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0:00:01 > 0:00:05- Sioned Nest James, - founder of Cordydd...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- ..and a pioneer in the world - of Welsh choral singing.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- She died prematurely...
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- ..but contributed so much - to Welsh culture.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- She was a friend to many.
0:00:17 > 0:00:22- Back in 2013, I had the privilege - of interviewing her.
0:00:22 > 0:00:28- I think friends can be a sustenance, - a rock, a fantastic foundation.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Sioned's strength, without a doubt, - was Sioned the person.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- I'll remember her as a person - who was full of fun and laughter.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- I can't remember her - in any other way.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- We both supported each other.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- I couldn't have wished - for a better friend.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- She was a shining light.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- When something like that - disappears...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..the loss is felt so much more.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- Sioned was one of those people - who only had one gear.
0:01:10 > 0:01:11- Flat out.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- She lived life to the full.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- If you do something, do it.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- I miss her terribly...
0:01:24 > 0:01:25- ..as a friend.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29- I'm so glad...
0:01:31 > 0:01:32- ..that I met her.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- Sioned James - was a daughter of the manse...
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- ..and her roots were deep - in the Llandysul area.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- Steeped in Welsh culture...
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- ..Sioned's short journey - on life's paths...
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- ..was a mixture of successes - and personal battles.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- Her family and friends - were her rock.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- She was a private person...
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- ..with an ambition - to put her own stamp on the world.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- It all began - at Llandysul primary school.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- What was interesting about her...
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- ..as a schoolgirl - was that she was small in stature.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28- Compact.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35- But she had such a strong character - for someone so small.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- She had an inner strength too.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- An inner steel, you know.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- She'd stand up - for anything she believed in...
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- ..when she was very young.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- What linked us was Penybont - Baptist chapel in Llandysul.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- I knew her as a baby, and later, - she sang solos at the chapel.
0:02:59 > 0:03:05- The family's pew - was directly in front of mine.
0:03:05 > 0:03:11- A kind of rapport grew between us - over the years as she grew up.
0:03:12 > 0:03:18- Poor girl, she had to put up - with my shrieking for 18 years.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23- My first memory of Sioned - is as an eight or nine-year-old.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Her and Sian, in the gallery, - singing their hearts out.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- One year, the late Meirion Jones - was conducting.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- He asked the congregation - to sing with more oomph.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- Of course, they both went for it.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- It was always true for Sioned...
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- ..where congregational singing - was concerned.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- That was her great passion.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- After the service, we'd have a chat - about life in general.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- I could see - that she was mischievous.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- One day, she asked me - which was my favourite hymn tune.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- I named four of them.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Tanymarian. In Memoriam.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Llef, Bryn Calfaria.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- She said, "Do you realize - they're all in a minor key?"
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- I realized from the outset...
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- ..that music - pulsed through her veins.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- As she developed, you could see - just how much music meant to her.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Sioned was mischievous - in chapel and at school.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- I was sitting in my office one day - when she came to stand by the door.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- "I've been sent here to tell you...
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- "..that I jabbed a pencil - into one of the boys' backside."
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- "Oh, Sioned, you didn't!"
0:04:47 > 0:04:48- "Was it sharp?"
0:04:49 > 0:04:50- "I'd just sharpened it."
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Naturally, I gave her - quite a loud telling-off.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- "I want you to go back now...
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- "..and I want you - to apologize to him...
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- "..for doing such a thing.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- "And don't do anything - like that again."
0:05:08 > 0:05:09- Off she went.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- I made sure that the children - walked past me as they went home.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14- Sioned came.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- "Did you apologize?" - "Yes."
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- "What did he say to you?" - "Nothing."
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- "So I kissed his head," she said.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- "Then what did he say?"
0:05:25 > 0:05:26- "Thank you very much."
0:05:29 > 0:05:35- The first time I met her properly - was at Glan-llyn in Form 1.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40- I remember seeing this girl - who was tall and very slim.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- She had a dodgy perm and a brace.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- In a way, - it was like looking in a mirror...
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- ..because that's how I looked too!
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- Shared problems brought us together!
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- She had some kind of spark.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- I wanted to be a part of it.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- I was always searching for mischief - and she seemed to offer that.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- During that week in Glan-llyn, - our relationship developed.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- From then on, we were best friends.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- Islwyn Evans, music teacher and - Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion founder...
