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0:00:08 > 0:00:13- Hello, good evening - and thank you for joining me.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- I can't wait - to meet tonight's guests.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- There's a young girl - with a future in singing.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- There's also an older lady who has - proved her talents on the stage.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- First, I'll chat with a young man...
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- ..who belongs to - a very famous choir.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- It's the tenor, Wyn Davies.
0:00:40 > 0:00:46- You have established yourself - as a well-known singer, Wyn...
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- ..but I'm sure - you've always been singing.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- Yes, I was lucky.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- I'm originally from Creunant - near Neath.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Music was important in the village.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- I went to chapel on a Sunday...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..and that's where - I first encountered music.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- I'd go to Sunday School twice a day - and to chapel in the night...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..which is a typically Welsh thing - to do.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- The chapel is where - I first heard harmonies.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- When you come across it at a young - age, it becomes almost instinctive.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- I can identify with music.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- You learn how to harmonise - as a result of hymn singing.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- Wales is lucky to boast - a tradition of choral singing...
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- ..and we all harmonise - at rugby matches or in the pub!
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- Is that still true today?
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- I think music is still important - to the Welsh.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49- It's also important - that we show the wonders of music...
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- ..and that music can be exciting - and enjoyed by the young.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- It's in our blood.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- You don't only sing - but play an instrument too.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- Yes, for many years I was a member - of the Ystradgynlais brass band.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- I played the flugelhorn - but started on the second cornet...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..and did the oompahs - on the off beats!
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- I worked my way up - to the flugelhorn...
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- ..and played solos - at the National Eisteddfod.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- Christmas was always wonderful - in the brass band.
0:02:24 > 0:02:30- We'd go out in our fingerless gloves - to raise money for charity.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- Nothing beats - a brass band at Christmas.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- Christmas isn't Christmas - unless there's a brass band.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- I do play the trumpet at home...
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- ..but my girlfriend doesn't like it - when the trumpet comes out!
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- I've got a ukulele too.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- Do you plan to do - anything with them?
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- My playing isn't fit for anything - but we'll wait and see.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- Say no more.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- I believe you used to sing - in various choirs in the village.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09- Yes, I was in chapel and went - to Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera school...
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- ..which is a very musical school.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- We had a lot of opportunities - to perform, sing and act.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- I competed in the Urdd Eisteddfod - as a soloist and with the choirs.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- Were you successful?
0:03:24 > 0:03:30- Yes, but I only got to the stage - once when I was in primary school.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- I was more successful - in secondary school.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- I wouldn't be sitting here today - if it wasn't for the Eisteddfod.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- Was that when you joined - the Youth Choir of Wales?
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Yes, but when I started - secondary school...
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- ..it wasn't cool for boys to sing, - so I didn't sing for two years!
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- However, I started singing again and - joined the Youth Choir of Wales...
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- ..after a successful audition.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- It was where I met Tim Rhys-Evans.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09- That meeting and your lessons with - Tim led you into Only Men Aloud.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- Yes, but I almost didn't make it - to my first singing lesson.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- Tim gave me his address and I went - on my bike like a typical student.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- I found the street - but forgot the house number.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- I cycled up and down it - trying to remember the number.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Thankfully, - I heard someone playing a piano.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- It's thanks to that piano - that I'm a part of Only Men Aloud.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- I'm just grateful that Tim - is heavy-handed on the piano!
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- It's excellent - to be part of Only Men.
0:04:42 > 0:04:49- I've got a clip of when the choir - sang on my programme in 2005.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Let's remind ourselves of it.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- # Goodnight
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- # Don't get late
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- # Goodnight
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- # Don't get late
0:05:07 > 0:05:14- # Goodnight #
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- Oh, that was lovely - and you made a wonderful sound.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- It's a beautiful song too.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- It's a beautiful song too.- - Yes, it is.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- We haven't performed it since then - so we should dig out our copies.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29- Yes, it's a great song.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35- You mentioned that it wasn't cool to - be in a choir when you were young.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- It's quite the opposite these days - and Only Men changed that...
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- ..and young boys have joined Only - Boys Aloud so it's very cool now.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- Yes, we were lucky - to build up a profile...
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- ..and show that choirs can be cool.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- We formed Only Boys Aloud...
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- ..and have 200 boys attending weekly - meetings of Welsh male voice choirs.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- That's wonderful.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Do you coach and teach - any of the boys?
0:06:07 > 0:06:12- Each Only Boys Aloud choir is taught - by two members of Only Men Aloud.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- I go on a Monday and Wednesday - and we have two groups each.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- My groups in Cwmbran and Aberdare - are the best!
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Of course, - but you've got to say that.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Has being in Only Men - changed your life?
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- It's great to see boys develop - and learn about music.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- I studied Pharmacy - and am a qualified pharmacist...
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- ..but that changed after we won - Last Choir Standing in 2008.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- It was amazing to see you - and Glanaethwy in the final.
0:06:47 > 0:06:53- Yes, two Welsh choirs on the BBC - in a Saturday night primetime slot.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- The final - had about 12 million viewers.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- This was a programme about choirs.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- This was a programme about choirs.- - And the best were from Wales!
