Discussing the future of the Welsh Music industry- and enjoying a musical day

Going for a song... The Welsh music industry is facing the biggest challenge in decades, and this challenge provides the subject for a discussion forum at Bangor University’s stand on the Eisteddfod field at 2.00 on Thursday 4 August.

An open meeting, ‘Diwedd y Gân...?’ will share the results of recent research into the future of the Welsh music industry. This will be followed by an open discussion on the possible developments for the recording industry in Wales. Cwmni Sain’s bleak prognosis is that it won’t be economically viable to produce Welsh music within five years unless there is a radical change to the way that the music world is financed.

" I’m really worried that it won’t be economically possible to produce and sell Welsh music in five year’s time unless something fundamental changes," said Dafydd Roberts, Chief Executive of Cwmni Sain.

The income generated from every aspect of creating, producing, selling and using Welsh music is ever-decreasing. In response to this, Sain and Bangor University have been cooperating on a KESS scheme, in the form of a three-year research PhD, to look at future models to increase the economic income from producing and using Welsh music.

Following the introduction from Dafydd Iwan and Dafydd Roberts, of Cwmni Sain, the discussion forum will be opened and joined by leading musicians in the contemporary music scene.

All are welcome to contribute their views in this interesting and timely topic, which will doubtless lead to a lively and useful debate.

The Forum forms part of Cerdd Iau- the School of Music’s day of activities at the Eisteddfod.

In addition to the debate, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had – and something to everyone’s taste.

It’s never too soon to beginning enjoying and taking part in music. The day begins with a Camau Cyntaf Cerdd (First Steps in Music) workshop for the younger children at 11.00 and 12.30 (with parents able to stay and watch the fun). The Workshop is led by Marie-Claire Howorth and Elise Gwilym and is for children aged 18 months to 4 years old.

A project that will support those studying Music in Welsh is being launched at 12.00. Termau Technoleg Cerddoriaeth- Welsh Music Technology Terms is set to be the latest contribution to a series of specialist terminology dictionaries produced by the Language Technology Unit within Canolfan Bedwyr at Bangor University.

Cass Meurig and Nial Cain will be performing Welsh Folk songs suited for a younger audience at 1.00.

After the Forum and Discussion, there’s an opportunity to relax and have some fun in a Music Quiz that begins at 3.00. Come and find out who really knows their Welsh music inside out- is it the team from Cwmni Sain or a team of Bangor University Music graduates?

The day has a musical finale with a solo performance by singer, Daniel Lloyd at 4.00.

The School is also offering a Vocal Master class with Marian Bryfdir and Branwen Gwyn at the Studio on the Maes on Friday between 12.30-2.00.

Publication date: 29 July 2011