Sinfonia Cymru is a dynamic and contemporary under 30’s Welsh orchestra made up of some of the best professional musicians from Wales and the world. Priding itself on providing young musicians with invaluable support and opportunities to grow, Sinfonia Cymru creates ground-breaking musical experiences in new environments to ensure quality music is accessible to everyone in Wales. Being invited as one of three leading orchestras to appear on Sky Arts’ brand-new series Musical Masterpieces has been an incredible experience, the musicians can’t wait to showcase their performance to a global audience when the series kicks off later this month;
Percussionist Delia Stevens said; “Being chosen to be part of the new Sky Arts Series was a fantastic experience for us as muscians. Working with the next generation of musicians means that Sinfonia Cymru is the perfect opportunity to consider what the classical music scene might look like for musicians and audiences going forwards. Sinfonia Cymru is unique and has always supported me. They have given me so many worthwhile experiences to programme concerts around extraordinary themes, whether that be the impact of algorithms on our privacy and identity or platforming the urgency of the climate crisis through music and performance. We can’t wait to show our performance to audiences far and wide a part of this exciting new series.”
Fronted by musician and presenter Myleene Klass and leading British Composer Errollyn Wallen CBE, Musical Masterpieces is a three-part series, uncovering how three of our favourite classical music pieces work their magic. The duo will also reveal the iconic composers’ secrets, techniques, and the stories behind these much-loved scores. Famous faces including Alan Titchmarsh, Simon Callow and Nicky Spence will also feature, sharing their own passion and insights into these masterpieces.
Sinfonia Cymru star in the first episode on Monday the 25th of September, performing a brand-new performance of the infamous Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi. Filmed at Pontyberem Memorial Hall, a regular and much-loved rural performance venue for Sinfonia Cymru, it was a fantastic opportunity for visionary Welsh violinist and musical activist Simmy Singh to explore the Seasons as they are today, and to channel her climate grief, hope and imagination alongside compelling percussionist Delia Stevens. Viewers are in for a real treat;
Simmy Singh commented; “This reimagining of Four Seasons explores the world we live in today and how it is different from the one Vivaldi lived in. I believe this was the perfect piece to dive into with Sinfonia Cymru because of the openness and electric energy that these young musicians bring to every rehearsal and performance. They allowed me to safely explore this classic piece of music that lends itself to so much interpretation.”
The series will continue with Bizet’s Carmen performed by Opera North and Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Myleene Klass, commented: “I’ve loved working on this series with Errollyn. I’m certain even those familiar with these pieces will discover something new. Those just coming to classical music will be enthralled by the stories, and in some cases, the science behind them.”
Errollyn Wallen, commented: “Making this series was a joy from start to finish. Myleene and I relished the journey into re-discovering these great works and I can’t wait to share our many insights with the viewers.”
Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, commented: “Musical Masterpieces is a perfect Sky Arts show for aficionados and novices alike - if you love the pieces Myleene and Errollyn are diving into you’re sure to find something new and interesting; if you’re less familiar with this beautiful music it’s the perfect voyage of discovery into some truly magical worlds.”
Musical Masterpieces – The Four Seasons with Sinfonia Cymru will air on Monday the 25th of September at 8pm on Sky Arts. You can watch Sky Arts for free on Freeview channel 11 and Freesat channel 147. If you've got Sky or a Now TV entertainment pass, you can also watch over 2,000 hours of shows on demand.
Notes to Editors
To arrange interviews or for additional images and information, please contact Sinfonia Cymru’s Marketing Consultant Heulwen Davies at Llais Cymru: heulwen@llaisycmru.wales / 07817591930.
Production:
Musical Masterpieces is commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, for Zai Bennett, MD of Content UK&I. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Barbara Lee. Musical Masterpieces is co-produced by Full Fat TV and The Space.
TX schedule:
All TX dates mentioned are subject to change.
TX 1: The Four Seasons, 25 September, 8pm
Myleene and Errollyn explore The Four Seasons, Antonio Vivaldi’s famous set of violin concertos. Featuring a special performance by Welsh orchestra Sinfonia Cymru.
TX 2: Carmen, 2 October, 8pm
Myleene and Errollyn explore Carmen, Georges Bizet’s much-loved but controversial opera. Featuring special performances from leading British opera company, Opera North.
TX 3: The Hebrides Overture, 9 October, 8pm
Myleene and Errollyn explore Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, also known as Fingal’s Cave. Featuring a special performance from leading British orchestra the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Photographer: Matt Frost
Image copyright: © Sky UK Ltd