Pianist visit

CELEBRATED international pianist Ivan Ilic has visited Aber-dyfi for the fourth time to perform works from five different composers as part of his latest tour of the UK and Ireland.On Sunday, 1 November, a very appreciative audience at the Neuadd Dyfi were able to hear Ivan Ilic playing music composed by Frederick Chopin, John Metcalf, Alexander Scriabin, Ludwig van Beethoven and Antione Reicha.Serbian-American Ivan Ilic, who is now based in France, said: “I am giving five concerts in Wales as part of my latest tour. “I am including work from Welsh composer John Metcalf — the first public performance of his new work entitled Chant, based on a Welsh folk song.“I have known John Metcalf since 2007 and have played his work before. I am delighted with his new work Chant, and hope to encourage him to write more music for the piano.“I have just released my new CD, which is the result of three years’ research into the life and work of American composer Morton Feldman — a major figure in 20th Century music and part of the New York School of Music. The music is very calm and abstract, with some long, gentle and sensitive pieces.“I am thrilled to be back in Aber-dyfi and I am enjoying meeting up with the friends I have made here over the years.“Aberdyfi is a truly beautiful place and somewhere to relax for a few days before my last concert in London on 5 November“I have happy memories of Aberdyfi and I love the piano at the Neuadd Dyfi hall. “It is a wonderful place for me to rehearse in peace before leaving for my next concert”

WI

THE OCTOBER meeting was opened by president Pauline Jones who chaired the meeting and welcomed the members.Meirion was sung before speaker, Quentin Deakin, accompanied by his wife Liz, began. They gave the group a very interesting and informative talk on garden maintenance by the sea. They live very close to the shore in Tywyn.Quentin taught in a school in Bradford for a number of years then left and took a course in garden design which he loves.He gave members advice on laying out a garden with plenty of shade and shelter and plants specially chosen for their ability to withstand strong sun and winds. Sea thrift, marram grass, sea holly, low growing pampas grass, alpines, fuchsias, roses, tamarisk, hollyhocks and hebes all do well. Artificial shelters are useful to many plants.Ann Brocklehurst, a very keen gardener herself, gave the vote of thanks.The teas were made by Elaine Ewen, Beth Bastock and Nia Webster.The next meeting, the AGM, will take place at 2pm on Wednesday, 25 November in the Neuadd Dyfi.All members are warmly welcome.With no further business, the meeting closed at 3.50pm.Four Seasons —

Part 2

THIS Saturday (7 November) sees the second in a series of four events (Four Seasons) at the English Chapel over this autumn. At 7.30pm, the group will examine a season of history with a fascinating evening looking at the history of Christianity in the local area, in the company of well-known local historian David Roberts. Everyone is welcome: admission is free, with a retiring collection being taken for the refugee crisis.