An award-winning hotel and restaurant in the Vale of Clwyd has scooped another prestigious accolade – thanks to a “marriage made in musical heaven”.
The Manorhaus, in Ruthin, was honoured at the Arts and Business Cymru Awards held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
It won the Small Business Category for its support of the North Wales International Music Festival, in St Asaph. The Manorhaus was also a finalist for the main award of the evening, Business of the Year.
The hotel’s proprietors Chris Frost and Gavin Harris, were praised by the judges for proving the value and impact that local companies can have on the arts.
The critically-acclaimed festival, which began in 1972, has always relied heavily on the support from local organisations.
In acknowledgement of their contribution, the Festival also nominated the St Asaph accountancy practice of Salisbury and Company who were among the shortlisted finalists.
Festival co-ordinator Katy Williams said that Chris Frost, who is a member of the Festival’s Board, and Gavin at the Manorhaus had been tremendous supporters in various ways.
She said: “They have formed a Ruthin-based syndicate involving chartered architect Robin Woolley and Astbury Civil Engineering who are sponsoring the event and they frequently host meetings and other functions at the Manorhaus.”
Chris Frost said they were absolutely thrilled to win the award for being linked to such a “fantastic festival”.
He added: “”It’s wonderful to have our longstanding relationship with the NWIMF recognised by such a prestigious awards as these;.
“We have nurtured strong alliances with a number of leading arts organisations in the area and there is no doubt that this has enhanced the profile of our business and given great satisfaction to us as business owners.”
According to the event’s Artistic Director, Ann Atkinson, the honour was well-deserved.
She said: “We are truly grateful to Chris and Gavin for their on-going support for the festival.
“We rely heavily on the support of people like Chris and Gavin, they are the lifeblood of the festival. This is a marriage made in musical heaven.”
Meanwhile Katy Williams herself, through her own personal company of Katy Morgan Photography, has also nominated the Anglesey-based firm of Peninsula Home who were also finalists.
It follows her work at Peninsula with her father, Mold-based artist/photographer John Butland Morgan.
Arts and Business Cymru’s Director, Rachel Jones, said: “”The Awards are now in their 18th year and the range of businesses recognised demonstrates just how effective and popular arts and business partnerships continue to be.
“The finalists illustrate the important role that businesses of all sizes can play in cultural life. The mutually beneficial relationships they have forged with the arts is truly inspiring and A&B Cymru has been delighted to work with these visionary companies.”
This year’s festival opens on September 24 and runs until October 1. The first concert features the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, who appeared in the very first festival and have returned many times since, and baritone Roderick Williams.
Strings feature strongly in the week’s programme, with artists including Welsh triple harp virtuoso Robin Huw Bowen, classical guitarist Dimitris Dekavallas, the ensemble Blazin’ Fiddles and the Vida Guitar Quartet.
One of the main attractions this year will be the world premiere of a new work by the royal composer, Dr Paul Mealor, who shot to global fame thanks to the sensational Royal wedding anthem he wrote for Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Dr Mealor will the subject of an evening called Portrait of a Composer featuring Ensemble Cymru and the Aberdeen University Chamber Choir. Dr Mealor will also conduct a choral workshop for mixed choirs.
Among other highlights are a recital by the virtuoso pianist, Llyr Wiliams, from Rhos, near Wrexham.
For more information about this year’s event which is being held between September 24 and October 1.and how to book tickets visit www.nwimf.com
