Solstice Choral Ensemble is a Cardiff based Octet comprised of current students and alumni of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Established in 2022 to expand their love of choral singing, recent performances include the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Festival, and the Sounds Sublime Festival in collaboration with The Sixteen.

This talented chamber choir present an enticing mix of classic and contemporary Christmas music, including oratorios and other choral works intertwined with festive art song.

Our December Christmas choral concert this year features an exciting Cardiff-based
group of current and former graduate students from The Royal Welsh College of
Music and Drama. Solstice was formed at the RWCMD in 2022, by a group of friends
with a shared love of singing together. Each member of the octet has completed
studies in voice and opera, allowing them to explore of a wide range of repertoire,
from early masterpieces of the choral tradition to rich romantic period repertoire, as
well as collaborations with new composers.

Their concert programme is an enticing mix of Christmas music across the ages, with
an international – indeed multilingual flavour! They will sing in Welsh, English,
German, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish – and American! Look out for some familiar
highlights by composers such as Handel, Berlioz, Britten, Barber, Howells & Wolf,
and be prepared to be introduced to some exciting new treats along the way!
We are delighted to welcome the Solstice Ensemble to St Briavels for this
performance, building on Wye Valley Music’s longstanding relationship with
RWCMD. The high standards of performance reflect the quality of training provided
by the prestigious vocal and opera courses that set young talented music students
on their way to successful professional careers.

Recent engagements for the group have been performing at the BBC Cardiff Singer
of the World Fringe Festival, Brecon Choir Festival, and at The Sixteen’s Sounds
Sublime Festival, as well as performances at events in and around Cardiff. The
individuals who make up the group have embarked on successful careers,
performing in solo operatic roles and oratorios, concert performances and in
cathedral and other choirs. Several have a strong interest composition and/or
community music making and outreach work in music education. Some currently
contribute regularly to WVM outreach programmes, helping to bring live music to
children in local schools and performing in Music Memory Cafes and care homes for
dementia sufferers.

Our early December concert is a perfect way to get the festive season underway
(mince pies included!). It has proved very popular in recent years – and I am sure this
year’s concert will be no exception. So do book early to avoid disappointment.