Care home residents were moved to tears during an unforgettable performance by an aspiring opera star.<\/p>\n
Residents and staff at Pendine Park\u2019s Bryn Bella care home in Wrexham danced and sang along as Flint mezzo soprano Rhian-Carys Jones belted out an eclectic mix of songs.<\/p>\n
She performed everything from Abba to Elvis to Whitney Houston, beloved Welsh hymn Calon L\u0203n and stirring opera classics.<\/p>\n
The event was held as part of a series of special celebrations to mark Pendine Park\u2019s 40th anniversary.<\/p>\n
Resident Julia Beavan said she was blown away by the singer, adding: \u201cI would love to be able to sing like this, she makes it look so effortless.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love music, and these songs are very evocative. One song has reminded me of my little niece, another of my mother. Music brings back a lot of memories for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 20 residents and staff attended the home\u2019s Seren lounge for the musical performance.<\/p>\n
Activities Co-ordinator Elaine Lee said that everyone had enjoyed listening to the beautiful voice of Rhian-Carys.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cOur residents all love musical performances. It has been a while since we had an opera singer here and she has wowed us all. She really does have a beautiful voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been fantastic and we have all really enjoyed ourselves. You can see the happy reactions in residents, and you can see even in residents who are non-verbal that they recognise the songs and are having a great time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park\u2019s consultant artist-in-residence, said: \u201cOur residents love to engage with live music and it really helps to enhance their well-being.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were approached by Rhian-Carys so we invited her in to sing for us as we knew she would be a real hit with our residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is a fantastic singer with prestigious qualifications and we are truly honoured to have her singing here for us as part of our 40th year celebrations. It was a wonderful performance and she definitely has a bright future ahead of her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rhian-Carys was delighted with the response to her hour-long performance. She said: \u201cEverybody got involved and really enjoyed themselves which was so lovely to see.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also work as a senior home carer so I know how special music can be to home residents and those with disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing people happy and enjoying my performance is magical. If what I do makes people happy then I am happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old has twice performed with renowned Welsh bass-baritone opera and concert singer Sir Bryn Terfel, leaving her \u2018star-struck\u2019 on both occasions.<\/p>\n
She has been studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff for the past six years, and her budding singing career is going from strength-to-strength as she has now been offered a place at the prestigious David Seligman opera school in Cardiff starting at the end of this month.<\/p>\n
Rhian-Carys said: \u201cThis is an incredible opportunity that will allow me to refine my skills and take the next step in my career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Due to the significant costs involved in the programme Rhian-Carys has set up a Go Fund Me appeal to help cover part of her tuition fees.<\/p>\n
To support her you can visit <\/strong>https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/f\/david-seligman-opera-school-fees<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n