News

JULY 2010 : ALED PREPARES FOR CRUISE TO ICELAND

On July 28th, Aled will be returning to Dover to catch the Swan Hellenic Cruise ship Minerva, that will be his travelling home for the next two weeks. This years cruise will take Aled to the Scottish Islands of Orkney and the Shetlands, before taking a clockwise tour of Iceland, visiting many towns and cities including Reykjavic, before visiting the Faroe Islands, and finally Edinburgh on the way home. Aled will be singing in concerts on board Minerva, and this year he will be joined by Diana Palmerston, Soprano, Sian Meinir, Mezzo, and accompanist, Eirian Owen. Photos and news will be posted here soon after they return. Bon Voyage!!

More details of Aled's cruise are available here : Swan Hellenic Cruise "Sagas of Ice & Fire

JANUARY 2010 : ALED SINGS FOR LOS ANGELES WELSH FOR THIRD TIME!

Aled will be returning to the USA to sing at the Welsh Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles next month for the third time following an invitation from the organizing party in California! Following the success of Aled's previous visits to LA in 2003 and 2004, Aled is really looking forward to performing for the Welsh with his new repertoire, and is very honoured to be invited back again. Aled and his wife, Karina will be flying out a few days before the concert, which is on the 28th of February, the day before St David's Day, and they will I'm sure have time out to visit the sights and tread the sparkling streets of Hollywood before returning home in time for the busy lambing season back on the farm in Mid Wales!!!







This is a link to the website of the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles >>>

LA Church Website

A report of this exciting trip will be posted soon in March, including more news regarding another planned trip for Aled in August!!

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OCTOBER 2009 : A GREAT WELCOME ON TOUR IN CANADA

Aled and Karina enjoyed a very pleasurable tour to Ottawa and Torono recently after a lot of work organizing by Alan Thomas, the great accompanist and Organist who invited the couple over to Canada some months ago. There was very welcoming parties and events organized, and Aled had great pleasure in singing at all venues. Aled and Karina would like to thank everybody in Canada for their support and kindness while we were there. Thank you very much indeed.

Here's a link to Aled's photos that you can enjoy now on Facebook. Just click on this link. >>

Aled's Concert tour to Canada, October 2009

These two other links are to reviews of Aled's concerts at Ottawa & Toronto. Thanks for the kind words.

Toronto concert review
Ottawa concert review

Aled has now arrived back in Wales and is ready for a very busy season of concerts, starting this weekend at Pontrhydfendigaid where he will be recording songs for the popular TV programme on S4C, "Noson Lawen". This will be televised over the next few months. Aled will also be performing at various venues over the country. Please go to the Diary for more information.

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SEPTEMBER 2009 : ALED LOOKS FORWARD TO PERFORM IN CANADA

On the 1st of October, 2009 Aled will again be on his travels, when he will fly out to Canada to perform in a series of concerts with accomplished pianist, Alan Thomas. Aled met Alan Thomas in Chicago last year when Aled performed at the North American festival of Wales, with Alan invited to be his accompanist. After the festival, Alan has been very bust organizing a concert tour for Aled to sing in Ottawa and Toronto. Although Alan Thomas is a Welshman, he has been living in Canada for many years and is a very familiar face in concerts and music festivals all over North America. He is a very special accompanist and a very talented organist. Aled and Alan will perform in numerous events including two special concerts. The first concert will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ottawa on the 4th of October at 3pm, followed by a special concert at the Dewi Sant Church, Toronto on the 6th of October at 7pm. If you have relatives of friends living in one of these cities, please urge them to come along!! So a very pleasurable, but busy ten days for Aled in North America!! Look forward to reading all about it soon!

