An evening to cherish with Cancer Research Wales

Thanks to everyone who came to support our first ever Cherish concert – an evening to cherish those you love who have been touched by cancer, on 27 November.

The evening began with harpist Cerys Rees playing as each of our 160 guests for the sell-out concert took their seats.

Choral, Classics and Coldplay

Once everyone was seated, Rhydypenau Primary School took to the stage and sang ‘For a Moment’, ‘Viva la Vida’ by Coldplay and ‘Somewhere Only We Know.

Next up, was the singer and songwriter and radio presenter Bronwen Lewis who enthralled everyone with her performances of songs including ‘Ti a Fi’, ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘Calon Lân’.

Cardiff’s Côrdydd choir was next to perform and gave renditions of classics including ‘Pantyfedwen’,’Peace’, ‘O Gymru’, ‘Softly’ and ‘Alleluia’

A Moment to Cherish

That was followed by one of the evening’s highlights - a performance by Lucy Clarke and Cerys Rees of ‘A Moment to Cherish’, which was especially composed for the evening by Lucy.

Introducing the pair, Mari Grug said:

“’A Moment to Cherish’ is a reflective work for alto and harp, exploring the delicate balance between joy and loss. Inspired by Sioned Haf Thomas’s Welsh poem ‘Cerdd i Ffrind’, the text is first sung in its original language before unfolding in English, mirroring the journey of remembrance and understanding.

“The intertwining of voice and harp creates a space of stillness and intimacy, where resonance and silence speak with equal depth. Composed for a performance in aid of Cancer Research Wales, the piece stands as both tribute and meditation - a reminder of the fragility and strength of the human spirit, and of the precious moments that remain with us long after they’ve passed” added Mari Grug.

Uniting Wales against cancer

The concert ended with Rydypenau Primary School returning to accompany Côrdydd in a rousing performance of ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ in which the audience enthusiastically joined in.

Adam Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Research Wales said:

“I would like to thank everyone who came to support and perform at the Cherish concert. It was a wonderful evening and a very moving one at times and a marvellous example of how we can all do our bit to unite Wales against cancer.”