Penarth Book Festival news: Town to get a flavour of the Welsh Proms (From Penarth Times)

Penarth Book Festival news: Town to get a flavour of the Welsh Proms

4:40pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in News

WORLD-RENOWNED orchestral conductor and founder of the Cardiff Welsh Proms, Owain Arwel Hughes, will be one of the guest speakers at the Penarth Book Festival this month.

In a career spanning 40 years, Hughes has conducted and recorded many of the world's leading orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Orchestre National de Lille.

His considerable achievements and contribution to music have been marked with honorary doctorates and fellowships at nine universities and conservatoires; while in 2004 in recognition of his services to music and charity he was awarded an OBE, followed in January 2009 by the CBE.

The visit is part of a tour to mark the recent release of Owain Arwel Hughes: My Life in Music, which tells the life story of Cardiff-born Hughes who, thanks to his extraordinary musical talent, became one of the world's most distinguished conductors.

The book tells, with humour and affection, of the intrigues and challenges that come with life as a public figure and is peppered with anecdotes and incidents from Hughes's fascinating life.

"We are delighted that Owain Arwel Hughes has agreed to come to the festival. He will be speaking at 2pm on Tuesday, October 30, in the beautiful mezzanine area of All Saints Church," said Anne Hallett of The Windsor Book Shop, one of the festival organisers.

"We are looking forward to it immensely and hope he will share wonderful stories about working with stars including Pavarotti, Shirley Bassey and more!"

Tickets are £4 for this and many more author events during the festival (Oct 29 to Nov 4), and can be purchased through the Windsor Bookshop, or the Ticket Hotline 07787 848337.

For more information visit the website www.penarthbookfestival.org.uk

 

IN the build-up to Penarth Book Festival, a children's writing competition attracted more than 150 entries.

Winner of the Year 6 category was Lily Sellick, with her story The Flamingo and the Frog...

The Flamingo and the Frog, by Lily Sellick (Year 6)

SALLY the glamorous flamingo had everything a film star flamingo should have, beautiful pink feathers, a tropical island lake, all the fish she could eat and Sally was attractive too! There was one thing Sally didn't have, L.O.V.E...

Sally has starred in all the classics: Sally Potter, Beverly Hills Flamingo, Lord of the Flamingos and more. She has her own range of pink feather boas and just released her single that went to the top of the charts.

One bright day Sally was standing on one leg in her luxury lake soaking up the glorious sunshine when an emerald green frog hopped right over her head!

"What do you think you are doing!" Sally exclaimed. The frog turned and they stood gazing into each other's eyes for a few seconds, instantly falling in love.

Sally was the happiest she could be, however what would the parrotazzi say about Sally Brandon dating a frog? Their first date was a candlelit dinner in the rainforest. The frog's name was Dave, he works as a plumber but was once cursed by a witch to be a slimy frog. The only cure was to find true love's kiss. His dream is to be a pop star.

They had a great evening but in the morning it was all over the rainforest! They went for a walk on the beach and as the sun was setting along the horizon, they kissed. Suddenly, a puff of pink smoke, and a tall, handsome flamingo stood there - it was Dave!

They married and were the hottest couple in show business! Dave formed a flamingoband called Pink and became a teen sensation. They had three chicks and a happy family. Sally is no longer lonely and has found her perfect partner.