The successful initiative, launched in 2004, by the St. Asaph Music and Arts Supporters Group is set to continue this year.
The programme will run from April culminating with the N. Wales International Music Festival in September. A wide range of events will be offered in St. Asaph and they will take place in the Cathedral, St. Asaph Arts Centre Ysgol Glan Clwyd or other local venues.
Ann Atkinson, the Coordinator says: "The performing arts, in all their forms, have long provided the beating heart of Welsh cultural life. This is particularly true in St. Asaph where the Cathedral boasts an unbroken tradition of music making dating back to 1379. The City of Music is an exciting initiative which builds on that tradition. We aim to encourage as diverse a range of musical and dramatic activities as we can and, thereby, foster the broadest possible level of participation from within the community and beyond. St. Asaph itself has so many wonderful venues for hosting events that it provides an ideal centre for such an initiative.
The response we had last year was fantastic. We were thrilled not only with all the home-grown talent but also with artists whom we managed to attract from further a-field ; there were choirs from the USA and Australia, several full orchestras; and the internationally renowned Jazz Saxophonist Scott Hamilton.
This year promises to be even more exciting. There are already many different events scheduled between April and the end of June, with something to suit all tastes. I'm very excited by the events we have in store. Printed programmes will soon be available in most public places throughout the area. I advise everyone to get a copy and not to miss out!!! "
Anyone wishing to be involved with the St. Asaph City of Music Initiative in any way or wishes to be on our mailing list should contact the Co-ordinator Ann Atkinson on 01490 412735 or e-mail sharpduo@totalise.co.uk
We intend to ensure that the musical heart of St. Asaph never stops beating !!!!