A ENTERTAINING SUMMER FOLLOWED BY AN EXCITING AUTUMN

Since the last post in June, Aled has enjoyed travelling all over the country and abroad with concerts in Carmarthen, Gower peninsula, Aberporth, Anglesey, Newcastle Emlyn, Bala National Eisteddfod, Bangor, Beaumaris, Barmouth, Castle Bromwich, the Baltic Sea and even the All-Wales ploughing match in Churchstoke!!! It has been a very entertaning few months and a joy to meet so many people. There are many highlights, but the Swan Hellenic cruise on the Baltic sea was something else. Aled and the classical music group had a very warm reception on board Minerva while enjoying terrific excursions to places like St Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen to name a few. The weather was also fine, and very different to the dull weather that was home in Wales! Another highlight for Aled was performing in the televised concert "Ar Noson fel Hon" from the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This concert went so well that two other venues have been booked to perform the show again in October in Llandudno and Cardiff. There are ticket lines open now for some of you that missed the show in August. Go to the diary page for links to the ticket offices.

Coming up in the Autumn for Aled are many concerts all over the country, and also a special trip to perform in Canada in October. Aled will also sing in Cardiff in Côr Godre'r Garth' 35th year anniversary concert; in Llandeilo with Bass, Huw Euron; a special concert to open a new community hall in Machynlleth; return visits to Whitwick Manor, Llangain and Chester Cathedral; and performances for S4C's religious programme, "Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol" which will be screened in October.

For more details go to the Calendar by clicking to the Diary page.

Here's a few more photos from the Baltic Cruise on Swan Hellenic's ship, Minerva :


























































There are many more photos of Aled's cruise to the Baltics on his facebook page if you click on the following link >>>>

>>Aled's cruise to the Baltics with Swan Hellenic here<<

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JUNE 2009 : A BUSY SUMMER AHEAD FOR ALED

The coming two months will be a very busy time for Aled with performances in Bala, North Wales and as far as St. Petersburg in Russia!!! A recent invitation by cruise company Swan Hellenic means that Aled will be singing on their ship, Minerva for two weeks in July. The cruise will visit numerous cities in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland and Russia. Joining Aled in the classical concerts will be Soprano, Diana Palmerston, Sian Meinir (Mezzo) and accompanist, Eirian Owen. This will I'm sure be a great cruise and a report will be shown here soon!!!

Following the cruise, Aled will head back home for rehearsals for a special concert at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Bala on the 8th of August. The concert "Ar Noson fel Hon" will be a collection of the best songs written by Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn, who have written eight Welsh musicals over the last 28 years. This will be a special evening, where Aled will sing numerous solos with other cast members. Tickets are now available on the internet by clicking on the following link>>>> Tickets sold here

More news will be posted soon.

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FEBRUARY 2009 : ALED SINGS FOR HOSPICE IN WREXHAM

Following a very successful Christmas concert at Chester Cathedral in December, Aled will again sing in aid of the Nightingale House Hospice Appeal on Thursday, 26th of February. This special concert will be held at the St Giles Church, Wrexham at 7:30pm. Aled will be joined on stage by Internationally renowned choir, Côr Godre'r Aran, and harpist, Rhiannwen Pugh.

Tickets are now on sale at £10, and are available from the Income Generation department at Nightingale House Hospice, Chester Road, Wrexham. Call (01978) 314292 for more information.

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FEBRUARY 2009 : SPECIAL CONCERT IN MEMORY OF A GREAT FRIEND

Aled will be starting the new season of concerts this week with a special concert in aid of a scolarship fund in memory of Aeron Gwyn Jones at the Gadair secondary school in Dolgellau. Aeron was a close friend of Aled; a young Baritone that lived in Caergeiliog in Anglesey. He won the coverted Blue Ribband Award at the 2005 National Eisteddfod on his first attempt and was a popular concert soloist all over North Wales. A farmers son, but Aeron also worked as an accountant in Bangor. Unfortunately, Aeron died last year at 31 years old after a long illness. This concert, on Sunday the 9th of February will feature Côr Godre'r Aran; Aled Wyn Davies (Tenor); Tom Evans (Bariton); Brian, Daniel a Miriam Hughes (Instrumentalists) at Ysgol y Gader at 8pm. Tickets are available by contacting Aled on 07759 833335.

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DECEMBER 2008 : A BUSY CONCERT SCHEDULE FOR ALED BEFORE XMAS!

