CRACKER OF A CHRISTMAS CONCERT FOR WREXHAM ORCHESTRA

Final rehearsals are underway as a Wrexham-based orchestra prepares to stage a special festive concert at a popular concert venue in the city.

Wrexham Symphony Orchestra are set to stage a performance of Tchaikovsky's iconic score for "The Nutcracker" at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham University on Sunday  8^th December at 2.30pm.

Written by Tchaikovsky in 1892, 'The Nutcracker' has become a much-loved favourite. Featuring the instantly recognisable Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, this special performance promises to be a highlight of the orchestra's season of concerts.

Set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child's imagination, the story of 'The Nutcracker' is an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas short story which was based on Hoffman's 'The Nutcracker and The Mouse King'. Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's performance will include some rarely heard pieces from the iconic ballet. 

Joining the orchestra for this special performance will be conductor Bedwyn Phillips who began his career as principal percussionist with Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, and narrator Amanda Northwood whose specially adapted script imagines the tale as told by a grown-up Clara (the child in the story) who is looking back at the magical Christmas of her childhood.

Originally from Snowdonia, Bedwyn Phillips studied at the University of Birmingham and worked with both the University Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras under the tutorage of Daniele Rosina, as well as the University's large Wind Orchestra and String Orchestra. He has enjoyed working with many orchestras, including the Wrexham Symphony, Chester Philharmonic, and Blackburn Symphony Orchestras. He has also founded an orchestra in North Wales, and co-founded the Orchestra of the New Age, based in Guildford, which brings young musicians from all over the country to explore larger-scale works. Bedwyn was co-principal trumpet of the North Wales Youth Orchestra, and principal trumpet of the Liverpool Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2017, after a year of being principal percussionist with the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, he won the Young Musician of the Year award during a busy season ranging from Nielsen to Elgar.

Amanda Northwood is a keen pianist, singer, harpist, and violinist. The latter led her to become a member of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, reliving her Clwyd Youth Orchestra and North Wales Youth Orchestra days, and playing once again with many talented musicians from all over North Wales. After achieving her BA Honours in English Literature and Language from the University of Liverpool and a PGCE in Secondary English and Drama from the University of Hull, Amanda taught Music, Drama and English at several schools before joining Rydal Penrhos School in 2023 as Head of Drama. Directing theatrical productions is Amanda’s absolute passion, having directed Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, Comedy of Errors, His Dark Materials Parts 1 & 2, Peter Pan, Romeo and Juliet and most recently Bugsy Malone. She has also performed in many productions. Her experience in guiding GCSE and A Level students over many years led to an excited conversation about what could be done with The Nutcracker and, along with Bedwyn Phillips, this new version of the much-loved classic was created, with the help of willing members of the orchestra.

Speaking about the special festive performance of 'The Nutcracker,' Matthew Ellis, the Chairman of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra said:

"We are really looking forward to staging this special performance of 'The Nutcracker' at the William Aston Hall. It has become a much-loved festive favourite over the years, and we are delighted to be joined by guest conductor Bedwyn Phillips and narrator Amanda Northwood who will bring the story to life alongside the orchestra. What better way to begin the festive season than with this special performance of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece."

Full details of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's performance of 'The Nutcracker' at The William Aston Hall can be found at: 

www.williamastonwrexham.com 

...where tickets can be booked online.