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Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Inspirational blind singer will be star of the show at anniversary concert
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 A blind teenage singer will be one of the stars of the show at the 10th anniversary concert of a music cooperative that transformed her life. Inspirational Isabelle Harrison, 19, from Llandegla, will be centre stage at the North Wales Music Cooperative's gala event at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, June 12. The concert will be hosted by popular tenor Rhys Meirion who will also be singing on the night. It will be a celebration of the impact the music cooperative has had on its former and current students over the last decade. Among those taking part will be various ensembles, a pop band and a sign language choir. The group is an award-winning, not-for-profit organisation providing quality music tuition with two sister cooperatives in Denbighshire and Wrexham. It was formed in 2015 by Head of Service Heather Powell after she and other music tutors in Denbighshire were made redundant due to budget cuts. The cooperative expanded into Wrexham in 2018 and now works with more than 100 primary schools and 18 high schools in the two counties while providing work for more than 70 freelance music tutors. The concert, starting at 7pm, is being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which supports arts and community activities. Isabele, known as Izzy, is now a student at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, the UK's leading specialist residential college of further education for people with a visual impairment. She said the music cooperative had a hugely positive effect on her while she was a student at Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin. Thanks to the work of the cooperative, she says music will always be part of her life – and she was delighted to be invited to perform at the special concert. Izzy said: 'It seems a bit surreal to be asked, it's a bit like 'wow!' It feels really good to know that I will be one of the stars of the concert and it feels good to feel my ability is being recognised. Singing gives me such a good feeling, music has always been so important to me. 'I very first got involved with the music cooperative during a week called Music Mania. It was a week of activities one summer based around music and they had a concert at the end, and we learned a dance, we learned songs, we did a little play, it was really fun. 'Then later the Denbighshire Music Cooperative funded me for singing lessons which were really good for me because before that I had only ever been in the school choir. It was nice to get one-to-one tuition and improve aspects of my voice." Izzy has been at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) since September and did A-levels at New College Worcester, another specialist college for youngsters who are blind or vision impaired. 'At New College I did a BTEC in music performance and had singing lessons and was in a musical theatre club. I am paying for singing lessons at RNC and I am in the choir there, so music is very much still a part of my life.' Determined Izzy is not allowing her lack of sight to hold her back from her ambition of being a counsellor. She said: 'I applied to come to RNC to get more qualifications and also to be in a more adult environment and to be more independent before I go to university. 'This year I am studying health and social care and then next year I will be doing massage and complementary therapies. I actually want to be a counsellor, a child therapist.' Izzy's mum Rachael Lynch commended the work of the music cooperative – and thanked its leaders for inviting her daughter to perform at the concert. She said: 'I'm absolutely made up that Isabelle has been invited to perform a song at such a special occasion. The music cooperative as a whole organisation are absolutely fantastic, the staff are amazing. Everybody who works within the team are just such wonderful people and Isabelle has benefited a lot from the organisation.' According to Heather Powell, Izzy is 'truly inspirational'. She said: 'Through the opportunities the music service gave Izzy, the wider world of music was opened up to her. 'Music has made such a difference to her life, it has given her the confidence to go on and study and live away from her mum independently, which as a pupil with zero vision is a huge challenge. 'So when we looked at having a gala concert and talked about ex-pupils coming back, Izzy was one for me which was a stand-out because she meant a lot to the service and the service meant a lot to her. 'Izzy doesn't see herself as having a disability, Izzy is just Izzy. She is a fantastic singer and she is certainly a great advocate for our service. 'She flies the flag of what we are all about which is every child having the opportunity to learn and enjoy music irrespective of any disability or additional need." Heather said the gala concert was shaping up to be a memorable celebration. She said: 'We've got all of our current ensembles and pupils performing. We've got our annual awards which this year are sponsored by Mario and Gill Kreft from Pendine Park care organisation.' Pendine Park is supporting the event through its Pendine Arts and Community Trust. Mario said: 'The gala concert is set to be a magnificent celebration of the work the music cooperative does and also a fantastic celebration of the power of music. 'Music and the arts really do change lives and it's vital they are supported and also celebrated, and the gala concert will do just that. It is set to be a wonderful evening and is an opportunity to recognise the great work the music cooperative has carried out over the last decade.' Tickets can be bought via Eventbrite. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ukrainian soprano hopes to rebuild career after war trauma through competition
