Latest news with #Eisteddfodau
Leader Live
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Jersey choir crowned Young Choir of the World at Eisteddfod
The Musical Originals Singers took home the title at the 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod, earning the highest marks ever awarded to a children's choir in the competition's history. Their victory was described as 'completely astounding' by musical director Imogen Nicholas. The Musical Originals Singers earned the highest marks ever awarded to a children's choir (Image: Supplied) Ms Nicholas said: "One of the judges told us they are the highest marks ever awarded to a children's choir in that Eisteddfod, which is the crème de la crème of Eisteddfodau. "The choir deserve this success so much. "They have given up a lot for this; they wanted it, and they got it. "I am so incredibly proud of them." The award ceremony was delayed by a medical incident that led to the cancellation of the Uniting Nations concert on July 9. The presentation took place the following day and was led by Dr Rhys Davies, who sponsors the competition with his wife Anne in memory of their son, Owen. Dr Davies said: "The Young Choir of the World prize is given in memory of our son, Owen Davies. "It means so much to see the Musical Originals Singers, with their wonderful energy and talent, receive this award. "Owen's name lives on through the music, joy, and cultural spirit that this prize represents, and I know he would be immensely proud of this incredible choir." Ms Nicholas revealed the practical challenges of transporting their success home. She said: "The trophy is so heavy we couldn't get it on the flight back." READ MORE: New leaseholders step into bold new chapter after 16-months managing vibrant pub Putting on the 'greatest show' for children's hospice fundraiser She added that it will eventually be placed on public display at a museum in Jersey. The Eisteddfod team praised the choir's achievement, calling it a testament to the event's tradition of celebrating musical excellence and cultural exchange. The prize fund for the 2026 competition is now open, with all donations going directly to competitors. More information can be found at
Powys County Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Llanidloes music teacher made honorary president for Urdd
A Llanidloes-born music teacher has been honoured for her contribution to Wales' largest youth organisation, the Urdd. Menna Bennett Joynson was one of four volunteers who were made an honorary president of Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Mor 2025 at a special ceremony on Monday (May 26). Menna was born in Llanidloes before her family moved to Llanuwchllyn and then to Aberystwyth. She grew up in a musical and cultured household and was familiar with singing and participating in Eisteddfodau from an early age. At Eisteddfod yr Urdd, she has had considerable success in the field of 'cerdd dant', while she also coached pupils to sing and compete in her role as a music teacher at Ysgol Rhydfelen. In 1976, she moved to Swansea with her husband and raised three children locally. Menna established 'Adran Sgeti' in 1978 which later developed into 'Aelwyd yr Urdd Sgeti'. Over the years, they went on to have considerable success at Eisteddfod yr Urdd. Menna was appointed music teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr and a peripatetic harp teacher in the area. She spoke of her gratitude to the Urdd, adding that all the experiences she and her pupils have had have greatly enriched her life. "The Urdd has fulfilled so much for me," Menna told S4C. "I owe a big debt to the Urdd." Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: 'The four who are being honoured this year have given over 160 years of support to the movement.
Business News Wales
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Four Local Volunteers to be Honoured at Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025
As preparations scale up for Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr 2025 this month, Urdd Gobaith Cymru is thanking a group of volunteers for decades of voluntary work for the youth organisation. Each year, individuals who have made a special contribution to Wales' largest youth organisation are honoured by the Urdd. This year, attention turns to West Glamorgan, and four volunteers will be named Honorary Presidents of Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025 in a special ceremony on the Maes (the festival ground). The four Honorary Presidents of Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr 2025 are Davida Lewis, Janet Jones, Menna Bennett Joynson and Wayne Pedrick. Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: 'The four who are being honoured this year have given over 160 years of support to the movement. Volunteers play a vital role in the work and reach of the Urdd, and we're delighted to recognise the dedication of these particular four volunteers at a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod on Monday, 26 May.' Davida Lewis Brought up in Swansea, Davida Lewis has spent her life in the Eisteddfod's local area. She established two local choirs: 'Côr Plant Waunarlwydd' in 1965 and 'Côr Waunarlwydd' in 1970. The choirs have had considerable success locally and internationally for 60 years. The choirs still exist, and even though Davida has transferred the reigns to a new conductor, she still enjoys participating as a member. Being awarded the title of Honorary President at the Eisteddfod in her own area will be a crowning achievement, after her wealth of experiences and successes in Eisteddfodau over the decades. Janet Jones Brought up in Loughor, Janet has lived in Neath for over 40 years. Music is in her blood and over the years she has competed regularly on stages, winning several major prizes at Eisteddfod yr Urdd and at the National Eisteddfod. Janet is the conductor of 'Parti Llwchwr'. She has shared her musical talents by teaching children to sing and perform at Eisteddfodau and numerous events over the years. She established 'Adran Nedd' in 1993 to offer cultural and Welsh experiences to the youth of the area. Following the success of the group, she established 'Uwch Adran Nedd' to continue to provide experiences to older children. She has also been an active member of the Neath and Afan Local Committee, as well as Chair of the Regional Committee. Janet is one of the Vice-Chairs of the Executive Committee for this year's Eisteddfod yr Urdd. Menna Bennett Joynson Menna was born in Llanidloes before her family moved to Llanuwchllyn and then to Aberystwyth. She grew up in a musical and cultured household and was familiar with singing and participating in Eisteddfodau from an early age. At Eisteddfod yr Urdd, she has had considerable success in the field of 'cerdd dant', while she also coached pupils to sing and compete in her role as a music teacher at Ysgol Rhydfelen. In 1976 she moved to Swansea with her husband and raised three children locally. Menna established 'Adran Sgeti' in 1978 which later developed into 'Aelwyd yr Urdd Sgeti'. Over the years, they went on to have considerable success at Eisteddfod yr Urdd. Menna was appointed music teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr and a peripatetic harp teacher in the area. She talks of her gratitude to the Urdd, adding that all the experiences she and her pupils have had have greatly enriched her life. Wayne Pedrick Wayne's first experience of Eisteddfod yr Urdd was through his children, Lisa and Aled, when they were pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera. Both loved to compete, with Aled winning the 2003 Bryn Terfel Scholarship at the Tawe, Neath and Afan Eisteddfod. Wayne worked at the local coal plant, and in 1998 he got a job as a peripatetic brass teacher. In that role, he encouraged and supported his pupils to compete at Eisteddfod yr Urdd, both as soloists and as an ensemble. He was appointed Head of the Peripatetic Music Service in Neath Port Talbot in 2016 and helps run three youth and junior orchestras, three youth and junior brass bands and a Youth Choir and Big Band. Wayne also regularly adjudicates instrumental competitions at regional and national Eisteddfodau. Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr will be held at Margam Park between 26 and 31 May.