Aled is in the middle of a hectic concert schedule at the moment with concerts planned all over the country before Christmas. A fabulous concert was enjoyed at the Wynnstay Hotel, Oswestry where Aled performed with the popular Welsh Diva,Shân Cothi, Piano and Harp duet,Piantel, and compere Glyn Owens in a charity evening towards Marie Curie. The evening was such a success that all artistes have agreed to come back for another charity event in October, 2010. Following this, Aled sang in a concert in Llanfyllin with the Penybontfawr choir and folk-singer, Linda Griffiths; and then two concerts with the Mezzo-soprano, Sian Meinir. The first being at Llangain, near Carmarthen with Côr Seingar; and secondly at Llanbadarn Fynydd with theTalgarth Male-voice choir. Both were lovely evenings, and I must say the spread of food at both these concerts was top-notch!!!

Another engagement for Aled this year was a performance at Manchester town hall with Soprano, Diana Palmerston and accompanist, Eirian Owen. This concert was for over 600 land girls where they had a celebration together for their efforts during the war. They enjoyed some nostalgic songs from the period they were land girls at different parts of the country. This was a lovely afternoon, and Aled, Diana and Eirian were thrilled to be part of the occasion, and to sing in such a lovely concert hall! Click here for media review!

Aled has just returned home following two concerts at Chester Cathedral. This must be one of the highlights of Aled's career, and it was an honour indeed to perform at such a prestigious Cathedral. On Thurday, 11th of December, Aled performed at 2pm to 300 passengers off the Orient Express luxury train. The guests had travelled from Edinburgh for an afternoon in Chester, and a short concert by Aled at the Cathedral. Following the successful afternoon, Aled prepared for the main event, where an audience of over 700 filled the Cathedral's main hall for a fantastic concert in aid of Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham. Joining Aled on stage was the Froncysyllte Male-Voice choir (Voices of the Valley), Ann Atkinson,Phoenix Brass, King's School Schola Cantorium, and compere William Roach(Ken Barlow from Coronation Street), and there was high praises at the end of the evening for all artistes, and all for a very special cause. Aled would like to thank Louise and all at Nightingale House for the opportunity to sing at such a spectacular location.
There will be photos of this concert posted here soon. Watch this space!!!

Before Christmas, Aled will be performing again in concerts at Stoke-on-Trent with the Fron Choir; and in Pennant, near Aberaeron in a Christmas Concert with Ifor Lloyd and the local YFC club.

Here are some photos from recent engagements :

ALED WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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NOVEMBER 2008: WATCH ALED'S INTERVIEW ON FARMING TV PROGRAMME HERE!!

In May, 2008 Aled was interviewed on his farm in Llanbrynmair by Ffermio's Daloni Metcalfe and was recently screened on S4C. Aled was discussing the contrast of himself singing on the international stage, and farming from day to day, including sheep-shearing during the summer months!! Some of you would be amazed to hear that Aled was in the Welsh shearing team that won the 5 nations competition in 1999, following his win at the Royal Welsh show in 1998 - where he won out of 60 competitors!!!
You can now see the interview online by clicking on the link below. Aled's interview is 16 minutes into the programme!! >>>



Click here for Aled's interview on Ffermio

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OCTOBER 2008: A LOOK BACK AT THE SUMMER'S TOURS & CONCERTS

The last few months have been very busy for Aled with concerts locally and far away from home. In early August, Aled performed in an open-air concert near Builth Wells – “Music on the Meadow” in the company of local artistes and the Talgarth Male-Voice choir. It was a great evening in a lovely setting, and although the rain affected a little, everybody went home having enjoyed very much. Then in the middle of August, Aled returned to Arnesby, Leicestershire following the success of his 2007 performance to a very lighthearted evening with Soprano, Diana Palmerston and accompanist, Eirian Owen. The following week Aled returned again to the Tabernacle Arts centre in Machynlleth to a very special concert - with Sian Meinir, Diana Palmerston, Eirian Owen and Tom Gwanas as part of the Tabernacle Festival.