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- ..was a big influence on Sioned - throughout her life.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- She was an Year 8 pupil, - if I remember rightly.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- It was an exciting time in Llandysul - as regards singing.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- I had about five school choirs - on the go at the time.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- She would have been in all of them - except the boys' choir.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- She'd probably be around them too, - eyeing up one or two.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- He wasn't the most traditional - of teachers.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- He liked to do things that weren't - necessarily on the curriculum.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- Maybe he could see that I had - a good ear or was musical...
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- ..or that the person next to me - was musical.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- He was so keen to get Pencader and - Pentre-cwrt farmers into the choir.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- Everyone thought he was much - more cool than the other teachers.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- I remember her - talking about Ysgol Gerdd.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- She introduced me to Islwyn - at an Eisteddfod.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- "This is Islwyn. Isn't he ugly?!"
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- Remarks like that. You're not.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- It was her way of saying, - "I love this person."
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- She couldn't show it, she couldn't - say how much she loved people.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- It was immediately clear - that she admired Islwyn...
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- ..and really appreciated - the opportunity he'd given her.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- While a pupil - at Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi...
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- ..Sioned secured a place in the - National Youth Choir of Wales...
0:07:47 > 0:07:53- ..which went on tour - to Leipzig in Germany in 1992...
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- ..conducted by the maestro - John Hugh Thomas.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- The main event was singing in - the Lutheran church, Thomaskirche.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- As it happens, when we were there...
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- ..it was Bach's anniversary.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- We were invited - to give the concert that year.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13- The place was packed.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- Another member of the choir - on that trip to Germany...
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- ..was the founder of Only Men Aloud, - Tim Rhys-Evans.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- I remember that time so well.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- I remember the music...
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- ..and just singing together.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- I was quite shy at that time...
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- ..and she was so noisy - and so lively.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- A good laugh, really.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- One piece I really liked - was by Pearsall, Lay A Garland.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- It's an exceptionally fine piece.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- Such a piece would connect with her, - there's no doubt about that.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- She had been determined - to study Welsh at Aberystwyth.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- But after this trip, she was aware - that Music was her true passion.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Her head said Welsh, - and her heart said Music.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Then, aged 18, came a turning point.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- A serious car accident, - and months of recovery.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Sioned made a deal with herself...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- ..not to waste a second of her time - from that point on.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- I visited Sioned in hospital.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- She was there, lying prone...
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- ..two days before her A levels - were about to start.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- I think Music was her first exam.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- I saw her parents first.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Their faith was strong.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- But Sioned's faith - was strong as well.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I remember a very determined girl.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- She knew - that if she got through it..
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- I think there was a 60% chance - that she wouldn't walk again.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- Knowing that aged 18, - that's quite a shadow.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- After a few weeks, she underwent - surgery in Stoke-on-Trent.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- I visited her and took her a copy - of John Rutter's Requiem.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36- I knew she loved it.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Apparently, in the hospital...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Everything was on cassette - at the time.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- She kept telling everyone, - "You must listen to this."
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- She insisted - that people listen to this piece.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- If I played it once, - I played it a hundred times.
0:10:56 > 0:11:02- There's something that takes you - to another level of emotion...
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- ..when I didn't know - if I'd walk again or not.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10- .
0:11:13 > 0:11:13- Subtitles
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- When Sioned was a sixth former - at Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..BBC Cymru - went to Newcastle Emlyn...
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- ..to record Dechrau Canu Dechrau - Canmol with several local choirs.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Islwyn Evans insisted - that it would be Sioned...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- ..who was interviewed - for the programme.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- "Oh, why are you - asking me to do this?
0:11:43 > 0:11:44- "I don't want to do it!"
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- On a worldwide and national level...
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- ..I'd like to see brotherly love - and fellowship towards others.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- To see Christ's teachings realized.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Fraternity, love and making - the world a happier place.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- Anyone at school might have thought - all she did was enjoy life.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- That she had no faith, but she had - a steadfast core sustaining her.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Islwyn Evans went on - to establish a new group...
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- ..that would draw on voices - from across Ceredigion.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- We were called La Cappella.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- We didn't look like - the Spice Girls, unfortunately...
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- ..and we didn't sing like them.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- We sang a sound that he - always desires, a pure sound.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- It was a fantastic experience - and the basis of Ysgol Gerdd.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- He knew what he was doing...
