PROMSPREVIEW Why the arts world must be inspired by Wales’ Euro 2016 success
WELSH Proms creator and conductor Owain Arwel-Hughes hopes his Welsh Proms, held next week, will inspire many children to pick up an instrument, learn to sing or just appreciate the beauty of music.
And he says the success of the Welsh football team, who thrilled the nation with their heroics by reaching the semi-final of the Euros, will show the future generation that success comes to those who work hard at it.
On the eve of the Proms, the 31st, which kicks off on Saturday, July 16, with a performance of Verdi’s Requiem with Rebecca Evans, Owain hopes the performances will inspire everyone to appreciate music.
“We have so many wonderful people taking part, from Rebecca Evans,to the Military Wives, to the outstanding Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and I’m just as excited about it as I always have been.
“We have some amazing orchestral pieces featuring songs from Star Wars and, honestly, you have never heard anything like it. It’s going to be fantastic and a wonderful thing for the audience to hear.
“We are marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme with the help of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestra with the world premiere of Paul Mealor’s The Shadows of War, together with music by Vaughan Williams and Karl Jenkins with the Military Wives Choirs. It’s wonderful that they are involved and I know they are thankful to be taking part.
“There will also be a grand scale performance of Holst’s epic Planets Suite, marking 100 years since the composition’s completion in 1916 and I’m so pleased that the Cory Band are involved as they are truly the best band.”
Indeed, can there be any sound more evocative of the spirit of Wales than a 150-voice male choir in the magic of Parry’s Myfanwy or the fullthroated hwyl of the Soldier’s’ Chorus from Gounod’s Faust?
Add to the fact that Owain will be conducting with the world’s number one brass band, the illustrious Cory Band, and you are pretty much promised a rousing evening of the great Welsh hymns, opera choruses and favourite classical works.
The Last Night of the Proms is always a crowd pleaser and Owain says he loves nothing more than hearing the audience join in and enjoying the music.
“I want the Proms to inspire performers; the National Orchestra of Wales has produced some very talented musicians who have gone on to play in different orchestras and that’s what excites me.
“I hope that a child sitting in the audience will go away and want to work harder at their chosen instrument having seen such wonderful performances.
“Just look at the Wales football team. Who would have thought they would have achieved so much a few years ago. The odds were stacked against them but through sheer hard work, determination and belief they were able to achieve so much.
“And I think people in the arts and music should see their example and realise what can be achieved and enjoyed with hard work.”
And, despite this being Owain’s 31st Welsh Proms, he shows no signs of wanting to hang up his conductor’s stick.
“Not while I’m still enjoying it, which I am. And I’m already planning next year’s!”
■ For more information and tickets, go to www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or www.welshproms.com. ■ Welsh Proms are at St David’s Hall in Cardiff from July 16 to 23.