It was then time to search for the passport one more because on the 26th of August Aled and his wife, Karina flew to Chicago, USA to the “North American Festival of Wales”. A gathering in excess of 700 Welsh descendants and ex-pats from all over the USA and Canada had arrived at the Doubletree hotel in Oakbrook, near Chicago to listen to performances by Aled, Aelwyd CF1 choir from Cardiff, and folk singer Fflur Dafydd. In addition to the concerts there were competitions, seminars and a lot of chatting going on over the four days. Dr Gareth Williams, a lecturer from South Wales had also been invited to talk, and it was lovely to be in his humours company!! The festival ended on the Sunday with the traditional “Gymanfa Ganu”, and it was a privilege to listen to such rousing singing under the leadership of Mari Morgan. We had items by Aled and CF1 choir, and the festival ended with a fabulous Welsh song from Aled and the choir. A lovely conclusion to an enjoyable week. Thank you all who we met in Chicago for such a warm welcome – It was a pleasure to be in your company. The trip finished following a few days in New York – a very spectacular and busy place, but we came across friends from Llanbrynmair, Menna and Iwan who were on their honeymoon!!! The World is not as big as you think is it!!

Aled was back on his travels again the following weekend when he went to Scotland for a few days with the Meibion Dyfi choir from Machynlleth. It was a very enjoyable stay in Dumfries and a concert to finish at Newton Stewart. Thank you to Valmai, who hails from Llanbrynmair for organizing the trip and concert. The following two weekends took Aled out of Wales again with both performances over the border at Church Stretton & Wightwick Manor, which is a beautiful and historical house run by the National Trust near Wolverhampton. Joining Aled on stage were the Llanfair Male voice Choir at Church Stretton; and Contralto, Sioned Wyn shared the evening at Wightwick Manor.
Although it's very enjoyable to travel and sing in different venues all over the World, there's nothing more special than concerts close to home, and that how things developed at the beginning of October with a local concert at Staylittle, near Llanbrynmair for a spectacular re-opening of the hall following refurbishment. Aled had the pleasure of Dai Jones, Llanilar as compere with Aelwyd Bro Ddyfi sharing the stage too with their amusing items. It was a fantastic evening and everybody went home saying how much they had enjoyed a great feast of music and laughter!! The weekend ended for Aled with a lovely concert at Cerrigydrudion with Cór Gore Glas. Aled would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to sing in these fabulous and different locations, and special thanks too to the accompanists that have assisted at each and every one. Thank you to you all.

There's a busy period ahead again for Aled from now until Christmas with various concerts all over the country. His next concert will be at Oswestry with the diva,Shân Cothi,Piantel and Glyn Owens. It promises to be a special evening. For more details of Aled's upcoming concerts, please click on his diary page.

Here's a few photo's from the tour to the USA :










































Click here for more of Aled's photos on his visits to Chicago and New York >>>>

Aled and Karina in Chicago & New York - Sept.2008

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INVITATION TO SING AT THE WELSH FESTIVAL OF NORTH AMERICA

Aled has recently accepted a special invitation to perform at the famous “Gymanfa Ganu” of North America, or the “North American Festival of Wales” as it is now named, at the end of August, 2008. This festival, that attracts up to a thousand ex-pats from all over the World is an annual event that travels to different cities across the USA and Canada to celebrate their Welsh culture. This year's celebration, in it's 77th year is held in the “Windy City” of Chicago, Illinois and will be staged between the 28-31st of August, 2008.
The festival has this year invited all their guest artists from Wales, which includes folk singer and poet, Fflur Dafydd from Carmarthen and the very popular and award-winning choir from Cardiff, Côr Aelwyd CF1, conducted by Eilir Owen Griffiths. It looks like the Welsh are in for a very enjoyable time in Chicago!!
The festival will start with a concert by Fflur Dafydd on the Thursday night before an evening banquet on Friday followed by a concert by guest soloist, Aled Wyn Davies. On Saturday there will be a full day of Eisteddfod competitions including music, recitation, dancing and poetry competitions. The day will also include presentations and seminars by invited guest speakers, before a grand concert on Saturday evening with Côr Aelwyd CF1. The festival will conclude with the “Gymanfa Ganu” on Sunday afternoon and evening were Aled will again perform some Welsh renditions. There will time I'm sure for Aled and Karina to spend some time visiting the city before flying to New York on the way home for a few days relaxation!! It sounds like a great trip!!