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- Yes, it proves that the Welsh - can do at least one thing right.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- What are you doing at the moment?
0:07:10 > 0:07:16- I've done a lot of presenting - on television and radio...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..and worked with - Only Boys Aloud and Only Kids Aloud.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Only Men Aloud - is still recording and touring...
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- ..but I've always loved - classical music and opera.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34- I hope to develop as a soloist - in that field.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- That's my current aim.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- I'm sure you'll do it, Wyn.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- Thank you. It's been a pleasure - to have your company.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Thank you for asking me.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- Earlier, I mentioned - a promising young girl.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- Without further ado, - please welcome Siwan Franey.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Hello, how are you?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Hello, how are you?- - Hello, Siwan.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- It's nice to meet you. - Please sit down.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09- Thank you.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- Your name is Siwan Franey. - It's very unusual.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Siwan is obviously a Welsh name.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- My father's from Ireland - and Franey is an Irish name.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- I think it makes - a wonderful stage name.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- It's definitely different!
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- It's definitely different!- - And very memorable.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Have you done a lot of singing?
0:08:36 > 0:08:41- I started singing when I was five - and love singing and performing.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- I competed locally - and won various trophies...
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- ..at Talybont and Llanuwchllyn.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- I can't believe the Talybont - Eisteddfod is still going!
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- Did you compete in the Urdd?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Yes, until I went to university.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- What do you do now?
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- I'm a classroom assistant - at Ysgol Bro Ddyfi in Machynlleth...
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- ..and help one pupil.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- Do you support a child - with special requirements?
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Yes, and I'm on hand - for general support.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- I try to boost self-confidence - and assist with school work.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Does your work involve - any creative singing?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- Yes, we do a bit.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- I also help with the musicals - and Christmas shows.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- You must be in your element - when you do those.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Are musicals more your forte?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Yes, I had a lead role in the - school's production of Grease.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- I was either in Year 7 or Year 8.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- I also did Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid - which was an amazing experience.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- I joined Ysgol Theatr Maldwyn - and we did Nia Ben Aur.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- That's a wonderful show - with the beautiful song, Cwsg Osian.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- What song did you record for us - in Llanelli?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Dyrchefir Fi.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- I can't wait to hear it.
0:10:30 > 0:10:37- # When I am down - and, oh my soul, so weary
0:10:37 > 0:10:44- # When troubles come - and my heart burdened be
0:10:45 > 0:10:52- # Then, I am still - and wait here in the silence
0:10:53 > 0:11:00- # Until you come - and sit awhile with me
0:11:00 > 0:11:07- # You raise me up, - so I can stand on mountains
0:11:07 > 0:11:14- # You raise me up, - to walk on stormy seas
0:11:15 > 0:11:22- # I am strong, - when I am on your shoulders
0:11:22 > 0:11:29- # You raise me up, - to more than I can be
0:11:48 > 0:11:55- # There is no life - - no life without its hunger
0:11:55 > 0:12:02- # Each restless heart - beats so imperfectly
0:12:02 > 0:12:09- # But when you come - and I am filled with wonder
0:12:10 > 0:12:16- # Sometimes, - I think I glimpse eternity
0:12:17 > 0:12:24- # You raise me up, - so I can stand on mountains
0:12:24 > 0:12:31- # You raise me up, - to walk on stormy seas
0:12:32 > 0:12:39- # I am strong, - when I am on your shoulders
0:12:39 > 0:12:46- # You raise me up - to more than I can be
0:12:50 > 0:12:57- # You raise me up, - so I can stand on mountains
0:12:57 > 0:13:03- # You raise me up, - to walk on stormy seas
0:13:04 > 0:13:11- # I am strong, - when I am on your shoulders
0:13:12 > 0:13:18- # You raise me up - to more than I can be
0:13:19 > 0:13:25- # You raise me up, - so I can stand on mountains
0:13:25 > 0:13:31- # You raise me up, - to walk on stormy seas
0:13:32 > 0:13:40- # I am strong, - when I am on your shoulders
0:13:40 > 0:13:47- # You raise me up - to more than I can be
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- # You raise me up
0:13:55 > 0:14:02- # To more than I can be #
0:14:08 > 0:14:09- .
0:14:13 > 0:14:13- Subtitles
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- We've already chatted - and listened to some singers.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Next, we're going to chat - and listen to someone...
0:14:27 > 0:14:33- ..who is a popular accompanist - that regularly appears on S4C.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Welcome to Annette Bryn Parri.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Welcome to Annette Bryn Parri.- - Thank you, Margaret.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- We know you were born - in Deiniolen.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- I'm sure you've been playing the - piano since before you can remember.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- I had my first lesson - when I was five.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- I was fortunate to go to school - at Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi...
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- ..where Welsh musicals - were very popular.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- I competed in the Urdd and won - in the county and at the National.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- The winners went to the Albert Hall.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07- The winners went to the Albert Hall.- - Oh, right.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- I remember being - a ten-year-old in school...
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- ..and we all went - to the Albert Hall.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- That was when I decided - what I wanted to do.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- I didn't know anything about that.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- You were one - of the youngest accompanists...
