Summer Soiree at Stradey Castle is a hit for Rising Stars

Summer Soiree staged by Loud Applause Productions at Stradey Castle, featuring guests Parti Llwchwr ladies choir and Loud Applause Rising Stars Stephen Davies, Johnny Mansel Lewis, Cai Charles, Nia Rees and Ffion Elin Williams.

Designed as a showcase for the musical stars of the future in Llanelli and billed as a ‘summer soiree’, this was an evening with a touch of class.
As an intimate and dramatic venue, a packed Great Hall at Stradey Castle takes some beating.
Add into the mix one of the finest ladies choirs in Wales, in the shape of Parti Llwchwr, and you have an event which doubled as a musical treat and one of the social events of the year in the Llanelli calendar.
Who needs Glyndbourne when you can enjoy canapés, wine and refreshments on the terrace lawn of Stradey Castle?
The sense of ‘occasion’ was provided from the outset as guests at this Loud Applause Rising Stars event were greeted by a glorious solo performance from harpist Ffion Elin Williams.
At just 16, Ffion displays a maturity far beyond her years and she set the tone for a wonderful evening’s entertainment.
The showcase soiree was all about nurturing young talent and giving youngsters the chance to perform on a public stage – very laudable ambitions held by Loud Applause director Cerith Owens.
Stephen Davies, 20, was making his very first solo performance in public.
He picked the Frank Sinatra classic You Make Me Feel So Young – a choice which went down well with the appreciative and knowledgeable Stradey Castle audience.
It was debut time, too, for Cai Charles, the 16-year-old Ysgol y Strade guitarist who took the Llanelli Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year title earlier this year.
He dazzled with a selection which included Sons de Carrilhoes by Jaoa Pernambco, Prelude No4 in E Minor by Heitor Villa-Lobes and Cavatina (The Deer Hunter theme made famous by the legendary John Williams).
It was very much a case of ‘playing at home’ for Johnny Mansel-Lewis, who (accompanied by his school pal Sam Wilson) performed the Ray Charles classic Georgia, No diggity (Blackstreet) and the Bob Marley classic No Woman, No Cry.
The audience, of course, included Johnny’s mum and dad, Stradey Castle owners Patrick and Claire Mansel-Lewis.
Nia Rees, a 19-year-old student at City University/Guildhall School of Music in London, put some swing into the proceedings with Fly Me To The Moon and At Last.
The ladies of Parti Llwchwr were appearing fresh from their success in the prestigious Côr Cymru (Choir of Wales) competition. The choir won the People’s Vote and musical director Janet Jones won the Best Conductor award.
They were at their very best for a programme which included the Ryan Davies classic Pan Fyddo’r Nos yn Hir, a special arrangement which saw the words of Calon Lan set to the tune of The Rose and As Long As I Have Music.
Cwsg Osian, Gwin Beaujolais, Yfori, Noson ar y Danube and Anthem (from Chess) were also highlights.
And Parti Llwchwr even found time to encourage some audience participation with Unwaith Eto Yn Cymru Annwyl.
It was an evening which struck a excellent balance between up-and-coming talent and seasoned performers, with credit going to Mr Owens and his Loud Applause team for providing such an excellent platform for the youngsters to shine.
Parti Llwchwr’s accompanist was D Huw Rees, while Andrew Pike provided piano support for most of the Rising Stars.
The compere was Robert Lloyd.
The evening was sponsored by Mrs Susan Roberts.

Photo: Claire Mansel-Lewis