International star Iris Williams is giving a special homecoming concert in Pontypridd to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Glyntaff Tenants and Residents Association.
The Welsh singer will appear in a grand concert organized by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council at Hawthorn Leisure Centre on Friday May 14th 2010. The concert, entitled “The Voice of Iris Williams” will also feature Cor Meibion Pontypridd, the Richard Williams Singers and pupils from Hawthorn High School.
Tickets are now on sale for what promises to be one of the highlights of the musical calendar in Rhondda Cynon Taf this year.
Glyntaff Tenants and Residents Association was formed in 1980 as a forum for everyone living on the Glyntaff estate and to celebrate its 30th year, along with the 21st anniversary of the Rhydyfelin Credit Union the Welsh star agreed to cross the Atlantic for a special concert.
Iris Williams explained: “I am very excited about coming home again to perform at this special anniversary concert and was delighted to receive the invitation.
“As always, there’s no better audience than a Welsh audience. It is always an absolute pleasure and I very much look forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones on my next visit.
“I know from friends and family how important the Glyntaff Tenants and Residents Association is to the communities it represents and look forward to sharing in their celebrations.”
Born in Pontypridd and brought up in a children’s home, Iris Williams’s career began when she recorded a Welsh version of Amazing Grace called “Pererin Wyf” before hitting the big time with the gold disc hit “He Was Beautiful”.
During her career Iris was invited to perform at the Royal Variety Show and fourteen royal performances followed along with numerous awards and accolades.
Now based in New York, Iris is a regular guest on luxury cruise liners, and has worked closely with Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Tom Jones and Bob Hope. She continues to devote a great deal of her time to charity. In 2004 Iris was awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
Local Ward Member Cllr Maureen Webber said: “This concert promises to be one of the highlights of the year in Rhondda Cynon Taf and we are very grateful to Iris Williams for traveling from New York for the performance.
“Her outstanding performance, coupled with the moving renditions by Cor Meibion Pontypridd, Richard Williams Singers and the pupils of Hawthorn High School guarantee a night to remember.
“I hope plenty of residents and visitors to the county borough take this opportunity to enjoy this showcase of Rhondda Cynon Taf talent at its best.”
Christian Hanagan, Head of Strategy at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “We are delighted to be able to work with Glyntaff Tenants and Residents Association in providing this celebratory concert which will welcome Iris Williams and a host of local talent to the stage.
“We at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council continually organise and promote a whole array of events year in year out for the benefit of residents and visitors to the county borough alike. I’m sure this will be yet another outstanding evening to remember.”
“The Voice of Iris Williams” takes place at Hawthorn Leisure Centre on Friday May 14th 2010 Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets, priced £10 and £8 (concessions) are available from Hawthorn Leisure Centre on 01443 843406 or the Box Office at the Muni Arts Centre on 01443 485934.
