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A fantastic Festival was held in 2007, with dancing and signing in abundance during the week. There were many highlights during the seven days - Ruthin on Stage, the Jazz evening, Senior Citizens Concert, Glanaethwy Concert and, of course, Top of Town - all reaching the high notes, with tickets completely sold out!
The Festival began with a special concert, 'Ruthin on Stage', with nearly 300 youngsters performing on stage during the evening. From the younger age group, at Borthyn, Pen Barras, Rhos Street and Ruthin Junior Schools, to the older youngsters, Ysgol Brynhyfryd and Aelwyd and Adran Rhuthun, the stage was filled. A variety of performances were enjoyed, comprising of an action song, musicals, soloists, instrumentalists, the sounds of large African drums, an instrumental ensemble including our national instrument, the harp, altogether offering a wonderful evening of entertainment. The high standard of the evening was second to none, and a huge round of applause showed the audience's appreciation at the end of the evening. The Festival's gratitude goes to all performers, plus teachers and tutors who worked so hard to bring these youngsters to the stage.
By now, the evening assigned to jazz during Festival week is well established. North Wales Jazz Society works with the Festival committee to entice the best from the jazz world to Ruthin Castle to entertain the crowd. All the tickets were sold out by the time contemporary saxophonist, Dave O'Higgins with Bill Coleman's band featuring Brian Dee on the keyboards captivated the audience. It was a privilege to extend a warm welcome to such a famous and versatile person in his field to Ruthin. The crowd was enthused by the performance and there was high praise to the evening's entertainment.
Ensemble Cymru, an instrumental group came to Canolfan Awelon, Ruthin this year, to charm the elderly during the afternoon. To the accompaniment of miserable rain outside, indoors the afternoon's spirits were raised with a variety of music from the classical to the modern, hosted by a trio of clarinet, viola and piano. With Ensemble Cymru located at Bangor, it was great to welcome Peryn Clement-Evans, the artistic Director of the company, to lead the concert, and to demonstrate his talent on the clarinet. It was good to see 80 of the elderly citizens of Ruthin - including the disabled - enjoying live music.
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