Pendine International Voice of the Future offers platform for classical singer seeking new life in the UK A TALENTED Ukrainian soprano whose life was upended by the Russian invasion is hoping to revive her career at one of Wales's most prestigious cultural events this summer. Khrystyna Makar, now living in Shotton, Flintshire, is one of 25 singers from around the globe competing for the title of Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July. The classical singer, who fled her homeland in 2022 with her two sons, Denys, now 20, and Lukian, 15, left behind her husband, Volodimir, and parents in Lviv. Since arriving in the UK, she has lived in Ceredigion and Aberystwyth before settling in north-east Wales, where she continues to pursue her musical passion despite the upheaval. Before the war, Khrystyna enjoyed a flourishing career performing across Ukraine and at leading venues in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia. She hopes the exposure from competing in Llangollen will open new doors in the UK music scene. 'Being separated from your family is difficult but you have to be strong,' she said. 'We are a friendly people and we're very grateful for the support we have had from people in Wales and England.' Khrystyna recently returned from a visit home to Ukraine, which coincided with a deadly Russian missile strike on an apartment block in Kyiv that killed twelve and injured more than eighty. 'It's difficult, but people still try to keep going,' she said. 'We were able to celebrate Easter together – we don't lose our traditions even in these times. Everywhere is dangerous, even in the west, but people are trying to rebuild their lives.' This year's Pendine Voice of the Future competition features singers from the USA, China, South Africa, England and Wales. The winner will receive the Pendine Trophy, presented by Welsh opera legend Sir Bryn Terfel, and a cheque for £3,000, with £1,000 awarded to the runner-up. Now in its twelfth year, the competition is sponsored by Pendine Park via its charitable arm, the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). For Pendine founders Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill, who conceived the idea in 2013, the 2025 contest carries extra significance as the organisation marks its 40th anniversary. Mario Kreft said: 'The standard of the competitors in years past has been phenomenal, and I have no doubt it will be just as high again this year. The added opportunity to appear on the same stage as Sir Bryn Terfel is a dream come true for many of these young performers.' The final of the competition will take place on Sunday, July 13, during the Eisteddfod's grand closing concert, which will also feature Sir Bryn performing songs from his new album, Sea Songs, alongside The Fisherman's Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman. Artistic director Dave Danford described the competition as 'one of the most important' in the Eisteddfod calendar: 'For the audience, it's the chance to see a future star; for the competitors, it's the experience of a lifetime.' Two former winners with Pembrokeshire links will also return to the festival this year. Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, winner in 2017, and Shimona Rose, winner in 2024, will appear as featured soloists at a special Karl Jenkins concert on July 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Sir Bryn Terfel said: 'The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a brilliant opportunity for emerging vocal talent. It offers a platform that could help launch careers on the global stage.'
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Ukrainian soprano competes at Llangollen Eisteddfod
Soprano Khrystyna Makar is among 25 competitors in the Pendine International Voice of the Future contest at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod this July. Her life took a dramatic turn in 2022 when she and her sons, Denys and Lukian, had to leave their home city, Lviv, due to the war. They left behind her husband, Volodimir and her parents. Now settled in Shotton, Flintshire, Khrystyna is competing against singers from countries including the USA, China and South Africa, as well as England and Wales. Before the 2022 invasion, Khrystyna was a successful classical singer, performing across Ukraine and Europe. READ MORE: Mold: 'Cracked Coffee' to open new shop this weekend War-displaced singer hopes Pendine contest reignites classical career (Image: Supplied) Since arriving in the UK, she has lived in Llangrannog and Aberystwyth before finally settling in Shotton. She has found it challenging to maintain her musical career and hopes the Llangollen competition will provide a much-needed boost. Khrystyna continues to make trips home to Lviv to see her husband and family, but her recent visit coincided with a deadly Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment block. Twelve people were killed and more than 80 injured in the attack. Khrystyna said: "It's difficult but people still try to keep going. "Being separated from your family is difficult but you have to be strong." The competition is sponsored by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust and the winner will receive a £3,000 cheque and the Pendine Trophy, presented by opera star Sir Bryn Terfel. They will also perform at the Eisteddfod's final concert on Sunday, July 13, alongside Sir Bryn. Pendine Park proprietor, Mario Kreft MBE, said: "The standard of the competitors in years past has been absolutely phenomenal and I have no doubt it will be just as incredibly high again this year." Llangollen Eisteddfod's artistic director, Dave Danford, said: "This is one of the most important competitions of the Eisteddfod and people come here because they could be watching someone who will become a household name." Sir Bryn Terfel added: "The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a wonderful opportunity for talented young singers to make a mark."
Leader Live
05-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham care home hailed as 'blueprint' for Wales
The praise for Pendine Park came from Dawn Bowden MS, the Minister for Children and Social Care, during a visit to the Highfield nursing home in Wrexham. The visit coincided with Pendine Park's 40th anniversary, marking four decades since owners Mario and Gill Kreft opened their first care home in 1985. Ms Bowden said: "The visit has been great and I have met with Mario a couple of times now. "His dedication and his enthusiasm to what he is doing is incredible." Since its humble beginnings, Pendine Park has expanded to include nine care homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon, employing 860 staff members and providing 440 beds. The organisation has also been instrumental in the development of the social care sector, with owner Mario Kreft MBE founding Care Forum Wales and the Wales Care Awards. Ms Bowden said: "I see Mario and Gill's homes as being held up as an exemplar of what we want to see in social care. "It has been interesting to listen to Mario talk about different types of care settings that he has. "There are various different settings but all with the same ethos, and I think that was the thing that has impressed me more than anything, and it's all driven wanting to provide the best care for some of the most vulnerable people that we need to look after." The Minister, who took on the social care remit in September last year, also praised the dedication of workers in the sector. She said: "What has impressed me the most is the absolute dedication of the people who work in the sector. "Some of these people are the lowest paid in our public services, and we are trying very hard to do something about that." Ms Bowden highlighted the introduction of the Real Living Wage in Wales for social care workers three years ago, acknowledging the need to recruit and retain the best in the sector. She said: "What I want to see is that we really do get to a parity of esteem with NHS colleagues. "I don't think what people do in the social care sector is appreciated enough and that needs to be recognised." Highfield's manager Tracey Smith, who has worked at the site for 25 years, said she was pleased to have the opportunity to show the minister around the home. She said: "It's always nice to be able to show people what we do here and for them to see the work the staff do. "The staff want to look after people, and they work hard and they care about the residents, they put the residents first." READ MORE: Meet the top 10 shortlist for Best Farm, Deli or Butchers Shop 2025 Mr Kreft said this year was a significant one for Highfield as it marked the 30th anniversary of its opening, and he was pleased to be able to show the minister around the site. He said: "It was a great pleasure to have the Minister here to see what we at Pendine do, what the staff here do, day in and day out, and also how important places like this in the independent sector are to health and social care in Wales. "Kindness is the key to caring, and the staff go above and beyond, they are unsung heroes. "Over the 40 years Pendine has worked with others in the independent sector and with government and that's why it is so nice to see the Minister here."
Powys County Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Renowned Powys harpist comes out of retirement for shows
AN INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed harpist from Powys is coming out of self-imposed retirement to give a series of performances featuring two historical harps. The recitals by Elinor Bennett, who hails from Llanidloes, will give music lovers an opportunity to listen to music from the 18th and early 19th centuries played on two wonderful old harps, made in the same period. The first performance will be at Theatr Twm o'r Nant, Denbigh at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 18. The bilingual concert, Llais Hen Delynau/Voice of Old Harps, will feature music by Handel, blind harpist John Parry, Edward Jones (The King's Bard), Rosetti, Spohr and contemporaries. It's being made possible thanks to the generosity of the main sponsor, the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). The trust was set up to support arts and community events by Pendine Park proprietors, Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who live in Denbigh. The performance will be a special occasion for them because Pendine - which has nine award-winning care homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon - is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Mario said: 'Elinor is truly a national treasure, a supremely gifted harpist who has made an unforgettable mark on the world stage. We're incredibly lucky that she is Welsh. 'She has also found time to teach and inspire generations of young harpists following in her illustrious footsteps. 'This year is special for us at Pendine and we were delighted to have the opportunity to support this wonderful concert. 'It chimes perfectly with our ethos because music and the arts in general are the golden thread running through daily life at Pendine, helping to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Elinor, who lives near Caernarfon, said: I have owned these harps for many years and have long wanted to do something with them. They were made to be played and not placed in a corner somewhere. "So I've decided to come out of my self-imposed retirement to perform a selection of music from the same period as when these harps were made. "Having played the modern concert harp professionally for many years, I wish to share the joy of playing music on authentic, original instruments and discussing aspects of playing two historic harps from my collection. "I relied on the old harps - and music from their time - to guide me. It has been a revelation - as the sound and playing techniques are very different to the modern harp. I am grateful for the help that I have received from distinguished early music experts and try to follow their advice." Elinor said the story begins with the triple harp, which was developed in Italy during the Baroque period and was played at the Royal Court in London at the time of George Frederic Handel. The recitals are being presented as part of the Noson Allan/Night Out scheme run by the Arts Council of Wales. In addition to the performance in Denbigh Elinor will appear at Eglwys Dewi Sant, Cardiff on June 20 and at a venue in Pembrokeshire in July.
