Sinfonia Cymru is a classical music ensemble based in Wales, United Kingdom. The ensemble was founded in 1996 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about classical music and wanted to create a platform for themselves to perform and showcase their talents. The ensemble has since grown to become one of the most respected and innovative classical music ensembles in the UK. The founding members of Sinfonia Cymru were all graduates of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. They were inspired by the success of other young ensembles such as the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the European Union Youth Orchestra, and wanted to create a similar platform for themselves in Wales. The ensemble's name, Sinfonia Cymru, reflects its Welsh roots and its commitment to promoting Welsh music and culture. Over the years, Sinfonia Cymru has attracted some of the most talented young musicians from across the UK and Europe. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming, which combines classical repertoire with contemporary music and new commissions. Sinfonia Cymru has also collaborated with a wide range of artists from different genres, including jazz, folk, and pop. One of the highlights of Sinfonia Cymru's early years was its residency at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The ensemble worked closely with the college's students and faculty, providing them with opportunities to perform alongside professional musicians and learn from some of the best in the business. This residency helped to establish Sinfonia Cymru as a leading force in the Welsh classical music scene. Sinfonia Cymru has also performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in the UK and Europe. The ensemble has appeared at the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Hay Festival, among others. Sinfonia Cymru has also toured extensively, performing in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain. One of the most notable achievements of Sinfonia Cymru was its collaboration with the Welsh National Opera in 2012. The two organizations worked together to create a new production of Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute. Sinfonia Cymru provided the orchestral accompaniment for the production, which was widely praised for its innovative staging and musical interpretation. Sinfonia Cymru has also been recognized for its commitment to promoting Welsh music and culture. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by Welsh composers such as Huw Watkins, Guto Puw, and Mark Bowden. Sinfonia Cymru has also worked with Welsh artists such as the poet Gillian Clarke and the folk singer Julie Murphy. In addition to its performances, Sinfonia Cymru is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble runs a number of programs for young musicians, including workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring schemes. Sinfonia Cymru also works with schools and community groups to promote classical music and inspire the next generation of musicians. Sinfonia Cymru has won a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2008, the ensemble was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to classical music. Sinfonia Cymru has also been nominated for several BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music. In conclusion, Sinfonia Cymru is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the Welsh and UK classical music scene.

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