THE Welsh Proms kicked off with a weekend of music for all the family at St David’s Hall, with the Classical Extravaganza on Saturday night and the Family Prom on Sunday afternoon.

Owain Arwel Hughes CBE – founder of the Welsh proms and conductor for most of the week’s concerts – seemed overjoyed to see an almost full house and receive a standing ovation at the opening night, which featured the Philharmonia Orchestra.

They treated the audience to a wide range of well-known music by some of the world’s greatest composers, including Verdi’s Grand March from Aida and excerpts from Tchakiovsky’s Swan Lake and ending with his 1812 Overture.

On Sunday afternoon it was wonderful to see the hall filled with young families, many no doubt enjoying their first taste of a classical music concert.

Compered by the Welsh tenor Wynne Evans, who has achieved fame as the ‘opera star’ Gio Compario in the TV advertising campaign, the hour-long concert was given the style of an awards ceremony.
Wynne entertainingly explained the sections of the orchestra to the young audience and handed over awards ‘no expense spared’ to different instruments.

There was plenty to keep the youngsters entertained during the pieces by the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Michael Bell, with characters such as Darth Vader appearing during the Star Wars music by John Williams.

Other popular pieces included Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King and Under the Stars from Lion King.

It was a great introduction to classical music for old and young alike – and the two concerts bode well for the feast of music to follow later this week!