SIWSANN GEORGE

Bringing Welsh song to the world, Siwsann is renowned for her deeply moving performances of the music of her land. Raised in the Rhondda Valley, she graduated at Aberystwyth and at the Welsh College of Music and Drama.
As founder member and lead singer of number one roots music band Mabsant, Siwsann has sung on four continents, accompanying herself on harp, guitar, concertina and spoons, her tours including much work on behalf of The British Council.

Described as "a superb voice of great emotional power" her research, publication of folksong, reports of her travels for radio, teaching work, competition and recording successes have all won her great acclaim. In 1985 and 1992, she was adjudicator for the BBC's "Song of Wales"contest and for the Celtavision in 1992 and 1993 in Ireland.

Siwsann's "finely woven voice with a gilded edge"can often be heard as theme music on film and television Her 1994 solo CD "Traditional Songs of Wales" (Saydisc) was a landmark in her own career and in the history of Welsh music, and has been followed by her appearances at major venues such as The Purcell Room, St Albans' Organ Festival and the RSC's Swan Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon.

Siwsann George Welsh Road Show (SGWRS)

The Welsh tradition - on the move!

Stories, songs, dances, tunes Festivals, celebrations, communities, presentations Schools:

National Curriculum tailor-made shows & workshops

SGWRS (Welsh for 'chat', conversation) brings together professional performers in the major traditions of story, song, dance and instrumental musk. We create the show for the audience - of any age, on any occasion. Whether it's for a school in Wales or Italy; for adult visitors here or festivals abroad we'll design a show to suit your needs.

With your choice of theme or reason to celebrate, a large event may contain all four traditions; a small evening gathering just stories and song, or you might try a one day voice or clogging workshop, whether you are aged six or a teacher on INSET training.
SGWRS was formed to fill a need for a flexible, mobile demonstration of Welsh culture. To do this we have already developed acts with leading performers who form an experienced team, versatile in meeting differing tastes and styles.
Shows can be in Welsh or English and be combined with workshops dealing with requirements set in Key Stages I & 2 of Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig to learning to tell stories - just like your 'mamgu' used to!

"SGWRS set the theme for our launch brilliantly ...uniqu-ely Welsh and focused on the renewal of community life"

Dr Neil Caidwell, Director, The Prince's Trust-Bro

Since our beginning in I995 SGWRS has performed to audiences at home and abroad, including S4C and BBC broadcasts and representing Wales on behalf of The British Council in Virginia, USA. From 3000 children in nine schools in North East Wales to 18,000 in a community festival in Galicia - from entertaining visiting Belgians in Cardiff to playing in their own country.

Performers who have lent their skills to SGWRS include:
o Siwsann George (singer, instrumentalist)
o Megan Lloyd, Michael Harvey, Robin Williamson (storytellers)
o Carol Loughlin, Catrin Lewis Defis. Sioned Roberts (clog-dancers)
o Roger Plater, Stacey Blythe, Iolo Jones (instrumentalists)
Many of these performers also appear on the BBC Education series "Welsh Folk Songs" broadcast Summer term 1997. based on Siwsann's 'Traditional Songs of Wales' (Saydisc CD-406 & Past Times), her first solo album following her world-wide performances and recordings with Welsh Roots Band MABSANT, Siwsann, a fully-trained teacher, is also author of 'Caradog y Coblyn Cas" (Gomer: book & storytape), now also a feature of live performances by SGWRS.

"An enthralling evening of stories, songs and tunes' .................. Alan Bearman, Artistic Director, Sidmouth International Festival

"a brilliant package of entertainment" ..................... Narberth Children's Festival

For a SGWRS information pack and costs:
SIWSANN GEORGE at: 26 Bassett St. Abercynon CF45 4SP TEL/FAX: 01443 - 742370