More information about the festival is available on the NAFOW website by clicking on the following link.>>>>>

The North American Festival of Wales Website

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MAY 2008 : CONCERT SEASON STARTS AGAIN FOR ALED

Following a break from singing over the last couple of months due to the lambing season on the farm, Aled will return this weekend with two concerts in North Wales. On Friday the 16th of May he will perform in
Galeri, Caernarfon at Hogia'r Ddwylan's annual concert with Baritone, Iwan Wyn Parry and harpist, Angharad Wyn Jones. The choir is conducted by Ilid Anne Jones and she will also accompany the evening's soloists - a great evening's entertainment. Then on Sunday, 18th May, Aled will sing in Dothan, Anglesey in a concert with local soprano, Sharon Evans and the popular Baritone from Dolgellau, Trebor Evans, Gwanas.

At the end of May, Aled and Iwan Wyn Parry will return to Newtown for the second year running to accompany the Newtown & District Male Voice Choir at their annual concert. It's an honour to be invited back the following year and let's hope it'll be as successful as last year. This concert is at Newtown's baptist chapel on Sunday 31st of May.

There are a few big concerts on the horizon for Aled the next few months including a grand concert at Rhug, Corwen on the 6th of June, in aid of Clwyd's appeal as sponsor county for this year's Royal Welsh show. He will share the stage with Hogia'r Wyddfa, Steffan Rhys Hughes, Piantel, Kate Griffiths and more. On the 7th of July, Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi (Cardigan Music Festival) have invited Aled as guest soloist at their Eisteddfod's closing concert with the Crymych & District choir. “Music on the Meadow” is a new venture by organizers in the Builth Wells area where guests are invited to sing in an open-air concert. Aled will perform in this special evening on Friday 1st of August. Remember to bring your hamper and wine for a relaxing evening of music!!!

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THANKS FOR A GREAT WELCOME IN SOUTH AFRICA

Aled and Karina returned from a very enjoyable trip to South Africa in early March following a great concert at the Linder auditorium in Johannesburg with the Welsh Choir of South Africa, conducted that evening by Alwyn Humphreys. We thank the choir and the Welsh society of Witwaterstrand for the welcome and special hospitality while we were in your company. A special thanks to Welshman Tony Davies and his wife, Wendy for looking after us so well. It was a pleasure indeed to sing in this special St David's day concert and hearing the choir sing nearly half their repetoire in Welsh, and that with only one Welsh speaker in the whole choir. We congratulate you and good luck in the future. Let's hope we can enjoy your company again sometime!

Here are some photos of the tour :





































More photos are available here of beautiful South Africa if you click on the following link >>>
Aled a Karina's musical tour to South Africa - Feb/March,2008

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FEBRUARY 2008 : ALED SINGS FOR THE WELSH IN SOUTH AFRICA

On Thursday the 21st of February 2008, Aled will once more travel to the Southern Hemisphere for two performances in Johannesburg, South Africa. The invitation came from the Witwaterstrand Welsh Society, which is based in Johannesburg to sing in a St David's day concert with the Welsh choir of South Africa which will take place at the Linder Auditorium, University of Witwaterstrand on the 2nd of March at 3pm. The choir will be conducted by the world-renowned conductor, Alwyn Humphreys who has travelled to South Africa two weeks before the concert to rehearse with his new choir! This tour should be a real eye-opener to Aled, who will also sing in a chapel in Bedfordview on the 24th of February where over a 1,000 people attend the service every Sunday. Aled and Karina will also travel to Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town before heading back home on the 3rd of March in time for the lambing season on the farm, and the special St David's day concert in Llandudno with Gwyn Hughes Jones, Jonathan Lemalu and Côr Maelgwn on the 8th of March. Tickets are selling fast!!! More details below >>>

