Sinfonia Cymru, Patrick Rimes and Cerys Hafana invite audiences on a unique Welsh Road trip this February!

Press Release 18.01.24
Published Friday 19 January 2024

Sinfonia Cymru is a vibrant and contemporary orchestra, breaking down the barriers to ensure orchestral music is accessible to everyone in Wales. Sinfonia Cymru’s concerts are well known for being anything but ordinary, and this year is no exception as they kick off the 2024 season with a new and all-Welsh collaboration and tour with fiddler Patrick Rimes and singer and harpist Cerys Hafana.

“We’re delighted to start the 2024 season with a new and unique collaboration with Patrick and Cerys. We’re all about mixing things up, performing a wide variety of music. Having been in the initial rehearsal, I can tell you this concert is special, a mix of powerful music, unique sounds and stunning, almost angelic songs from Cerys. I’m getting goosepimples just thinking about it and we can’t wait to share it!” Caroline Tress, Chief Executive at Sinfonia Cymru.

Award-winning recording artist, fiddler, composer and arranger Patrick Rimes has toured extensively in the UK, Europe and North America with his bands Calan and VRï. His work is regularly performed by leading orchestras, and at concerts with stars such as Sir Bryn Terfel and Sting. In this new collaboration with Sinfonia Cymru, Patrick is excited to finally create and perform music that connects him with his beloved home – Eryri:

“For me, making music is an attempt to make myself belong. Contributing to Welsh traditional songs has allowed me to connect to Wales, but this concert allows me to be more specific, to make music that connects to the place I’m really from – Eryri. Through playing Welsh traditional music, and contributing my own tunes in new dance forms, I’ll share my stories of exploring mountains such as Tryfan with my climbing-obsessed family, camping under the stars on these ancient peaks, and we’ll explore the names and traditions linked with this dramatic landscape. It’s going to be nostalgic and magical to bring the beauty of Eryri to audiences across Wales.” Patrick Rimes.

Machynlleth’s Cerys Hafana is known as an experimental folk musician, combining an eclectic mix of instruments including the harp and her unique voice to explore new possibilities and sounds. She has performed extensively across the UK and at Festivals from the Interceltique in Lorient to Green Man, as well as in live radio sessions on Radio 3 and Radio 6 Music. In this new collaboration, Cerys will explore new sounds and share popular tracks from her acclaimed album Edyf, named as one of The Guardian’s Top Ten Folk Albums in 2022 and shortlisted for the Welsh Music Prize in 2023:

“Being born in a historic Welsh valley with an abundance of rivers and sea views, this rugged and beautiful landscape and its sounds have always inspired me and my music. I’m really excited about collaborating with Patrick and the brilliant musicians at Sinfonia Cymru to provide our audiences with a unique and memorable Welsh journey.” Cerys Hafana.

Sinfonia Cymru currently have 40 musicians on their books, all under 30 years of age and including some of the best in the UK. This project includes an all-Welsh line up, including viola player Mabon Llŷr Rhyd and violinist Esme Lewis from north Wales, and cellist Edward Mead, bassist Elen Roberts and percussionist Harry Lovell-Jones from south Wales.

“Each project we do requires different genres and skills. With such a strong focus on Wales and the unique sounds of Wales, it’s fantastic to have an all-Welsh line up for this project. All our projects are collaborative; the musicians come together to rehearse in a very short space of time, and the fact that they are all Welsh speakers and have this shared connection and love for Wales will result in something extra special for our audiences this February.” Tammy Daly, General Manager.

Catch Sinfonia Cymru with Patrick Rimes and Cerys Hafana at the following venues this February; tickets are on sale now at www.sinfonia.cymru or contact the venues directly.

Wednesday 7th February – The Riverfront, Newport @ 13:00 (Tickets from £6.50)
Wednesday 7th February – Porters, Cardiff @ 21.00 *No tickets needed.
Thursday 8th February – Pontio, Bangor @ 19:30 (Tickets from £7.50)
**Saturday 10th February – Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum Aberystwyth @19:00 (Tickets from £3.00)

**Please note, this concert is Sinfonia Cymru with Patrick Rimes & Special Guest!

For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact Sinfonia Cymru’s Marketing Consultant Heulwen Davies at heulwen@llaiscymru.wales / 07817591930.