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Spotlight on John Hywel Williams MBE

Posted By Robert Lloyd

JOHN HYWEL WILLIAMS MBE

FLCM, BEd, LRAM, LMusTCL, LMusLCM, Founder and Director of Music Hywel Girls Choir and Hywel Boy Singers.

The lifelong passion and commitment for choral singing of Llanelli’s legendary John Hywel Williams is renowned whether in the role of conductor, director, trainer, lecturer, educationalist, composer or international adjudicator.

Accolades and Awards:

Described by the London Times as “the Svengali of the baton”, John Hywel has performed for and enjoyed accolades from world leaders, members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers and The Pope.

In addition to proudly receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International, John Hywel is also a Member of the Order of the British Empire bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for leading services to music and also a recipient of the highly prestigious Fellowship of the London College of Music in recognition of his international music achievements.

John Hywel is a graduate of the University of Wales, a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, a Licentiate of the Trinity College London and a Licentiate of the London College of Music.

John Hywel is also humbled to have received numerous awards for his work over the years the most recent being the Award for Outstanding Cultural Contribution at the 2018 Carmarthenshire Cultural Awards awarded by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Childhood Inspirations:

A native of Llanelli, as a poorly child struck by polio and meningitis, John Hywel found escape from his confining illnesses through an old record player and a pile of classical records.

This opened his imagination and passion for music which changed his life and impacted the lives of millions of others.

Becoming a chapel organist at the age of 11, he started a young ladies choir in his young teens. From these humble beginning have risen world renowned choral endeavours which have impacted and inspired millions of people.

Choral Adventures:

John Hywel Williams led the field by taking the very first British choir behind the Iron Curtain of Eastern Europe and the first British choir to undertake a concert tour of Soviet Union – performing at the great concert halls of Russia with the BBC and S4C touring with the choir from which saw television and radio broadcasts in Russia and 15 television broadcasts across the UK.

John Hywel’s choral adventures have included over 200 television and radio broadcasts spanning the UK, Russia, Poland, The Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Spain to name but a few.

A televised performance for “Eurovision” from Belgrade televised to millions of viewers throughout the whole of Europe also ranks in his televised broadcasts as well as his unique choral achievements being
the subject of an international television documentary seen by a staggering 400 million people across 120 countries around the world.

Stars of Song and Entertainment:

John Hywel has had the unique experience of founding and conducting the full spectrum of choirs – male choirs, female choirs, mixed choirs, youth choirs as well as conducting a wealth of orchestras and world leading military bands including HM Band of the Royal Marines and The Central Band of the Royal Marines.

John Hywel and his choirs have enjoyed performing and broadcasting with and alongside a spectrum of fun and esteemed star artists from across the entertainment world including Maurice Chevalier, Joan Sutherland, Iris Williams, Stuart Burrows, Lesley Garrett, Aled Jones, Kathryn Jenkins, Russell Watson, Lee Mead, Mathew Rhys, Paul Zerdin, Glyn Houston, Ivor Emanuel, Cerys Matthews, Max Boyce, Sian Phillips . . . to name just a cross-section.

His Greatest Pride:

But of all these achievements and over 900 concert performances given, John Hywel is most proud of his choristers and pupils.

While some have gone on to leading positions at world opera houses, successful careers in musical theatre and the pop world (even winning the Eurovision Song Contest), John Hywel’s pride is immeasurable for all his choristers and the pride of seeing them learn, develop, enjoy and inspire.

Link to Last Night Of The Proms story –

Army of 200 musicians prepare for ‘Big Mad Proms’ this Saturday

 

 

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Press releases

Dads being urged to get creative for Father’s Day

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Dads are being urged to get creative for Father’s Day and reward themselves with a garden planter.

The council’s White to Green Goods scheme (Gwyn I Wyrdd) and The Crefft Pren project along with The National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) have teamed up to offer fathers a chance to make their own garden planter out of recycled washing machine drums.

The workshops will be held on Friday, June 15 – two days before Father’s Day on the 17th.

Drums, timber cladding, bolts will be supplied by Gwyn I Wyrdd to construct the planters.

The NBGW will also source the compost and the plants. Full instruction will be delivered by qualified and experienced project officers.

Booking is advisable due to limited spaces on 01558 667150. Session costs £90 and includes entry to the gardens, all equipment and materials. Activity to run 11am until 2pm.

Family members can also take part in the session and use the planter as a surprise Father’s Day gift, alternatively they can purchase a space for their loved one on the workshop as a gift.

The council’s executive board member for social care, Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “This is a great idea and makes a very useful gift for Father’s Day. The workshop not only provides an opportunity to bring out people’s creative side and a chance to take what they have made home, it makes good use of old or unwanted goods or furniture.”

Gwyn i Wyrdd Domestic Appliance Reuse Centre Cross Hands Carmarthenshire is a project to minimize the amount of WEEE (Electrical Waste) generated in Carmarthenshire and to promote the recycling, repair and reuse of electrical goods in particular white goods.