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- ..nurturing slowly - and instilling confidence.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- You can imagine the frenzy.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- Now, instead of one - talkative girl from Llandysul...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- ..I had several talkative girls.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- Not many more talkative than Sioned, - but it was a very exciting time.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Sioned was a key part of that group.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- She got the chance - to go to Patagonia.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- It was an experience - that stayed with her.
0:13:26 > 0:13:32- It was nice to see those girls - go on to lead successful lives.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- While still recovering - from her serious injuries...
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- ..Sioned went to Cardiff University.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- With her friends, - she established the group Viva.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- They were six very talented singers.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- Different voices - from different areas.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- Bow Street, Lampeter, Penweddig, - Llandysul, those areas.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- They'd sing at village halls - here and there to entertain people.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- That showed the urge she had - to start something herself.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- I think that was - the start of Sioned's journey...
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- ..offering some kind of culture - back to other people.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Sioned went on to win a first class - honours degree in Welsh at Cardiff.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- It was the start of a golden age - as she set about founding Cordydd.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Sioned was an instinctive musician.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Music seemed to be in her soul.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- She also had - that wonderful ability...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- ..to gather - a group of people together...
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- ..to form a choir...
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- ..and then the remarkable formula - to create that blend of voices.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- It's hard to create.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It was something - she had to convey to the choir.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- The sound at the time - was quite unique.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Sioned could create - a remarkable sound in a choir.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- You might think that it wasn't - a Welsh sound as such.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Her research was extremely thorough.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- With Cordydd, she created a clean, - pure, and, in a way, perfect sound.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- But there was a spirit - in the singing.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Cordydd was Sioned's idea.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- It was a great period.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- A social group of people - in their twenties...
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- ..who wanted to carry on something - with which they'd been brought up.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Coming together to have a good time.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- Having established Cordydd...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- ..Sioned James was making her mark - in the world of TV and radio too.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- The first time I met Sioned, - we'd been warned at Radio Cymru...
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- ..that a talented young woman - was coming to work as a researcher.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- As one of the old guard, I'd been - asked to take her under my wing.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54- But we'd also been told - that maybe she was a little shy.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Within five minutes - of her coming through the door...
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- ..you knew that the description - didn't quite suit Sioned.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- Looking back, maybe there was - a grain of truth in it...
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- ..but she was like a whirlwind.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- She was a breath of fresh air - as regards her originality.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Maybe the BBC and the traditional - world of Welsh broadcasting...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- ..wasn't ready for someone - like her at the time.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Fresh new ideas - as a member of a production team.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- She didn't have - that many opportunities...
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- ..but when she did, everyone knew - that Sioned James was on the air.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- As well as working in the media...
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- ..Sioned tried her hand - at being a professional agent.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51- One of her clients - was the soprano Gwawr Edwards.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- The relationship between an artist - and an agent is important.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- That bond is very important.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Our relationship developed - to be something so much more.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- We became close friends.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Our personalities were similar.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- We both liked fun in entertainment.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- In your twenties, you go from - a child to an adult, in a way.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- She was such a big influence - on my life.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- She really was.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- I just miss her so much.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- In 2007, with her career - going from strength to strength...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- ..and the choir becoming - increasingly successful...
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- ..Sioned's conducting talent - and broadcasting ability...
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- ..combined in a new series - for S4C, Codi Canu.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- It was a pleasure for me to work - with her on 2 series of Codi Canu...
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- ..where rugby fans formed choirs.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- We had to turn - a roomful of Ospreys fans...
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- ..into a disciplined choir.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- Alwyn Humphreys and Sioned James.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Neither Sioned or I - really wanted to do it...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- ..because it was totally different - to anything we'd ever done.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- We were used to a choir - of people who could sing...
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- ..and were already disciplined.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- We were being thrown - into a rugby crowd, to be honest.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- Is there a gun here - to shoot a few of these singers?
0:19:32 > 0:19:33- Come on down!
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- Some didn't know the meaning - of choral discipline!
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- They'd stand up and ask why we were - doing something a particular way.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Reliving the experiences - in the car on the way back...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- ..we were almost hysterical.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49- Altos?
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- Please be good, please be good, - please be good, please...
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- There was a serious side - because it was a competition.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- We were both petrified - by what would happen...
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- ..when we had to compete - against the other choirs...
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- I think the decision - had been made beforehand...
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- ..that the Ospreys choir - wouldn't win.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- We decided to enjoy it - as an extraordinary experience.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- But if it wasn't for Sioned, - I wouldn't have lasted the course.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54- .
