Sinfonia Cymru is known as Wales’s most dynamic and exciting orchestra, always breaking the mould, taking audiences to new places and showcasing some of the best under 30s musicians in the UK. This June and July the orchestra is collaborating with acclaimed musicians and climate activists Simmy Singh (violin), Will Pound (harmonica) and Delia Stevens (percussion) on a new tour named Regenerate: Seasons for Change – a ground-breaking project using music as a catalyst to discuss the future of the planet.
“We’re passionate about supporting young musicians in every way possible. In this project we’re proud to provide the next generation of incredible musicians with a stage to explore the climate crisis and the future of our planet. We’re grateful to Gregynog Hall for supporting this project, we’re excited to rehearse in their stunningly beautiful green spaces. We can’t wait to collaborate with Simmy, Delia and Will, and to share our music and inspire important discussions with audiences across Wales.” Caroline Tress, Chief Executive.
As with all Sinfonia Cymru concerts, audiences should expect the unexpected! These concerts will feature something for both classical and non-classical enthusiasts, with a reimagining of Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending alongside traditional folk music featuring BBC Folk Musician of the Year triple nominee, Will Pound on harmonica. It will also feature the first public performance of a reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, originally commissioned by Sky Arts series ‘Musical Masterpieces’, presented by Myleene Klass and Errollyn Wallen CBE.
“Watching this performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Sinfonia Cymru during the filming at Pontyberem Memorial Hall was truly inspiring. I’m incredibly moved by it." Errollyn Wallen CBE.
Percussionist and climate activist Delia Stevens is a former member of Sinfonia Cymru and is delighted to be working with the orchestra on this unique project:
"Sinfonia Cymru are a totally forward-thinking collective of young musicians transforming the shape of the classical music scene. Wales is becoming a real hub of the deepest thinking and training around the climate crisis, so I cannot think of a more perfect outfit to explore a subject as urgent as this with an orchestra of the next generation."
Welsh violinist and Sinfonia Cymru Associate Simmy Singh will be hosting Nature Connections Sessions in each community ahead of the tour, collaborating with local environmental groups to explore nature and wellbeing through music, and creating content to be featured in the tour itself.
“Regenerate is a project that is very dear to my heart and is so much more than just a concert. In response to the ecological and spiritual crisis we find ourselves in, this project aims to harness the magic and power of music to connect to the wisdom of the natural world and ignite the flames of curiosity within us all. It is a call to action, a rallying cry to dare to imagine what could happen if we get it right and to remember that we ARE nature.”
Regenerate: Seasons for Change will be performed at:
Criccieth Memorial Hall on Friday 14th June at 19:30.
Cardiff’s Royal College of Music and Drama on Saturday 15th June at 19:30.
Pontyberem Memorial Hall on Sunday 16th of June at 16:00.
As part of MusicFest at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday 27th July at 20:00.
There will also be a free but ticketed open rehearsal in Gregynog on Thursday 13th June from 18:00 – 19:30. All welcome!
Tickets for concerts and the rehearsal at Gregynog are now on sale and available at: https://sinfonia.cymru/programme/regenerate-seasons-for-change/
The Nature Connections sessions are suitable for all ages and no prior knowledge of music or climate justice is required. Spaces are free but limited, so if you would like to attend or would like more information, please email becky@sinfonia.cymru.
-ENDS-
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Sinfonia Cymru’s Marketing Consultant Heulwen Davies on 07817591930/ heulwen@llaisycmru.wales