By Chantelle Constable
For the ladies of Athena, music is in their blood and destiny. Gwawr, whose father was a successful soloist; Ellen, whose mother was a renowned concert harpist; and Sioned, whose grandfather used to lead the singing and worship in the chapel on a Sunday. All three began performing at a young age, and for each, a career in music was an inevitable course to follow.
Together they produce unique arrangements of classical crossover standards, such as crowd-favorite ‘Nella Fantasia’ and a new ‘[Shirley] Bassey Medley’ created especially for the trio. All three have released solo work, but as of October 2018 they are celebrating the release of the group’s debut album, ‘Encore.’
Both the names ‘Athena’ and ‘Encore’ were chosen for their familiarity with people of all languages. Ellen says, “We chose the name Athena: the Greek Goddess was known for her many admirable qualities that we as a group of women hope to represent: she was known for her intelligence and bravery, was well respected by all, and was all in all a strong independent woman!”
Wales and Welsh music play a leading role in each of the women’s lives and careers. All three grew up performing in the national singing competition known as the Eisteddfod, and have had stage roles featuring music by or telling the life story of Welsh composers.
Ellen, The Minstrel in the Welsh premiere of Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Bards of Wales’; Sioned, the part of Welsh composer Morfydd Owen, in a touring theatre production (shortly after Ellen played the role, prior to their meeting and collaboration); Gwawr, the lead female role in a new opera written in Welsh based on a historical novel called ‘Wythnos yng Nghymru fydd’ written by Gareth Glyn and Mererid Hopwood.
Gwawr comments, “It’s practically unavoidable not to be influenced by Welsh music and culture as you grow up in Wales. It’s such a small country but SO incredibly rich in its musical and cultural traditions. We really are a very wealthy nation and we are so proud of our heritage. The desire to create, to compete and to learn was often done on a public stage in Wales and that is a very strong influence in the life of a performer, for sure.”
In addition to Shirley Bassey, whom the trio admires greatly, Sioned cites Dame Jessye Norman and Ella Fitzgerald as influences. “I love the way in which [Ella] could effectively mimic an instrument and incorporate it into a song.” Dream collaborations include Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé. On Encore, Athena represents their individual passions well, with a broad variety of Welsh folk, operatic arias, and Great American Songbook standards. Athena creates their own arrangements, and while valuable time together is spent rehearsing rather than writing, they are open to the possibility of writing their own music someday.
Gwawr, Ellen, and Sioned rehearse individually as some are separated by distance and some are leading busy personal lives as mothers, not to mention active solo performers. Skype and Whatsapp help them coordinate online rehearsals, and they meet in advance before a concert to run through the set list.
I asked the women what they believe sets music apart from the other arts and holds value for the 21st century?
Ellen quoted Victor Hugo: “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” and Sioned added, “It brings people together, it is emotive and holds a lot of power. It provides escapism, comfort, it can soothe and it can even reason with us at times I think, but it can also empower – all good tools for dealing with 21st-century life!”
Speaking of the hassle of modern life, all three admit to struggling with finding an appropriate work-life-family balance. Ellen enjoys Pilates, cooking, and scuba when she has the opportunity; Gwawr makes time for yoga, and Sioned says, “a lovely massage, some scented candles, a manicure – that’s my ideal day off!”
As a child, Ellen was fascinated with travel and different cultures and says, “I’m still hugely intrigued by culture and tradition and we’re lucky that what we do takes us all over the world to meet new people and explore new places.” Gwawr also says, “It’s always a privilege to take your own music somewhere new and it’s particularly special for me to be able to present Welsh music, on which I was raised, to new audiences worldwide.”
In conclusion, Sioned has this to say, “I think our aim, and I’m sure I speak for all three of us… is to bring our own particular sound to as many different audiences as possible and to leave them feeling that they’ve been on a journey, that they’ve escaped the daily grind, have been entertained, inspired and thrilled by our music.”
Visit their official website: athenatrio.com
Check out John Harvey’s concert review
*Photos thanks to Sheri Bankes Photography