0:20:56 > 0:20:56- Subtitles
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Cordydd was now - a successful choir...
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- ..having won many prizes at the - National Eisteddfod, Cor Cymru...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- ..and Radio Cymru's - choral competition.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- Many young Welsh people in Cardiff - were desperate to join.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- I remember sitting in the Pavilion, - probably awaiting an adjudication.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- The mixed choir competition was on.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- I remember hearing Cordydd's sound.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- They grabbed my attention - from the off.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- I knew that I was going - to Cardiff University that year.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- I resolved to get into the choir - one day.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- I had just left university - and started working.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- I had nothing at all - to do with Welsh culture.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- I'd never really been a part of it, - not even at home.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- A Welsh learner from Fishguard - isn't really down with the Taffia!
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- But I enjoyed singing and wanted - a way to make new Welsh friends.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- I put "Welsh choir" into Google - and it came up.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- I remember walking - into the vestry of Salem Chapel...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..wanting to join the choir - but not knowing much more.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Should we introduce ourselves - to Sioned?
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Was there an interview? An audition?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- Would I have to sing - in front of everyone?
0:22:25 > 0:22:26- But we soon found out...
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- ..that sneaking in and sitting - at the back wasn't an option.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- That wasn't how Sioned did things.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- She stopped the rehearsal.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- "Who do we have here?"
0:22:38 > 0:22:39- "What do you want to do?"
0:22:40 > 0:22:41- "Introduce yourselves."
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- "Do you want to sing?"
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- She didn't force us to sing, - but you knew right away.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- OK, this choir is what it is - because of the conductor.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- If you joined Cordydd, - you became one of Sioned's team...
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- ..and that was that.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- When I first became - a member of Cordydd...
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- ..I remember being aware - that it all felt very homely.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23- We were accepted as a young bunch, - the choir's youngest members.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- We were welcomed with open arms - by every one of the members.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- Sioned created that atmosphere - in the rehearsals.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- She managed to strike - the right balance...
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- ..between having fun - and knuckling down...
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- ..for a competition - or a concert performance.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- She was a perfectionist.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Both aspects combined - so easily, so leisurely...
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- I'm convinced - it was that balance...
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- ..that led to Sioned enjoying - so much success with the choir.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- She aimed - for the highest standards...
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- ..but she didn't reach them...
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- ..without a great deal of spadework.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- In 2008, - Sioned accepted an invitation...
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- ..to conduct Cardiff's - Mochyn Du pensioners choir.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38- She took up the challenge - in the way she always would.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- She'd make the best - of any situation.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- They enjoyed constant success.
0:24:46 > 0:24:52- She managed to create another - community of people in Cardiff.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- She brought - over 80 older people together...
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- ..to create music typical of Sioned.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Music of the highest standard - for pensioner choirs...
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- ..because of the firm foundation - that Sioned had put in place.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23- I always think that the genius - Sioned possessed was very rare.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- However, no-one would use Sioned's - methods of rehearsing a choir...
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- ..as the basis for a textbook.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- I'm reminded - of a quote by John Bertalot.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39- "When criticizing your choir, - be sensitive and constructive."
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Well, Sioned's way - was to tell them...
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- .."You nauseate me!"
0:25:45 > 0:25:47- Sioned had her own language.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- I recall one rehearsal.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54- I heard her say something and didn't - quite understand what she had said.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- It was one of her sayings, - and I won't repeat it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02- I turned to Luned, a fellow alto, - and asked what Sioned had just said.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07- Luned turned to me - and wrote it down on the copy.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09- Oh, right!
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- The other altos saw it - and began to laugh.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17- They'd found someone else who was - tuning in to Sioned's language.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- It could be strong, - but you got used to it.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- That was her way of telling you - something wasn't good enough.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- She compared us to things, - she impersonated us.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- I remember one example.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- "Right, girls, I want this sound.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- "Boys, I want this sound, - and altos, I want this."
0:26:36 > 0:26:37- Thanks a bunch!
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- The altos weren't girls.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- We were something in the middle.
0:26:42 > 0:26:43- Then we all laughed.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- Afterwards, - that cropped up regularly...
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- ..because she knew - she'd touched a nerve.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- "You nauseate me!"
0:26:52 > 0:26:57- Then, if it got really bad, - "I nauseate myself!"
