Whilst crossing borders to see family and friends has been ruled out for so many this Christmas, two of the U.K.’s leading ensembles of their kind have joined forces virtually to bring their audiences a festive musical treat.
The Fairey Band from Stockport, one of the world’s finest brass bands, and Bethesda’s Côr y Penrhyn have come together across the Welsh/English border to produce their own special version of ‘O Holy Night/O Ddwyfol Nos’ – the carol which regularly tops the poll as the Nation’s favourite.
Both groups have been determined to perform for their audiences this Christmas, recording their parts to the carol individually in their homes, as their musicians stick to the strict restrictions which have been in place in Wales and the North West for most of 2020.
Each of the 70+ individually recorded contributors have been pieced together by Musical Directors Adam Cooke and Owain Arwel Davies, and video editor Caleb Rhys Jones, to create a virtual performance – the first time the two groups have ever performed ‘together’, although 100+ miles apart.
With both groups seeing their usually full rehearsal and concert schedules decimated due to the pandemic, each has adapted to making music in new ways, and hope that their digital performance will bring some festive cheer to as many people as possible this Christmas.
O Holy Night – Adolphe Adam (music arranged by Ray Farr/ solo & choir arrangement by Owain Arwel Davies)