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- ..of the National Eisteddfod.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- That's what they tell me - but I'm not sure if it's true.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- I was 15 when I started competing - at the local eisteddfodau...
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- ..and was also an accompanist - at the Bethel Eisteddfod.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- When did you win the Blue Riband?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- When did you win the Blue Riband?- - It was two years later.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- This was after - you'd been an accompanist.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- I was invited - to be an accompanist...
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- ..at the Eisteddfod on Anglesey.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Walter Glynne was taken ill...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- ..and he put my name forward.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- I was still at college in Manchester - and I was over the moon.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- You've not only accompanied - premier artists...
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- ..but you've performed - to major celebrities too...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- ..such as Andrew Lloyd Webber.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26- Yes, I know.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- When was that?
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- I was accompanying - Aled Jones at the time.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- He came to me for piano lessons - when he was a boy.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- He started singing - at Bangor Cathedral...
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- ..and rose to fame so everyone - wanted him to sing for them.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- His mother and father - phoned my house one night...
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- ..and asked if I was willing - to play for him in London.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- I agreed to it straight away.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- The next thing I knew, - we went to Kensington Palace.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- As you do!
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Yes, and I remember - arriving at the gates.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- I didn't know - who was going to be there...
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- ..other than - the Prince and Lady Diana...
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- ..and they were the only ones - in the room!
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- Aled and I - performed four or five songs...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- ..to the pair of them.
0:17:25 > 0:17:31- They told us how much they had - enjoyed Aled's performance.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- They asked us both some questions.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40- The Prince turned to me and asked, - "Would you like a drink?"
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- I didn't know what to say, Margaret.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- Should I ask for tea - or sparkling water?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- "What are you having?" I asked.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- He said he was having a G&T.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- "Oh, I'll join you," I said.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- Aled was only a young boy - so he was given a glass of water.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- He only went - and kicked the glass over!
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Fair play to Diana, - she wiped it up and said...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- "The boys do that all the time. - Don't worry."
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- You mentioned Andrew Lloyd Webber.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23- The following day, we went - to Andrew Lloyd Webber's flat.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- I had to play Memory.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- I was so nervous about playing - the accompaniment to his own song.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32- Was this for Aled?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- Was this for Aled?- - Yes, that's right.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- We performed the song and he was - the only one in the room with us.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41- The door opened.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- A lady stood there in a towel - and she had another on her head.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- It was Sarah Brightman - and she had got out of the shower...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- ..because she had heard - Aled singing.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- "That was beautiful," she said.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- She was so kind.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- I haven't experienced anything - like those two days again...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..because they were all so famous.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07- It was almost unreal.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- It was almost unreal.- - Yes, exactly.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I remember inviting you - to the studio in 1995...
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- ..to perform a duet - with another legendary accompanist.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- It's the late genius, Bryan Davies.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- He was my best friend - from this field in the whole world.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- Let's remind ourselves of when the - pair of you performed at the piano.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- That item was totally brilliant, - Annette.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- I remember it - as if it were yesterday.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Bryan and I were true friends.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- He was a real genius.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- He was a real genius.- - Oh, yes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- I remember when we went to Austria.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- We were both accompanists - on a series with Bryn at the time.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- We went to Austria together - and had such fun in one of the pubs.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- Yes, he was just like that.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Yes, he was just like that.- - We laughed so much.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- Having said that, - he was a fantastic accompanist.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- He was a true genius.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- He knew the stories - behind the compositions...
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- ..the songs and lieder.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- I learnt so much - from just being in his company.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32- I really miss him and can't think - of him as the late, Bryan Davies.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- I know that - you've also done some singing...
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- ..and you sang with Marina and Olwen - in Genod Ty'r Ysgol.
0:21:41 > 0:21:47- I don't sing any more, Margaret, - and never sang as a solo artist...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..but I was happy - to sing with my sisters.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- I remember asking you - to sing backing vocals for me.
0:21:55 > 0:22:01- You had to leave Deiniolen - before dawn to get to me in London.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- We had to catch the train - from Bangor at 5.00am.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- What time did you leave Deiniolen?
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- What time did you leave Deiniolen?- - I think it was 4.00am.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- We got up at 3.30am and - left at 3.45am to catch the train.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- We arrived in London - and went straight to the studio...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- ..where you were waiting.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- The three of us said that - Joan Collins was waiting for us!
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- We sang ten songs - which was a lot in one go!
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- It was a real honour for us - to come to London...
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- ..and sing backing vocals - on such a popular series.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- I remember - when the three of us left.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Our mouths were dry - after singing all day.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- We went to a steak house...
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- ..for some wine and a steak - before catching the train home.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06- I want to close by thanking you - for our chat.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- My thanks to Wyn, Siwan - and you at home for your company.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- I hope you join me - same time, same place, next week.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- We leave you with the - unique sound of Genod Ty'r Ysgol.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Goodnight.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- # The melody is so enchanting
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- # Pure sounds
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- # You will hear
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- # When the hour comes
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- # And the dawn breaks
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- # There is only one
0:23:47 > 0:23:54- # In my free heart #
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis