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Press Releases
No singing in the land of song
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As international musicians speak out against the lack of musical opportunities available for children in Wales, Taro Naw (Tuesday 20 March, 91Èȱ¬ Wales on S4C) investigates the recent cutbacks and asks if the Welsh Assembly Government is endangering the future of our young musicians.
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Music is hugely important to Britain's economy and, as English music projects receive funding to develop their youth, Wales is cutting back.
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Two years ago, drastic cuts were made to the Music Development Fund in Wales which was used to finance a huge range of activities from music lessons for children who could not afford them, to rock and pop tuition and therapy for special needs.
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At the same time, a campaign was launched in England, backed by Sir Simon Rattle, Julian Lloyd Webber and former Beatles producer, Sir George Martin, which has since prompted a promise of grants worth £40million over two years to make sure that every child had the chance to learn singing and to enjoy music.
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Former south Glamorgan music adviser, Helena Braithwaite, organised an appeal to the Welsh Assembly Government, to back music activities for children and young people.
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Her letter was signed by world-famous singers Bryn Terfel and Dennis O'Neill, composer Karl Jenkins and successful chart topping bands such as the Super Furry Animals.
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But the campaign fell on deaf ears. The Assembly Government's response took three months to arrive, and the standard letter sent to Helena Braithwaite stated that the money remaining from the Music Development Fund had been sent to the local authorities, and that it was up to them how to spend it.
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International opera star Dennis O'Neill received plenty of support to develop his musical talent whilst growing up in Wales and he talks to the programme about the invaluable benefits.
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"Every child has the right to learn music," Dennis says. "I was given every opportunity at school in Wales and these experiences made my life."
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Catrin Finch, former harpist to the Prince of Wales, is also backing the campaign. She has been deeply disappointed by the Assembly Government's response.
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"To me, music is one of the most important things for young children – it brings people together. We're suppose to be the Land of Song – we won't be if there's no singing here."
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Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, Tregaron and Caramarthen, who have been directly affected by the cuts, also speak out on the programe about the damaging effects.
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Taro Naw, Tuesday 20 March 2007, 8.25pm, 91Èȱ¬ Wales on S4C
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