0:26:58 > 0:26:59- Some were like chickens.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- There were other similes.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06- She'd point at someone and ask - what kind of sound they had made.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Someone else would have - to make a suggestion.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- She was colourful.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- Good conductors - need to convey their emotions.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- Sioned did so - through plain speaking.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20- Some were terrified.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- Some would be shocked - at her comments.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- There was no need to ask - what had been said.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- But there on that copy...
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- ..probably - a lovely devotional piece...
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- ..written in pencil, was a note - of what exactly Sioned had said.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- With Cordydd - going from strength to strength...
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- ..the next step was to release a CD.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51- They recorded the piece - that impressed her so much...
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- ..in hospital after the car crash.
0:27:54 > 0:28:00- John Rutter's Requiem, translated - into Welsh by Emyr Davies.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- The CD was launched - at St Augustine's Church, Penarth.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- The mark of the greatness - of any conductor...
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- ..is not just to create - a masterpiece for a CD recording...
0:28:18 > 0:28:23- ..but to also maintain that standard - in a live performance.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- I'll never forget being at - St Augustine's Church, Penarth...
0:28:29 > 0:28:34- ..and hearing Cordydd - performing the work.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- I remember feeling so privileged.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- The audience was usually close - when you sang with Cordydd.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Seeing people's faces, - people you respected...
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- ..enjoying the performance...
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- ..and getting that feeling I got - before I joined the choir...
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- ..and thinking, "She is creating - something special here."
0:29:06 > 0:29:12- Everyone who left the church, - and it was packed, was speechless...
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- ..because we had been elevated - to a higher spiritual plane.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Everyone was stunned, - not just by the choir's quality...
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- ..and the CD they had produced...
0:29:24 > 0:29:29- ..but also that they had maintained - the standard in a live performance.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- It's an evening I'll never forget.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51- Sioned and Cordydd had much success - in the Cor Cymru competition.
0:29:51 > 0:29:57- They reached the semi-final in 2005 - and the final in 2009...
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- ..with their enchanting performance - of Eric Whitacre's Sleep.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- That competition - has been a great foundation...
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- ..and a fantastic stage - for choirs down the years.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13- What's great about it...
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- ..is that it forces - or nurtures new choirs to compete.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- The choral series - was presented on S4C...
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- ..by Sioned's best friend, - Heledd Cynwal.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- It was a strange experience - to interview Sioned...
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- ..when Cordydd appeared - on Cor Cymru.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- You can't escape the fact - that you're close to some people.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- We were both a bit awkward - with each other.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- We were both nervous, I think.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- It was very nice - to see a close friend...
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- ..being successful on that stage.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- One of the awards - is given to the best conductor...
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- ..or the most promising conductor.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- I'll never forget that year.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- Sioned James.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- She was speechless, - with a tear in her eye.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12- I was so happy, - standing next to her.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- That she was being recognized - for her work...
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- ..for the journey - she was on with the choir.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Competing was certainly - all-important to Sioned.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- But concerts with world-famous - conductors and composers...
0:31:29 > 0:31:33- ..counted even more for her - as regards the choir's achievements.
0:31:35 > 0:31:40- Sioned placed great emphasis - on working with new composers.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- Having worked - with Eric Whitacre in 2010...
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- ..she attracted the greats - Paul Mealor and Morten Lauridsen...
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- ..to hold two concerts, - one in Llandaff...
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- ..and one at St David's Cathedral.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- Sioned was a great innovator.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- One of her amazing skills - is the sensuality of sound.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- Cordydd don't sound - like a Welsh choir.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- They'd hate me saying that because - they're proud of being Welsh.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- They sound - like an international choir.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- She was obsessed with the quality - of the vowels, the sound.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- She was drawn to composers - like myself, Whitacre, Lauridsen...
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- ..who are composers - of the sensuality of sound.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- It was a marriage - between conductor and composer.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- She introduced their music to Wales.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- Haydn was the father - of the symphony.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- Morten Lauridsen is the father - of the contemporary choral world.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- I was conducting, - shivers down the spine.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- Sioned had tears in her eyes.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- Here she was, in the presence - of this great man, with her choir...
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- ..singing top drawer, - absolute top drawer.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- The place was full in the concert.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- The whole of St David's turned out!
0:33:02 > 0:33:03- What a gig!
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- It was a thrill, I must be honest.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14- Those minutes were important for me - to take stock of the situation.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- That says everything about Sioned.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- Despite her confidence...
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- ..that nervousness - was still evident.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- She wanted to succeed.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- She wanted to reach - the highest level every time.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37- .
