Glesni Hedd Robert, Violin
What are you studying?
Masters at the Royal College of Music
How long have you been playing with Sinfonia Cymru and what was your first concert?
I have been playing with Sinfonia Cymru for six years now.
What does Sinfonia Cymru offer you at this point in your musical development?
Sinfonia Cymru offers me great experiences in terms of learning repertoire, venues and soloists. It is also really useful to my musical development, being able to work to a realistic and professional time-scale.
What do you enjoy the most about being a Sinfonia Cymru player?
It's great to play with like-minded musicians from all over the country, to learn new repertoire and to play to a high standard in concerts. I love being a part of Sinfonia Cymru because you meet great people and have a lot of fun whilst working hard!
Have you a special concert/rehearsal memory from you time with Sinfonia Cymru?
Playing Beethoven's Symphony No.9 with Bryn Terfel at St.David's Hall.
What are you aspirations for the future as a musician?
To become a successful freelancer, with a varied career involving orchestral and chamber playing.
Kia Bennett, Flute
What are you studying?
I finished studying the MMus in Orchestral Training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama last year.
How long have you been playing with Sinfonia Cymru and what was your first concert?
I have been playing with Sinfonia Cymru for over two years now. My first concert was the performance of Schubert Symphony no.1 and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto alongside soloist Jiafeng Chen.
What does Sinfonia Cymru offer you at this point in your musical development?
Performing alongside Sinfonia Cymru gives me the chance to rehearse and perform wonderful repertoire at a high standard. This really helps to prepare me for future professional work.
What do you enjoy the most about being a Sinfonia Cymru player?
Rehearsals are relaxed but constructive. The atmosphere within the orchestra is very positive and supportive.
Have you a special concert/rehearsal memory from you time with Sinfonia Cymru?
During Bryn Terfel’s ‘Bad Boys’ tour with the orchestra last year when it was his birthday – we played Happy Birthday countless times! On the last concert date it was my birthday and Gareth Jones stood me up – I was mortified!
What are you aspirations for the future as a musician?
My aspirations are to keep performing and working in music however
possible. I would love an orchestral seat eventually. At the moment I am
enjoying travelling a lot to play around the UK. I am also teaching in
London.
Jonathan Davies, Bassoon
What are you studying?
A Levels at Gorseinon College in Swansea.
How long have you been playing with Sinfonia Cymru and what was your first concert?
I have been with the Sinfonia Cymru orchestra for just under two years. My first concert being Mahler Symphony no.4 playing 4th bassoon!
What does Sinfonia Cymru offer you at this point in your musical development?
It gives me the opportunity to encounter a range of repertoire alongside more experienced musicians. Sinfonia has allowed me to play in a fantastic symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra and wind octet.
What do you enjoy the most about being a Sinfonia Cymru player?
I enjoy playing with accomplished musicians under Gareth Jones’s inspiring direction. The orchestra has a very friendly but professional attitude.
Have you a special concert/rehearsal memory from you time with Sinfonia Cymru?
I will never forget performing ‘The Rite of Spring’ earlier this year. Although it was challenging, the final concert was fantastic.
What are you aspirations for the future as a musician?
This year I hope to secure a place in a London conservatoire, moving closer to a professional orchestral career.