The project is part of a training facility for adults with disabilities and individuals that are economically inactive seeking work experience and training.

Reusable appliances that can be economically refurbished such as electric cookers, washing machines, washer/dryers, dishwashers, tumble dryers, refrigeration and wooden furniture can be collected. Up to three items costs £15.

Opening times 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm. For further information visit http://www.gwyniwyrdd.co.uk

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Press releases

Carmarthenshire Youth Council members chalk up 1200 hours volunteering

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Members of Carmarthenshire Youth Council (CYC) have devoted more than 1200 hours to volunteering on a local, regional and national level during the past 12 months.

Carmarthenshire County Council, Carmarthenshire Youth Council and CAVS have been working together over the years and developed a Youth Recognition Scheme for 11-14 year olds.

They have lobbied GwirVol the Youth Volunteering initiative for Wales, to lower the Millennium Volunteers age from 16 to 14 – which they succeeded.

Since 2007, 92 Youth Councillors have registered on the CAVS Youth Recognition and Millennium Volunteers Scheme.

Members have volunteered with the Participation Project through planning and delivering a conference, meeting with decision makers and more.

Fifteen young people were presented with their certificates at this year’s Annual General Meeting in April.

Carmarthenshire Youth Councillor Amber Treharne, aged 14 from Burry Port, said: “Since becoming a member of CYC it has allowed me to gain many different experiences through volunteering. I think that volunteering is such a rewarding experience as it really does develop you as a character. Not only does volunteering open up a wealth of experiences, it allows you to gain a variety of skills, such as team-work, that are beneficial to you in day to day life and also as you progress into further study and careers. I would advise anyone who ever receives the chance to get involved with volunteering to go for it because only then will you fully understand how rewarding it is!”

Recognition of CYC volunteering hours were presented with National Millennium Volunteers Certificates by Cllr Cefin Campbell, Executive Board Member for Communities and Rural Affairs and Marie Mitchell Chief Officer at CAVS in recognition for the time they have given during the CYC AGM in April.

Executive Board member for education and children’s services, Cllr Glynog Davies, said: “By being a part of Carmarthenshire Youth Council many young people are volunteering their time to make a difference in their county. I would like to thank the Youth Council members for taking time out of their busy lives. These awards are a way of showing our thanks and to acknowledging that all their hours of volunteering is valued.”

For more information about Carmarthenshire Youth Council and to see all the pictures from the AGM please go to www.youthsirgar.org.uk

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Press releases

Carmarthen Leisure Centre shortlisted for prestigious national award.

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Carmarthen Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

It is the only council-run facility in Wales to reach the final of the ukactive Awards 2018 under the UK Active Club of the Year category.

To qualify for entry the centre had to demonstrate that it had made substantial progress and exceeded expectations in the last 12 months.

Members of the council’s sports and leisure team will now to wait until June to find out if they’ve won.

In the last six years the centre has raised the bar – gym memberships have soared to 3,092 compared to 879 in 2012 – a huge increase of 250 per cent.

Customer satisfaction has seen a 16 per cent increase in the last year compared to the year before and exceeding national and international benchmarks in eight of the past 12 months.

The Learn to Swim programme is up by 25% with 773 swimmers taking part compared to 617 in 2012.

The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Peter Hughes-Griffiths said: “We are delighted to have made it to the final and it reflects all the hard work our officers have made to ensure we give our members the best experience. We’re all very excited at the prospect of winning this sought-after title.”

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News

Army of 200 musicians prepare for ‘Big Mad Proms’ this Saturday

Posted By Robert Lloyd

West Wales concertgoers are preparing for a flag-waving musical extravaganza as the ever-popular Last Night of the Proms gets ready to raise the roof!

The 20th anniversary Last Night of the Proms on Saturday June 2 at Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre, hosted by the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers will see 200-plus leading singers and musicians unite for the big night of fun and patriotic music including the international broadcast and performance voices of the Hywel Choirs, stars of Britain’s Got Talent Angelicus Celtis, the mighty Pontarddulais Male Choir, the Llanelli Choral Society joined by the acclaimed symphonic sounds of the British Sinfonietta Orchestra, organist Huw Tregelles Williams, pianist Jane Jewell, percussionist Gareth Hamlin – all under the legendary baton of John Hywel Williams.

The historic night will be a rollercoaster of musical favourites from the world of classics, musical theatre and world cinema celebrated in unique style with thousands of flags, balloons and confetti.

Great choruses and classics will include the Hallelujah Chorus, Easter Hymn, Nessun Dorma and a 200-strong rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Favourites from the world of film will include the rare thrill of live orchestral performances of music from Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, while highlights from musical theatre will include There’s no Business Like Show Business and a Les Miserables spectacular. 

