Debut concert at historic venue for new Welsh orchestra

The People’s Orchestra Carmarthen in Wales is to perform its first mass concert in one of the country’s most famous venues.

Amid world renowned stained glass and on a site with centuries of significant history, excited Welsh amateur musicians will join singers from The People’s Show Choir (TPSC) groups across Wales to play everything from festive favourites to movie tunes in their first large scale gig.

Cerddorfa’r Bobl (pronounced Kerr-thor-vy-uh Bob-ul) – the Welsh translation of The People’s Orchestra (TPO) – only launched in September but as part of the TPO family, members have the rare chance to perform in iconic and unique venues across the UK.

With that in mind, the Something Magical: A Film Night In concert will enthral audiences at famous Swansea Minster (pictured below).

Celebrated as the first Minster church for the Church in Wales, it is renowned for taking pride in its musical engagement.

The Cerddorfa’r Bobl concert led by its conductor Alex McGee takes place on Saturday November 28 at 4pm within its hallowed walls.

Packed with two hours of music, the concert celebrates both Christmas and the movies and will provide a night of good value entertainment until around 6pm. It aims to give those attending a spring in their step and plenty of joy for the festive season.

Swansea Minster, or Mystwyr Abertawe, is a stunning, significant venue with a long history, dating back to when it was called St Mary’s Church, from as early as the 1300s.

Despite being extensively rebuilt after a devastating bombing during World War II, Swansea Minster has many architectural treasures and contains one of the finest collections of 20th and 21st Century stained glass in Wales.

“This will be a debut concert to remember in Swansea that we are all excited about,” said Will Hampson, TPO Assistant Orchestra Manager and Cerddorfa’r Bobl spokesperson.

“Cerddorfa’r Bobl only recently launched so its members will take to the stage together for the first time at this beautiful and historic venue.

“Featuring players and singers from across South Wales, the audience can expect an evening of festive favourites, Christmas classics and film scores to enjoy in a memorable setting.”

Joining the new members of Cerddorfa’r Bobl in Swansea Minster will be some of their TPO colleagues from Birmingham, also performing on the day.

The new Welsh orchestra launched to give a fresh outlet for those wanting to rekindle their love of playing music, who have reached a level of Grade 7 and above. Cerddorfa’r Bobl rehearsals take place every week during term time in Carmarthen and they are keen to welcome new members. Read more about the orchestra here and how to join.

For those who love to sing, there are now TPSC groups for Cardiff, Newport and Carmarthen. Find your local choir here.

TPO is a national charity that uses music to enhance and change lives. Money raised is pumped into programmes that help get people into work and support those most in need.

Tickets costs £7.50 for concessions and £10 other that are available from the ticket website here.

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