Name: VRï
Start: 2024-06-02T20:00:00+01:00
Location: Acapela Studio

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VRï are three young men from deepest, darkest chapel-going Wales who have mined the cultural upheaval of past centuries and drawn inspiration from the incredible story of a time when Wales’ traditional music and dance was suppressed by Methodist chapels, and, earlier, its language by the Act of Union. As audio archaeologists, VRï have unearthed long-lost nuggets that shed a new light on a vibrant folk tradition that harnesses the raw energy of the fiddle with the finesse of the violin, the beauty of chamber music with the joy and hedonism of a pub session. Their songs, sung with powerful vocal harmonies, tell stories of the people who struggled 200 years ago, just as many struggle today. It’s a wonderful and unique soundscape that connects across the centuries to give us a sense of belonging, of community, and a magical feeling of weightlessness and uplifting freedom.
VRï’s 2019 debut album ‘Ty Ein Tadau’ (House Of Our Fathers) received a 5* review in Songlines magazine and numerous awards nominations and wins. Their new album ‘islais a genir’ (a sung whisper) releases on the bendigedig label in October 2022.
The name VRï is a word in the Welsh language meaning ‘above’, ‘aloft’, ‘floating’…or simply ‘Up’, with the spelling inspired by Hen Gymraeg (Old Welsh). It describes the sensation of playing this kind of vocal & instrumental chamber music – all six voices independently interacting with one another, without the presence of any kind of ‘anchor’ or safety ropes (be those anchors rhythmic like a drum kit, or melodic such as fretted or keyboard instruments). It’s an experience that is equally exhilarating and terrifying for the performers…and hopefully engaging for the listener!
VRï are Jordan Price Williams (cello, voice), Aneirin Jones (violin, voice) and Patrick Rimes (viola, violin, voice).
‘This is a landmark in Welsh Music’ ANDREW CRONSHAW, ROOTSWORLD
‘A primal roar of Welshness’ 4*, NATHANIEL HARDY, SONGLINES
‘Full of the fervent energy of these three players, this is ingenious ‘chamber trad’, something brand new for Wales.’ Georgia Ruth, RADIO CYMRU