RWCMD at the Welsh Proms

This year sees the 25^th anniversary of the Welsh Proms Cardiff and students, graduates and fellows of the Royal Welsh College are joining in with the celebrations.

Since its inception in 1986 the Welsh Proms has become one of the city's greatest success stories and a highlight of the Cardiff Festival. Known for its wide range of performances, the event combines prestigious orchestral concerts and informal daytime performances, internationally renowned artists and talented young musicians, resulting in a lively festival atmosphere.

Orchestral concerts will include performances by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and superb line-up of soloists and choirs.

RWCMD Welsh Proms highlights

Sat 17 July, 4:30pm – Catherine Wright (piano) – free (Level 3 Lounge)

Catherine is a final year music student at the Royal Welsh College. She already has a busy concert schedule and is looking forward to returning to RWCMD next year to embark on the MA Music Performance. Read the Q&A with Catherine Wright.

Wed 21 July, 7:30pm – Orchestra of Welsh National Opera + Only Men Aloud - £5-26

Only Men Aloud is directed by former Royal Welsh College vocal tutor Tim Rhys-Evans and its members include current students and graduates. Formed in 2000, Only Men Aloud shot to fame after winning the BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition. They will be performing a wide range of songs at this black-tie event.

Thurs 22 July, 1:30pm – Klezmer Kollectiv – free (Level 3 Lounge)

Made up of RWCMD students and graduates, the Klezmer Kollectiv plays a unique style of Klezmer and Balkan music, with a repertoire that ranges from traditional classics through to stylistic arrangements of popular songs.

Thurs 22 July, 5:00pm – The Mavron String Quartet - £6 (Level 3 Lounge)

Wales’ leading quartet and ensemble in residence at St David’s Hall. Christina Mavron (violin) and Niamh Ferris (viola) are graduates of the Royal Welsh College.

Fri 23 July, 5:00pm – Lunar Saxophone Quartet - £7/8 (Level 3 Lounge)

Lunar Sax Quartet formed at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. They have gone on to become one of Britain’s most innovative groups and their last Welsh Proms performance was a complete sell-out.

Other events of interest include performances by the BBC Concert Orchestra, featuring Rebecca Evans FRWCMD (Friday 23 July, 8:00pm) and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, featuring the 2008 Menuhin Violin Competition winner, Ray Chen (Thursday 22 July, 7.30pm). The Royal Welsh College was proud to host the Menuhin Competition 2008.

The Welsh Proms Cardiff 2010 takes place at St David’s Hall on 11-24 July. For more information see the St David’s Hall website.