A North Wales theatre is celebrating news that Welsh singing sensation Connie Fisher is making a surprise visit later this week.
It’s been announced that Connie will be appearing with the Sinfonia Cymru when the youth orchestra plays at a free community event at the Stiwt in Rhos, near Wrexham, on Thursday.
At the event pupils from the nearby Grango School will be giving a rendition of When the Saints Come Marching In even though a number of the teachers are going to be on strike.
In fact, the school choir will be performing a total of four songs and a number of pupils will be playing with Sinfonia Cymru.
Rebecca Griffiths, the Manager of the Stiwt, was delighted that Connie has agreed to present the whole event.
She said: “The fact that Connie Fisher is coming as well is absolutely brilliant news.
“It was going to be a terrific event anyway but the fact that Connie is going to be there too is the icing on the cake.
“Her rise to fame and critical acclaim on the West End stage has been truly inspirational.”
Connie first rose to prominence when she won BBC 1’s hit talent spotting show, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”
She went on to play the role of the singing nun, Maria, to rave reviews in the smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, on the West End stage.
Connie will be taking time out of her busy schedule to appear at the free community event at the Stiwt between 1.45pm and 3.30pm on Thursday (June 30).
It is a curtain raiser to Sinfonia Cymru’s chamber orchestral concert performance at the theatre at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 14.
Rebecca Griffiths added: “Anyone can turn up and enjoy the free lunchtime taster where the immensely talented young professionals of Sinfonia Cymru will perform alongside the Grango High School Choir, bringing together exceptional orchestral performance and local young talents.
“Sinfonia Cymru strives to widen community access to musical performance throughout Wales and to support the development of young musical talent.
“Featuring special performances by the choir, this event will incorporate classical and community inspired music, and is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by all who come along.”
“International prize-winning cellist Philip Higham, a former member of Sinfonia Cymru and current Young Concert Artists Trust recipient will be performing as a soloist at this exciting event.
“His recent achievements include winning 1st Prize in the International Lutoslawski Competition in Warsaw in 2009 and 1st Prize in the International Bach Competition in Leipzig in 2008, making him the first British prize winner in that competition’s history.
“Sinfonia Cymru is bringing the very best of Wales’ musical talent to local communities and creating the opportunity for local young people to let their talents shine.
“Supporting and nurturing young musicians’ abilities is at the heart of Sinfonia Cymru’s dedication to providing educational and community work throughout Wales.
Sophie Lewis, General Manager of Sinfonia Cymru, said: “We really hope that through organising these events we can continue to bridge the gap between traditional classical music and community music in Wales by inspiring young people and local communities to engage in our future concerts in the area.”
Community Events are FREE and do not require a ticket or booking.
