dancing) and harpist Shelley Musker Turner - will appear at St Asaph. Violinist Angharad Jenkins is currently on maternity leave having given birth to her son, Idris, a few weeks ago.
More details about the festival can be found online at www.nwimf.com and tickets also available from Cathedral Frames, St Asaph - 01745 582929 (Weds-fri, 10am-4.30pm) or Theatr Clwyd by phone only - 01352 344101 (Mon-sat, 10am-6pm).