A sensational evening of live jazz, classical, rock, and film score music was enjoyed by many people in the beautiful grounds of Scolton Manor in ‘Music at the Manor’.
Presented by the Pembrokeshire Music Service, the musical celebration gave young people from across the county the opportunity to perform for family, friends and the wider community in a relaxed environment. For many of the young musicians it was their first public concert.
Outstanding performances were given by the County Brass Band, Training Orchestra (featuring the Second Steps group), Concert Band, Rock and Pop bands, Rock Strings, and the Symphonic Wind Band. There were also fantastic performances from Pembrokeshire’s Community Choir and the Cleddau Chamber Orchestra.
One of parents at the event said: “The standard was exceptional and a wonderful evening was had by one and all. Well done everyone! A massive thanks to everyone involved and much appreciation to Pembrokeshire Music Service, we are so lucky to have you!”
The evening included a premier performance of county pupil Sam Gardner-Williams’ composition ‘Something to do with hills and rivers’. A pupil at Ysgol Bro Preseli, Sam will be studying composition at the Royal College of Music in September.
Philippa Roberts, head of the Music Service, said: “A huge thank you from the team at Pembrokeshire Music Service to everyone who contributed to making Music at the Manor a wonderful community event. Working in partnership with Valero, the Friends of Pembrokeshire Young Musicians and Scolton Manor, I am grateful to everyone who helped and supported the performers to provide a special evening of live music.”
Cllr David Simpson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, thanked the team at Pembrokeshire Music Service for the excellent evening’s entertainment. “It was a lovely concert and so good to see it full of local people enjoying themselves,” he said. “Credit must go to the brilliant participants, be they playing an instrument or singing songs, they were excellent.”
Vivienne Ward from Newport Music Society congratulated all the performers, saying: “What impressive young musicians there are in Pembrokeshire and what a wonderful variety of different bands/orchestras are available for the young to choose from; they are indeed lucky.”
Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE, who attended the event with her family, described the event as ‘a wonderful demonstration of community, music, family, caring and just what an amazing part of the world we live in’. “The wide range of ages, music styles and levels was wonderful – and the inclusion of a couple of youth bands, ripping out renditions of songs like ‘Teenage dirtbag’ contrasted with the classical and movie theme scores to give a depth of musical colour, texture and appreciation,” she said. “We can only applaud the team at Pembrokeshire Music Service for putting on the most incredible community event, and look forward to next year’s event with great anticipation!”
