A New Year concert by a top orchestra was hailed as a “magical occasion”.
St Giles’ Church in Wrexham was packed for the concert by NEW Sinfonia and talented soloist Erin Rossington, the talented young soprano.
Erin, 24, from Llanfairtalhaiarn, near Abergele shot to prominence when triumphed over competitors from all around the globe in the Pendine International Voice of the Future contest at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2019.
The prestigious competition was sponsored by the Pendine Park care organisation via their Pendine Arts and Community Trust.
NEW Sinfonia conductor Robert Guy, of Wrexham, who founded the orchestra with his brother, professional clarinetist and composer Jonathan, in 2011, was delighted the church was full to the rafters for the concert.
The orchestra performed a selection of rousing Viennese waltzes, polkas and marches among other music, including some much-loved favourites such as the William Tell overture, Blue Danube, Radetzky March, and Auld Lang Syne.
Robert said both he and Jonathan were completely dazzled by Erin’s singing talent when they saw her perform at Llangollen International Eisteddfod last summer.
He said: “We looked at each other and both agreed she has the potential to go far. We knew it would be a real coup to get her to sing solo with NEW Sinfonia and we’re delighted she’s able to do our always popular New Year concerts in Wrexham and at St Asaph Cathedral the day before.
“The concerts were magical and the perfect way for us all to start a new decade with hugely knowledgeable and appreciative audiences.”
Erin agreed it was an unforgettable way to begin the year 2020, adding: “I was honoured, especially knowing the exceptionally high standard of performances NEW Sinfonia have become famed for.”
Having launched just under 10 years ago, NEW Sinfonia are respected nationwide. They are the Orchestra in Residence for North Wales International Music Festival which is held annually at St Asaph Cathedral and regularly work in close partnership on dedicated projects with Welsh National Opera.
The brothers formed the orchestra to give outstanding musicians from North Wales the chance to play regularly together professionally. As the years have gone by their reputation has strengthened and they have performed world premieres of works by distinguished composers including Paul Mealor and Rebecca Dale.
Jonathan said: “We were all quite young when the orchestra started out, with some still in their final years at college. Press forward and numerous of our members have gone on to secure full-time roles with international symphony orchestras. Many will travel home from bases around the UK and even other parts of the world especially for our New Year Gala concerts.”
“We know how quickly time passes. We’re heading into our 20s and 30s now, so we’ve made it our mission to actively look for the next generation of young musicians to come and join us.”
Erin who grew up with her three sisters helping to run their parents’ North Wales sheep farm is delighted to be among them. She has been hailed one of the UK’s most promising musical talents.
She studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, before going on to the Guildhall.
Mario Kreft, owner of Pendine Park care organisation which sponsored the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Voice of the Future contest, described Erin’s performance as breathtaking.
