Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Bangor is ready to bring you new musical performances this summer by some of the best composers Britain has to offer. From moving and heartwarming performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Côr Seiriol, WNO Orchestra and Georgia Ruth to the spiritual and soothing performances of The Unthanks and Sinfonia Cymru + Casi Wyn.
Performing on Friday, 29th of April the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will be taking to the Theatr Bryn Terfel stage for the first time since 2018! With award-winning conductor, Julian Rachlin reigniting the notes of Felix Mendelssohn that began his Scottish symphony on a summer evening in Edinburgh many years ago. With Sarah McElravy on viola, Julian Rachlin on violin and the former Liverpool Philharmonic music director Max Bruch with a beautiful neglected concerto.
Join the celebrations with Côr Seiriol and Friends as they take the spotlight in Theatr Bryn Terfel. Since its formation in 1991 by Gwennant Pyrs they have a following after the long list of awards attained at Eisteddfod’s and the Ŵyl Gerdd Dant. To commemorate the choir’s thirty-year anniversary, special guests Côr y Brythoniaid, Meilir Jones, Alys Mererid Roberts, Mona Meirion, Dylan Cernyw, will join them. Elliw Mai who has a long-standing relationship with Côr Seiriol will be presenting, join us for an evening to remember!
The WNO Orchestra is conducting ‘A Midsummer Celebration‘ on Friday, the 10th of June with David Adams being concertmaster and soloist, accompanied by WNO Associate Artist Aaron O’Hare. The programme consist of Vaughan Williams’ enduring beauty The Lark Ascending and Mendelssohn’s masterpiece A Midsummer Night’s Dream Suite, a truly romantic and exuberant tale and his elegant Symphony No 4 conveying the blue skies and open countryside of Italy. The celebration continues with Gerald Finzi’s poetic depiction of Shakespeare’s work, a song cycle, Let us Garlands Bring. Drawing the event to a close will be the forever talented Welsh composer Owain Llwyd with his new and Llandudno’s Great Orme inspired piece, Gogarth.
The summer keeps on continues with Georgia Ruth on Saturday, the 11th of June with her 2020 hit album Mai. Never before seen nor heard live, songs from the album will be performed, giving the audience what so many during the pandemic found as solace and supportive music. The pandemic can’t stop these tracks anymore, don’t miss out and book now to hear one of the most creative and unique Welsh artists of the year!
Performing live on Friday, the 24th of June at the Theatr Bryn Terfel at Pontio are 2015 BBC Folk Album of the Year winners The Unthanks! The hit folk band is back after the two-year pandemic and is playing tracks from its upcoming new album, Sorrows Away. At the nucleus of a constantly evolving unit is the traditional upbringing of Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank and the arrangements and writing of composer, pianist, producer and Yorkshireman, Adrian McNally.
Conjuring new sounds of Welsh myth and legend, on Monday, July 1st Sinfonia Cymru + Casi Wyn will be performing at Pontio’s Studio Theatre. Inspired by the natural beauty, people and mystery of Wales, seven remarkably talented musicians from Sinfonia Cymru will join the singer, songwriter and poet Casi Wyn to present unique songs of patriotism, mysticism and beauty. Experience the journey this July!
The Pontio cinema also has breath-taking events and screenings. One of which being held on Wednesday, the 11th of May, the much-awaited Nick Cave and Warren Ellis event This Much I Know To Be True, performing songs from their last two albums, streamed to cinemas.
Director of Pontio Arts, Osian Gwynn said, “This year’s Spring and Summer promises to be music-packed in Pontio – and I’m really excited about that!
“Performances of the highest quality, with the orchestras of the Welsh National Opera and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra filling Theatr Bryn Terfel with their sound. The Unthanks folk band will perform with their lovely harmonies, as well as a new collaboration between artist Casi and the Welsh Sinfonia chamber orchestra. We also have local talent company Côr Seiriol and their Friends who will surely enchant you with plenty of singing.
“Other highlights include Georgia Ruth and last night’s Festival which promises to be a thriving event.”
For more information regarding the above events and other events, including age restrictions and tickets, please visit pontio.co.uk.
