Newsletter - 2008

Last November saw the 20^th anniversary of the Mansel Thomas Trust and in review we noted that much had been achieved since the Trust’s foundation.  The collecting and collating of the composer’s manuscripts continues as, from time to time, further manuscripts are received to enlarge the archive, much of which has been transferred to a permanent location at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.

In the meantime, the very important project of copying the enormous corpus of music is being maintained, but now that grant awards to the Trust have been expended we are urgently seeking donations and grants in order to fund the remaining copying process.  With a majority of works now brought into print, attention is focussed on the orchestral / band accompaniments to the vocal and choral titles – essential ingredients for the proper performance of so much of this significant repertoire.  All donations and suggestions for funding will be much appreciated.

We are especially encouraged by the increasing sales of Trust publications which are helping to secure greater frequency of performances of Mansel Thomas’s music in concerts throughout the UK and also on BBC television and radio.  We are also delighted to hear that his works are being performed regularly in USA, Canada and Australia, and that UK singers and choirs travelling abroad continue to be amongst his most valuable ambassadors.  In addition, we are glad to know that several of his songs are included in the current Singing Syllabus of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations, and that even more have been chosen in  the 2009/10 syllabus.

As usual, the full list of music titles by Mansel Thomas in print can be viewed in catalogues, either online or in hard copy (available free from the Trust address).  Enquiries and orders for hire material are also handled by the Trust; retail and inspection copies of all publications are supplied by our printer, Banks Music Publications, at their new centre.

We hope, as funds become available, to add an audio dimension to our website so that a varied element of the composer’s large output can be enjoyed in sound whilst the website is being viewed.

 MANSEL THOMAS CENTENARY  YEAR - 2009
AN ANNIVERSARY OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE

not only for the family, but also for Wales and for everyone who admires Mansel Thomas’s fine legacy of compositions and appreciates his important contribution to the status and development of Welsh music, musicians and musical organisations, especially during his long BBC career.  The BBC in Wales is itself preparing celebratory programmes.

PLEASE TAKE PART IN OUR CELEBRATIONS!
PLEASE TELL US OF YOUR PLANS!

The Mansel Thomas Trust hopes that 2009 will see as many musicians as possible, not only in the UK but also worldwide, helping to celebrate the composer’s special anniversary with performances of his music throughout the year.  Please take part!  -  and please tell us your plans so that we can add your details to the Centenary Diary 2009 which will be posted on this website.  Mansel Thomas did not write symphonies or operas; instead there are over 150 fine songs and arrangements for solo voice, many stunning works of varied styles and durations for mixed choirs, male choirs, youth choirs and female choirs, and a wide selection of attractive pieces for solo instrumentalists, chamber ensembles, brass band and orchestra.  Please explore this enormous repertoire and do consult us or our printers at any time if you would like help or advice. You will not be disappointed, and we would be immensely grateful if you would help make the Centenary Celebrations really varied, exciting and memorable.

WE LOOK FORWARD VERY MUCH TO HEARING FROM YOU
AS OUR PREPARATIONS CONTINUE TO GAIN MOMENTUM

Commercial Recordings (as available on CD in UK)