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JANUARY 2008 : LISTEN TO ALED'S SONGS NOW ON MYSPACE-MUSIC

Recently Aled has downloaded some of his songs to the popular MySpace-Music website. To listen fully to songs like "Che Gelida Manina", "Anthem (from Chess)", "O na byddai'n Haf o hyd" and "Mattinatta" click on the following link>>>>>>

Aled Wyn Davies' MySpace-Music

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SPECIAL CONCERT FOR ALED WITH WORLD-FAMOUS OPERA STARS

On Saturday, 8th of March 2008, Aled will be performing in a special concert at the Venue Cymru Theatre, Llandudno. The Maelgwn Male Voice Choir organises a yearly St David's day concert and invite acclaimed soloists to join them. Over recent years they have attracted world-famous artists including Hayley Westenra and Rhys Meirion. But this year, Aled has been invited by the choir as well as two of Opera's most famous names at the moment - the tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones, and New Zealand born bass-baritone, Jonathan Lemalu. Gwyn Hughes Jones has recently enjoyed tremendous success as a leading operatic tenor, and is about to play the lead role in Puccini's classic "Tosca" with the Los Angeles opera under the leadership of Placido Domingo. Jonathan Lemalu is also travelling the World as an opera singer and is recognised as one of the World's best bass-baritones.

Therefore, Aled feels that it is a tremendous privilege to share the stage with such talented stars, and appreciates the kindness of Côr Meibion Maelgwn for inviting him to this special concert. Tickets are now available for the concert by contacting Venue's ticket office on 01492 872000, or book online by clicking on the following link >>> Buy Tickets online

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A GREAT TOUR IN THE COMPANY OF OUR FRIENDS IN PATAGONIA

Aled enjoyed a great welcome from the Welsh comunities of Patagonia on his recent concert tour of southern Argentina as a soloist with the renowned choir, Côr Godre'r Aran. There will be a detailed report of Aled's exploits in South America very soon!

Here are some photos from the trip for the time being :

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PATAGONIA HERE WE COME, AND RIO TOO!!

On November the 15th Aled and his wife, Karina will start their tour to Argentina and Brazil when he will be singing in six concerts as guest solost with the renowned choir "Côr Godre'r Aran" from North Wales. They will travel and perform concerts at Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Esquel, Trevelin, Trelew, Gaiman and a relaxing few days in Rio de Janeiro before heading home. The Welsh community in Patagonia and really looking forward to greet the choir as they haven't been there to sing since 1970 - before Aled was born!! There will be a great atmosphere in South America over the next few weeks.
You can look forward to read all about the tour soon!

CONCERTS AT WALES'S LARGEST SUMMER EVENTS

Aled will be performing at Wales's most important events this summer - One concert at the Royal Welsh show at Builth Wells, and one at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Mold, Flintshire.

On Wednesday, 25th of July at 7pm a concert will take place at the new "Meirion Shearing Centre" at the Royal Welsh show to raise funds for the upcoming Shearing World Championships that will be held at the show in 2010. Sharing the stage with Aled will be the Builth Wells male-voice choir, Meinir Jones from Llanrwst, and compere Aeron Pughe from Machynlleth. Aled has been a member of the Royal Welsh shearing committee since 1998 and is looking forward very much to the evening. Tickets are available from committee members or by contacting the show's office on 01982 553683. Come along and enjoy!


Then on Tuesday, 7th of August Aled will have the privilege of singing in one of the special concerts organized at this years National Eisteddfod of Wales in Mold, Flintshire. Aled feels this is a great honour and will perform with the Eisteddfod choir and established singers and winners of the prestigious Blue Riband themselves - Iona Jones (Soprano) and Iwan Wyn Parry (Baritone). The evening will include a performance of Gounod's "Messe Solennelle de Sainte Cecile." Tickets for this concert are available by contacting the Eisteddfod's ticket-line on 0845 122 1176 (Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm). I'll look forward to seeing you all there!