0:33:39 > 0:33:39- Subtitles
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- One of Sioned's great passions - was her love of hymns...
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- ..and performing - new arrangements of them.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Sioned was steeped - in congregational music.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- Hymns were very important to her...
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- ..as was being able - to interpret them with the choir.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- She had passion and she had faith.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17- It amazed me.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- You'd expect a musician - to focus on the musical aspects...
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- ..but the words - were so important to her...
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- ..maybe even more so than the music.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- Such was her love of hymns...
0:34:32 > 0:34:37- ..that Cordydd commissioned - a new arrangement of Pantyfedwen...
0:34:37 > 0:34:41- ..to present to Sioned - and her husband, Gareth Roberts...
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- ..on the occasion of their wedding.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56- She liked rugby...
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- ..and Gareth Roberts - likes rugby too.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- They got together.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05- I just think he was blinded by her.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- It was hard not to be blinded - by those huge blue eyes.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- They say that the eyes - are the window to the soul.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- They certainly were - in Sioned's case.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- On 10 August 2010, - Sioned and Gareth got married...
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- ..at Penybont chapel in Llandysul.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- We were in the deacons' pew.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- She held my hand - all the way through it.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29- That was very nice.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- The choir sang wonderfully.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- It was a ceremony - that embraced you.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- It said a lot - about her and Gareth...
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- ..and everyone who had been - a part of her life.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- Sioned had a clear affinity - for traditional Welsh hymns.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- She introduced Craig Yr Oesoedd - to the choir...
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- ..and got Jeff Howard to create - an arrangement for Cor Cymru 2009.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- You're in the zone, - really enjoying a song...
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- ..and you instinctively look - into the conductor's eyes.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- You get a connection - when you do that.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- Sioned knew - when we were enjoying a song.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- You puffed your chest out.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- She had to go, - "Rein it in now, Roche! Rein it in!"
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- Her passion was totally evident.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- She wanted to make sure...
0:36:35 > 0:36:41- ..that the choir performed the piece - as a Welsh anthem.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46- When we sang it in the competition, - I remember feeling a thrill...
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- ..that she had managed to get Jeff - to create an arrangement...
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- ..that breathed new life - into something...
0:36:53 > 0:36:58- ..that had been so important to her - since the early years of her life.
0:36:59 > 0:37:00- It was unique.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- Despite all the success, - Sioned's roots remained in Newport.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- She went to Pembrokeshire - every chance she got...
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- ..to escape all the attention - and to enjoy the peace.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Newport Pembs - truly is my spiritual home.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- When your life's in order...
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- ..that's when you look back - at what's happened in your past.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- It was so clear - that she gave everything...
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- ..to conduct this choir - that meant so much to her.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- You also think, - that after a storm dissipates...
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- ..it leaves a gaping hole - afterwards.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12- Every Thursday after a rehearsal, - I left with that empty feeling.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- She must have felt it too.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- When I think of the loss - she must have felt...
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- ..in those final months and years, - it must have been tough.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- I think that I could sense it.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- If you have that storm...
0:38:28 > 0:38:31- ..you have to admit - that you have a duty...
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- ..towards what happens - after the storm...
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- ..comes to an end.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- I think she was a person - who felt things deeply.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- She was a rock to a lot of people.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47- That's how Sioned was.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- If everyone else was OK, - things were fine.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- But as for herself...
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- ..it was a case of, - "Let me be and I'll carry on.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00- "I'll deal with things - in my own way..."
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- After a spell in hospital, - Sioned lost her battle.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- A difficult personal battle - that had been with her for years.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- I got a phone call.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- ..and I was told...
0:39:18 > 0:39:20- ..that she had gone...
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- ..and, um, just...
0:39:25 > 0:39:26- ..shock.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- I knew she was ill.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- To be fair, Gareth had kept - the lines of communication open.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Even so, when you hear that - about a 41-year-old woman...
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- ..who had so much to offer - and so much to give...
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- ..it was just so hard to accept.
0:39:49 > 0:39:50- Yes.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53- I think I broke down.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- A few days - after Sioned's private funeral...
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- ..Cordydd faced - a difficult decision.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15- Would they compete at the Eisteddfod - in Abergavenny without her?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- For a long time afterwards...
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- ..I couldn't shake off - the feeling...
0:40:21 > 0:40:26- ..that something special - was in danger of coming to an end...
