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North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Mystery woman's daily ritual on North Wales beaches leaves onlookers astonished
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Beachgoers on west Anglesey were left uplifted and profoundly moved when a mystery woman strode up to the water's edge. As the sun sunk towards the horizon, she began singing a hauntingly beautiful song as if serenading the sea itself. Those looking on settled down on the sand at Traeth Porthdafarch beach to watch the performance, wondering who the woman was and why she was doing it. It soon emerged she often sang at other beaches on the island, enchanting those lucky enough to witness her. Filming a clip of the shoreline song was Abigail Druce, who said it was a 'lovely moment'. She added: 'Everyone just stood still and watched her, definitely not something you see often. Just wow!' Another onlooker added: 'Absolutely beautiful voice, just her the sound of the waves and the sun setting. What a talent and a lovely surprise while we were sat with our beach fire and tea.' When the video was shared online, the woman's identity was revealed as Karen Jones, a former gemnologist and diamond grader from Waunfawr, Gwynedd. The 64-year-old artist sings at sunset most days as a lament to her elderly mother as she battles severe illness. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up Sometimes she performs to campervanners on the hills above her home in Waunfawr. From there, she can gaze out across to Anglesey where she dreams of moving to permanently. (Image: Karen Jones) Adding extra pathos to her singing was the death this week of Deiniolen's Annette Bryn Parri. Appointed musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir last year, the distinguished pianist took time out to help Karen compose four songs for Spotify. Usually when she's singing al fresco, Karen performs Welsh folk song Cilfan y Coed (Shade in the Trees). 'It's about sanctuary – somewhere you can go to forget all your troubles,' she said. 'For me, singing these lovely songs is a matter of self-expression. I forget the hurt as I sing. 'I had singing lessons with my dear friend Annette. The day after she died I sung it in her memory at sunset with a big view of the Menai Straight behind me.' (Image: Karen Jones) On Anglesey, Karen performs on the beaches at Trearddur Bay, Porth Dafarch and Holyhead. She always sings at sunset. 'I go out every single evening,' she said. 'It's my way of saying thank you for the day. Otherwise the days pass so quickly: I want to make the most of them. 'When I go up on the hills, I always asked the campers if it's OK to sing. They're fine about it and afterward they're always very generous in their comments, just as people are on the beach when I sing.' For 18 years, Karen and her mother Esme Dyson ran Jones & Dyson Jewellers in Bangor and Caernarfon. When their prime stock was stolen at an exhibition in London, the business folded but the mother-and-daughter bond remained as strong as ever. Now that Esme is seriously ill, Karen's sunset singing has added poignancy – it's the one time she can set aside her worries. It's also meant a planned move to Anglesey has been put on hold. (Image: Karen Jones) In Waunfawr, Karen runs a 12-acre smallholding by herself while operating an Airbnb. With the Welsh Government's 182-day letting rule causing extra work and price-cutting, she's had enough. Last month the property went on the market, only to be withdrawn as her mother's health declined. But Karen still has her heart set on a move to west Anglesey and its glorious sunsets. 'It's such a deeply magical and spiritual place,' she said. 'From the hills behind me I can see the sun setting behind Holyhead Mountain and half of Anglesey. One day I will move there.' One beachgoer who heard her sing said Karen's 'eerily beautiful haunting voice' was reminiscent of the sirens of the sea. Explaining her connection to the coast, Karen cited Fibonacci's mathematical formula, a sequence of numbers that has been used to describe the logarithmic spirals of seashells. 'I love the island's beaches but it's deeper than that,' she said. 'I receive a spiritual connection via Fibonacci's eternal formula from the shells and from the waves. Beaches and the movement of the sea bring me confirmation of the eternal nature of consciousness. "Through song it enables me to express my heartfelt loss as I see people decline and die.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find the weather forecast where you live
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Mystery woman's daily ritual on North Wales beaches leaves onlookers astonished
Beachgoers on west Anglesey were left uplifted and profoundly moved when a mystery woman strode up to the water's edge. As the sun sunk towards the horizon, she began singing a hauntingly beautiful song as if serenading the sea itself. Those looking on settled down on the sand at Traeth Porthdafarch beach to watch the performance, wondering who the woman was and why she was doing it. It soon emerged she often sang at other beaches on the island, enchanting those lucky enough to witness her. Filming a clip of the shoreline song was Abigail Druce, who said it was a 'lovely moment'. She added: 'Everyone just stood still and watched her, definitely not something you see often. Just wow!' Another onlooker added: 'Absolutely beautiful voice, just her the sound of the waves and the sun setting. What a talent and a lovely surprise while we were sat with our beach fire and tea.' When the video was shared online, the woman's identity was revealed as Karen Jones, a former gemnologist and diamond grader from Waunfawr, Gwynedd. The 64-year-old artist sings at sunset most days as a lament to her elderly mother as she battles severe illness. Sometimes she performs to campervanners on the hills above her home in Waunfawr. From there, she can gaze out across to Anglesey where she dreams of moving to permanently. Adding extra pathos to her singing was the death this week of Deiniolen's Annette Bryn Parri. Appointed musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir last year, the distinguished pianist took time out to help Karen compose four songs for Spotify. Usually when she's singing al fresco, Karen performs Welsh folk song Cilfan y Coed (Shade in the Trees). 'It's about sanctuary – somewhere you can go to forget all your troubles,' she said. 'For me, singing these lovely songs is a matter of self-expression. I forget the hurt as I sing. 'I had singing lessons with my dear friend Annette. The day after she died I sung it in her memory at sunset with a big view of the Menai Straight behind me.' On Anglesey, Karen performs on the beaches at Trearddur Bay, Porth Dafarch and Holyhead. She always sings at sunset. 'I go out every single evening,' she said. 'It's my way of saying thank you for the day. Otherwise the days pass so quickly: I want to make the most of them. 'When I go up on the hills, I always asked the campers if it's OK to sing. They're fine about it and afterward they're always very generous in their comments, just as people are on the beach when I sing.' For 18 years, Karen and her mother Esme Dyson ran Jones & Dyson Jewellers in Bangor and Caernarfon. When their prime stock was stolen at an exhibition in London, the business folded but the mother-and-daughter bond remained as strong as ever. Now that Esme is seriously ill, Karen's sunset singing has added poignancy – it's the one time she can set aside her worries. It's also meant a planned move to Anglesey has been put on hold. In Waunfawr, Karen runs a 12-acre smallholding by herself while operating an Airbnb. With the Welsh Government's 182-day letting rule causing extra work and price-cutting, she's had enough. Last month the property went on the market, only to be withdrawn as her mother's health declined. But Karen still has her heart set on a move to west Anglesey and its glorious sunsets. 'It's such a deeply magical and spiritual place,' she said. 'From the hills behind me I can see the sun setting behind Holyhead Mountain and half of Anglesey. One day I will move there.' One beachgoer who heard her sing said Karen's 'eerily beautiful haunting voice' was reminiscent of the sirens of the sea. Explaining her connection to the coast, Karen cited Fibonacci's mathematical formula, a sequence of numbers that has been used to describe the logarithmic spirals of seashells. 'I love the island's beaches but it's deeper than that,' she said. 'I receive a spiritual connection via Fibonacci's eternal formula from the shells and from the waves. Beaches and the movement of the sea bring me confirmation of the eternal nature of consciousness. "Through song it enables me to express my heartfelt loss as I see people decline and die.'