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A BUSY CONCERT SEASON STARTS AGAIN WITH TWO FAMOUS CHOIRS

This month looks like being a very busy period for Aled. Following a tiring lambing season on the farm, the concerts have already started again, and on the 28th of April a fabulous evening of music was organized at the Tabernacle Arts centre at Machynlleth when Aled shared the stage with Diana Palmerston (Soprano),Sian Meinir(Mezzo-soprano), Tom Evans (Baritone) and one of Wales’s leading accompanists, Eirian Owen in a very enjoyable concert. There was much praise following this performance with several quotes like The best concert I've ever seen!! The intention is to take the evening to other venues in the near future, and if you would like to see this concert in your area please contact the organizer, Dennis Jones on 01654 761500 for more details.

The following weekend Aled enjoyed two concerts with two of Wales's most famous male-voice choirs. On Friday, 4th of May he enjoyed the company of Côr Godre'r Aran, Sian Meinir,and Dai Jones, Llanilar in a superb concert at the Rhyl pavilion, and the following night, Aled was much closer to home when he shared the stage with the Fron choir and their conductor Ann Atkinson. This choir has enjoyed enormous success lately following their new album Voices of the Valley, and it was great to see the Church in Llanfair Caereinion packed to the rafters to see this concert. Some people had travelled a great distance to see the choir, one couple from Lincoln, and another couple from New South Wales, Australia!!

Another two concerts face Aled again next weekend - Burry Port on the 12th of May with Côr Godre'r Aran; and at Newtown on the 13th with Iwan Wyn Parry & the Newtown Male-voice choir.

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APRIL 2007: CONCERT TOUR WITH COR GODRE‘R ARAN

Over the last few weeks Aled has accepted an invitation from Wales's leading Male-Voice Choir, Côr Godre'r Aran to join them as guest soloist on their concert tour to Patagonia in November this year. This will be the first visit for the choir and their musical director, Eirian Owen to the Welsh regions of Argentina since 1970, but the second time Aled will visit the country this year following his South-American cruise in February. There will be more details regarding this tour over the next few months.

ALED'S SONGS NOW AVAILABLE ON I-TUNES!

Following the great success of the new CD, Wales's leading record company, SAIN has now released the songs of Aled's CD, Nodau Aur Fy Nghân on I-Tunes.� By clicking on the the I-Tunes website you can listen to all sorts of music on-line and purchase tracks for 79p each. It's also possible to compare songs with different artists all over the world. Click on the link below to enter the i-Tunes website>>>>

i-Tunes - Nodau Aur fy Nghân

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MARCH 2007: A CRUISE TO REMEMBER!

The latest cruise Aled and Karina went on was a very special tour, and one to remember for ever. The trip started by flying down to the southern tip of South America to the city of Punta Arenas in Chile to meet the ship Minerva II. The scenery was beautiful around this area with penguins and fabulous glaciers while cruising down the Beagle channel.


The weather was very windy around Cape Horn, but we were very privileged to be one of the few people to even see it. We then visited Ushuaia, the most southern town in the World before heading to the Falkland Islands. This was very similar to the hills of North Wales with sheep everywhere! We walked around Port Stanley and also visited Long Island farm where Aled had an opportunity to show the Minerva II passengers his talent of shearing sheep instead of singing. This came as quite a shock to some people especially as they didn't know then that he was a farmer!!

After two days at sea we arrived at Puerto Madryn, the town where the first Welsh settlers landed back in 1865. We took an excursion to Gaiman where many Welsh speaking residents live. This is a beautiful little town with traditional Welsh houses everywhere! We visited one of the many tea-houses in the town and listened to a wonderful local Welsh choir and it was an honour for Aled and the choir to sing a song together for the Minerva II audience. We met Billy Hughes, a singing Welshman who only spoke Welsh and Spanish and he happily took us both around the area for the afternoon. This day in Patagonia was one of the highlights of our cruise and a day to remember for a very long time. It was amazing to see the Welsh language being used so easily by the young local residents. We look forward to going back there again very soon.


The following two days were again on sea as we headed towards the North of Argentina, so it was time to perform another classical concert on board the ship. Joining Aled this time was soprano, Diana Palmerston and mezzo-soprano,Alexandra Tiffin with renowned accompanist John Wilson on the piano. We had three fabulous concerts on board with rousing pieces from opera favourites and it was great to see the concert hall over-flowing each night.