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- ..and that all we could do...
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- ..to pay our debt...
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- ..to acknowledge it - in a deserving manner...
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- ..was to make sure - that it didn't end.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- As regards the future of Cordydd...
0:40:41 > 0:40:43- ..we would do all we could...
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- ..the spadework, - the difficult conversations...
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- ..we would do whatever it took...
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- ..because now, more than ever, - it had to be done.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- The decision was taken...
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- ..to carry on and compete...
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- ..but on one condition.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05- That we would go there - and do everything perfectly.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- For that fortnight between - Sioned's death and the Eisteddfod...
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- ..everyone pulled together - to work as a team.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41- There was Huw, with those hands...
0:41:42 > 0:41:46- The very same elements - that Sioned had were there.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51- I certainly felt, right, I'm giving - this bloke everything I've got.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53- He's the one standing there.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- He's the one who bears - all the responsibility now.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- The nature of the pieces...
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- ..yes, we were going - from one period to another...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- ..but each one of the pieces - had a definitive message.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- There was a reference - to celebrating life.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- There was a reference to moving on, - a reference to remembrance.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25- The irony is, Sioned wasn't there - to listen to the performance.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- I don't know how they managed...
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- ..to go from the first note - to the last note.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- ..but they all somehow held - that performance together.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44- Without a doubt, I got a thrill - from conducting the choir...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- ..at last year's Eisteddfod.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- I'm so glad that we were able to pay - Sioned the best tribute possible.
0:43:05 > 0:43:11- In October 2016, Sioned's family - and friends gathered...
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- ..for a special service - to celebrate her life...
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- ..arranged by Cordydd.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- It was wonderful - to sing the old songs.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27- What could be more apt than to tell - the choir's story through music.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31- That was a very special day.
0:43:31 > 0:43:36- So many people - from so many fields gathered...
0:43:37 > 0:43:39- ..to pay tribute to her...
0:43:39 > 0:43:42- ..and to talk about her.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45- A medley of sadness and humour.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- Cordydd's performance that day...
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- ...was almost out of this world.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05- I think Sioned - would have been in her element...
0:44:06 > 0:44:08- ..listening to the performances.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12- She'd have loved being with people - who meant so much to her.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22- Oh, that was an incredible service.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28- The choir sang like I've never - heard them sing before.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33- Huw Foulkes, of course.
0:44:33 > 0:44:38- I can't imagine anyone better to - take the helm and carry on her work.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42- I know that Sioned will be pleased - that Huw is there.
0:44:43 > 0:44:49- It was a service - that screamed out Sioned James.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- As for the singing, - the choir rose to the occasion.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01- It was so difficult for them.
0:45:02 > 0:45:03- Very difficult.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- It was a remarkable - memorial service...
0:45:08 > 0:45:10- ..and worthy of Sioned.
0:46:03 > 0:46:04- Sioned.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07- "Through the lavender and tears
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- "Without her, - the laughter won't echo
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- "Tonight, how can we sing our song
0:46:14 > 0:46:17- "When longing holds the baton?"
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- The englyn by Emyr Davies.
0:46:23 > 0:46:29- What strikes me is the silence - where there was laughter.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- Calm where there was activity.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- And that this person...
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- ..who was so full of life...
0:46:39 > 0:46:41- ..is now quiet.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- When I remember Sioned, - I remember talking.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- In the first years, - answering me back.
0:46:50 > 0:46:55- By the end, teacher and pupil - had become friends.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02- She touched the hearts - of so many close friends...
0:47:02 > 0:47:05- ..and she has left a huge void - behind her as a friend.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10- I also feel that Sioned - wouldn't want us...
0:47:10 > 0:47:13- ..to weigh ourselves down - with too much sadness.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- She was such a positive, - happy, joyful person.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- I can hear her now, - if she thought we were sad.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23- "You nauseate me! Come on!"
0:47:23 > 0:47:28- We have to try to remember - the happy aspects of Sioned.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- She would want us to be happy - through our sadness.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38- She gave people opportunities - that we could never have dreamed of.
0:47:39 > 0:47:44- Without a doubt, - the foundation that she laid down...
0:47:45 > 0:47:48- ..is something that we will - celebrate for years to come.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52- I have no doubt either - that the name of Sioned James...
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- ..will be exalted for centuries...
0:47:57 > 0:48:00- ..in the world of Welsh - choral singing.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:48:25 > 0:48:26- .