5 June 2010
Young Musicians Concert
Jennifer Jones (Flute)
Ffion Davies (Soprano)
Polaris Trio (Nicky Jaques (Saxophone), Ben Thomas (Trumpet), and Erika Lyons (Double Bass))
with David Fisher providing piano accompaniment
Llanfyllin Festival 2010 has a youth slant to it, and so held this delightful Young Musicians Concert in Welshpool Methodist Church as a prelude to the main festival. The modestly sized audience who had the pleasure of hearing such fine new talent were enthusiastic and complimentary about the concert.
The concert began with the sweet tones of Welsh Flautist Jennifer Jones, with her brilliantly elegant presentation of items by J.S. Bach, Donizetti and Poulenc. Her proficiency in the faster passages was mesmerising, and her sensitivity and expressive nuances in the slower movements were a testimony to her musicality. Local Welsh Soprano Ffion Davies brought to life some operatic classics in addition to some lesser well-known but equally captivating songs. Her pure warm voice and her vocal virtuosity were supported by her spirited and entrancing presentation of the songs; the audience were taken on a journey of emotions ranging from the joyous, to the comical, to the beautifully moving. The evening was brought to a close with the laid back tones of the Herefordshire based trio Polaris. The featured Latin jazz standards revealed the mature mellow sound-world of the trio, while the sophisticated improvisations stole the audience away to the heights of the player's well-informed musicianship. As an ensemble Polaris gelled brilliantly, it was evident too that Nicky Jaques (Saxophone), Ben Thomas (Trumpet) and Erika Lyons (Double Bass) are also accomplished musicians in their own right; indeed the trio performed some of Nicky Jaques' own compositions.
We are all aware that live music (and therefore the future of new musicians) is currently faced with hard times, being inhibited by red tape and dwindling funds, not to mention having to compete with ever more widely available recorded music. It was incredibly positive to see such a passionately talented next generation of musicians taking up the challenge of preserving the live music experience; hopefully continuing to entertain and inspire audiences for many years to come. Young musicians are the future; it is crucial that they continue to be nurtured and supported even through these financial hard times; if not, the pool of young and fresh musicians will diminish rapidly, foreshadowing the decline of opportunities for experiencing new and live music, and, potentially the decay of new and live music altogether.
There are other opportunities to support young musicians and new music in 2010 with the Llanfyllin Festival, as well as a fuller array other high quality concerts. For more information please visit the Concert Programme page.
Ruth Jones
Committee Member