The next city we visited was Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. It was quite a busy and beautiful city and very European too. We had a tour around the town and saw Eva Peron's grave, the wealthy area of Recoleta,the amazing architecture and fabulous Tango shows on the streets. A very lively city! The next morning we arrived in the capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo. A much quieter place than Buenos Aires but with great beaches and architecture. We also received a performance by Uruguay's local crooner!! >>>>>>>>>>




The last two days of out cruise was just amazing! We sailed into Rio de Janeiro to see the most beautiful scenery you could possibly imagine. There was Sugar-loaf mountain straight in front of us, Copacabana beach to the side of us and the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer up in the distance on Corcovado mountain. You could never choose a better place to finish your cruise and we were certainly not disappointed.


The carvival season had just finished in the city, so a group of local entertainers came on board the ship to give us a fabulous show. We heard that some passengers requested that the medical centre should been open all night just in case!!


As we look back, we must say that this cruise has been the best yet. The contrast in scenery and weather has been tremendous as we travelled from country to country. We have met many new friends on Minerva II and we also thank Martyn Harris, our co-ordinator for inviting us once more. Thank you Swan Hellenic for a wonderful cruise and let's hope an opportunity like this will arise again in the future!

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FEBRUARY 2007: BON VOYAGE!!

Aled and his wife, Karina will be out of the country between the 7th and 25th of February when they will travel down to the Southern tip of South America to board the cruise-ship Minerva II. Aled accepted an invitation to sing on this fabulous ship for the fourth time after successful trips to Asia, North America and Europe. An eighteen hour flight awaits as they fly to Punta Arenas in Chile before visiting the Falklands, Patagonia, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. There are Welsh settlements in parts of Patagonia and Aled hopes to meet some of the Welsh speaking settlers at the town of Gaiman. Another highlight to look forward to is the stunning views while sailing into Rio de Janeiro. Look forward to read about it all next month. Bon Voyage!!
Click here for cruise itinerary.

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JANUARY 2007: LOOK OUT FOR ALED ON S4C

Aled will be performing on the S4C Digital programme "Wedi 3" on Friday the 26th of January at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. He will sing a song and also have a chat with presenters Elinor Jones and John Hardy. Remember to watch!

TWO SPECIAL CONCERTS OF SONGS FROM THE WELSH SHOWS

Remember also about the two special "Noson yng nghwmni.." concerts organized for the coming weeks. Joining Aled on stage in a night of Songs from the Welsh Musicals will be Sara Meredydd, Edryd Williams, Linda Gittins (Piano) and North Wales comedian, Dilwyn Morgan. The two nights will be at Galeri, Caernarfon on January 27th, and at Theatr Hafren, Newtown on February 3rd. This performance was sold out last year at Machynlleth and Bala and tickets are selling very fast once more. Remember to purchace your tickets early for this special evening by contacting the theatre or by clicking on one of the following links>>>
Galeri, Caernarfon Theatr Hafren, Newtown

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DECEMBER 2006: TWO GREAT NIGHTS TO LAUNCH ALED'S NEW CD

Aled enjoyed two enjoyable nights at the end of November when he launched his debut album, "Nodau Aur fy Nghân"

On Monday, November the 27th, friends and family came together at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd in a special launch night organised by the record label "Sain". Aled gave the audience a brief taster of some of the songs on his new CD; we had items from Dafydd and Gwawr Edwards who have also released their new album, and also the launch of the DVD "Cefn Gwlad - Y Berwyn", which is a series based upon the four seasons on the Berwyn mountains. Dai Jones, Llanilar was present to compere the evening in his own special way and at the end of the evening, Aled had a memorable experience when Dafydd Edwards, Trebor Edwards and Dai Jones ( all Welsh singing tenors and farmers!) joined him in a special rendition of a well-known Welsh hymn. A night to remember!

















Then on Wednesday, November 29th, Aled had a pleasurable shock when he saw that the Llanbryn-mair Community Centre was overflowing with people because a secret tribute night had been organised for him following his success in winning the Blue Riband during the summer. The night's compere was Dilwyn Morgan from Bala an