There will be poignant tributes to the centenary of World War One and a tribute to veterans and Serving personnel of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces with music including Pack Up Your Troubles, Schindler’s List, Abide with Me, Hymn to the Fallen, Sanctus and Benedictus from The Armed Man and a moving The Day Thou Gavest.

The grand finale of the night will be a flag-waving patriotic spectacular with the Dambusters March, Nimrod, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory finished with great fanfares and national anthems with thousands of balloons and flag at hand!

The Proms will be led by legendary conductor John Hywel Williams who this year celebrates a record-breaking 70 years of conducting his internationally acclaimed Hywel Girls’ Choir which has seen over 8000 choristers taught under his baton, over 900 concert performances, 200-plus television and radio broadcasts and 25 international concert tours around the world.

“The 20th anniversary Last Night of the Proms promises to be yet again an exciting and slightly mad celebration of music”, said conductor John Hywel Williams. “It’s a night where audiences are expected to make more noise and have more fun than the artists! I simply can’t wait!”

Since its inception, the Hywel Choir’s Last Night of the Proms has hosted a wealth of leading choirs, orchestras and military bands including The Central Band of the RAF, The Band of the Welsh Guards and the Band of HM Royal Marines on 5 occasions.

The 2018 Last Night of the Proms starts at 7.00pm on Saturday 2nd June at Y Ffwrnes. Tickets £20 and remaining tickets can be obtained from 07795 236807 or Ffwrnes Box Office.

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Eifion Thomas

Blog posts

Spotlight on Cor Meibion Llanelli Musical Director Eifion Thomas

Posted By Robert Lloyd

Eifion Thomas
Eifion Thomas
Eifion Thomas
Eifion Thomas

2018 is the year in which D Eifion Thomas celebrates 43 years as Musical Director of Cor Meibion Llanelli.

Initially, he served as Accompanist to the Choir from 1965 until 1974 under the direction of founder-conductor Denver Phillips.

As a result of Eifions direction, dedication, and committment, the Choir has achieved world-wide fame as one of the United Kingdoms foremost male choirs.

This has been achieved, partly, as a consequence of winning the Chief Male Choir category at Waless National Eisteddfod on five occasions, winning the Richard Burton Trophy at the Annual MinersEisteddfod on four occasions, and achieving first prize at the Cardigan and Pontrhydfendigaid Eisteddfodau on numerous occasions.

But also – again under Eifions direction – the Choir has succeeded in spreading the name of Llanelli across the world as a result of successful tours and visits to Canada, the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland and England.

He has had the honour also of conducting the North American Welsh Societies National Gymanfa Ganu on five occasions – Vancouver (1980), Victoria, Canada (1990), Seattle (1994) and San Jose (2001).

Eifions expertise in the field of choral performance has been recognised by the National Eisteddfod of Wales by inviting him to be one of three music adjudicators at the 2003 Eisteddfod in Meifod, and the 2011 Eisteddfod in Wrexham.

As a result of his work in the sphere of music in the community, Eifion has been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International, and was inducted into the highest level of Waless Bardic Circle in 2007.

In 1998, Eifion was the guest conductor at the London Welsh Festival of 1000 Male Voices, and was guest soloist at the Festival in 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2002.

In 2000, Eifion was the conductor of the National Eisteddfod Choir when that Festival was held in Llanelli, and the Eisteddfod Choirs singing under his direction at the Gymanfa Ganu of the anthem Dyn A Aned O Wraigstill remains as one of the most memorable occasions in the Eisteddfods history.

Eifion is a fine tenor soloist in his own right, and has appeared as soloist in performances of Handel’s “Messiah”, Haydn’s “Creation, and Mass in Time of War, Stainer’s “Crucifiction, Maunder’s “Olivet to Calvary”, Coleridge-Taylor’s “Hiawathas Wedding Feast, and Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and Lobegesang”.

The Choir has recorded profusely under Eifions direction and appeared on many national network television programmes.

The latest CD produced by the Choir is called “Angel”, and represents a fine cross-section of the current repertoire.

A Gold Disc was awarded to the Choir as a result of record-breaking sales of the Choir’s 1982 disc “Pan Ddaw’r Nos” – which was a ground-breaking compilation of Eifions choral arrangements of popular Welsh songs and melodies.

Perhaps one of the most memorable choral experiences was the Choirs appearance at the Brit Awards in 1993 – sharing the stage with such musical giants as Take That, Elton John, Meatloaf and The Pet Shop Boys.

One of Eifions proudest moments was being made an honorary member of Cor Meibion Llanellis twin choir in Germany, the 1870 Singverein of Laudenbach.

This was in recognition of his work in developing the friendship between the two choirs over a period of 40 years dating from May 1975.

Just a few, therefore, of the salient points in Eifions career during the past 40-plus years, which would not have been achieved without the support of his wife Susanne, and daughter Sophie.

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