Musical groups and events in St Asaph
The North Wales International Music Festival
This was established by William Mathias in 1972 and he remained its Artistic Director until his death in 1992.
The Festival is held in September and most events take place in the Cathedral. World famous artists, groups, choirs, orchestras and conductors are attracted to the Festival by the fine acoustics of the Cathedral and over the years, several new works by composers old and new, have been commissioned.
www.northwalesmusicfestival.co.uk
The Cathedral organ and choirs
Music has been offered at the Cathedral for centuries. It is a vital part of worship and has a very proud tradition. A warm welcome is extended to all those wishing to be involved in the musical life of the Cathedral. For further details see www.stasaphcathedral.org.uk
Ysgol Glan Clwyd
The first comprehensive school to be established which taught through the medium of the Welsh language. It started in Rhyl in 1956, in what is now Dewi Sant CP School, with 93 pupils. In 1969 the school transferred to its present site in St Asaph, occupying the old grammar school building. Extensive additional new buildings were completed berween 1969 and 1973, together with a leisure centre.
Over the years the school has built a fine reputation, especially in the field of music with individual singers and instrumentalists, groups and choirs winning acclaim throughout Wales and beyond.
http://www.theatrelwy.com/
St Asaph Choral Society.
In the autumn of 1964, Dr Middleton, the Cathedral Organist and Master of the Choristers, was asked to give a performance of Messiah. A small group of enthusiastic singers was formed to give the performance in the cathedral that Christmas. This was so enjoyed by all that it was decided to form a permanent choir.
Forty years on, the St Asaph Choral Society can look back on over ninety concerts of both sacred and secular music, ranging from the works of Rossini to Rutter. Close ties to the cathedral have always been enjoyed, with five previous conductors being also the cathedral organist.
The present choir, of ninety members, is drawn from all over the local area. Rehearsals, under the able baton of Paul Harvey, are held on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Dean's Library.
New members are always welcomed, especially those with a love of choral music. The secretary’s telephone number is 01745 590355.
St Kentigern’s Male Voice Choir
Côr Meibion Trelawnyd
The choir is one of the largest male voice choirs in North Wales with around 100 members and is noted for its varied repertoire ranging from Vivaldi to Andrew Lloyd Webber. The choir has appeared with many notable soloists such as Bryn Terfel, Rhys Meirion, Gwyn Hughes Jones and performed alongside famous bands including the Grimethorpe Colliery and Black Dyke.
Trelawnyd is a small village situated 5 miles inland from Rhyl and Prestatyn. See their site for more details: www.trelawnydmalevoicechoir.com
There are also three primary schools in St Asaph:
Ysgol Esgob Morgan Primary School
VP Infant School
Fairholme School
