Bangor Cathedral Unveils Weekly Arts Series 'Doniau' in Partnership with Storiel
A vibrant new weekly arts series, named Doniau, is set to launch at Bangor Cathedral this March, bringing together a diverse array of musicians, poets, and writers in one of North Wales's most historic and iconic settings. This initiative is delivered in collaboration with Storiel, Bangor's renowned museum and arts centre, reflecting a shared commitment to enriching the city's cultural landscape and providing accessible opportunities for audiences to experience high-quality arts locally.
Series Launch and Event Details
Doniau officially launched this week with a captivating recital from the Cathedral's own organist, Martin Brown, setting the tone for a series that promises to span the full spectrum of the arts. While the Cathedral's majestic environment might suggest a classical focus, the programme is designed to be inclusive and varied, featuring everything from acoustic folk and spoken word poetry to literature and organ music. This diversity underscores the Cathedral's dedication to opening up the arts and making them freely available to everyone in the community.
All events in the Doniau series will commence at 1.15pm, with doors opening from 12.30pm to allow attendees to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists before each performance. Entry is completely free for all events, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation. The series builds on the success of previous collaborations, such as February's Atgyfodi'r Atgyfodiad, which reworked the first electric rock concert held at the Cathedral in the early 1970s as part of last year's Bangor 1500 celebrations.
March Line-Up Highlights
The March schedule offers something for every artistic taste, with a lineup that showcases both local and international talent. On Thursday, March 12, Australian Gnostic folk singer Adam Geoffrey Cole, performing under the name Trappist Afterland, will join forces with Welsh Music Prize winner Gareth Bonello, also known as The Gentle Good, in a concert presented in partnership with Storiel. Tickets for this special performance are available via Storiel's website.
The programme continues on March 19 when the Dean of Bangor, Dr Manon Ceridwen James, shares poetry from her new book, Notes from a Eucharistic Life, offering a personal and literary touch. The month concludes on March 26 with a recital by local pianist Dr Tristian Evans, highlighting the area's homegrown creative prowess. This series not only celebrates artistic diversity but also strengthens the cultural ties between Bangor Cathedral and Storiel.
Community and Cultural Impact
Dean of Bangor Cathedral, Manon Ceridwen James, expressed enthusiasm for the launch, stating: "We are delighted to be launching Doniau and to welcome the wider community into the Cathedral in this way. The programme represents some of the breadth of the arts and the creative talent both from the area and that we can attract to north Wales. The series reflects our ongoing commitment to the arts in Bangor, and we hope it will become a valued part of the city's cultural life. We are particularly delighted to be partnering with Storiel on the concert with Adam Cole and Gareth Bonello and hope this will be the first of several such collaborations."
Rhys Lloyd Jones, engagement and learning officer at Storiel, added: "It's wonderful to once again work in partnership with Bangor Cathedral on an ambitious cultural project for the people of Bangor and the surrounding area. As part of last year's Bangor 1500 celebrations, it was a joy to be one of the opening events of the festivities. Doniau will allow Storiel, the Museum and Gallery of Gwynedd, which is also celebrating its 10-year anniversary, to work alongside our creative partners in Bangor and bring a host of music and cultural events for all to enjoy."
This partnership aims to foster distinctive artistic experiences that resonate with audiences in Bangor and beyond, reinforcing the city's status as a cultural hub in North Wales. With free entry and a welcoming atmosphere, Doniau is poised to become a cherished addition to the local arts scene, inviting everyone to partake in the rich tapestry of creative expression.
