Loud Applause Rising Stars

LARS wishes Lauren Elizabeth Williams the very best of luck as she departs tomorrow for her concert visit to Barcelona, where she will perform at the world‑renowned Cathedral Sagrada Família. What an opportunity — and what an unforgettable experience — as she continues to build new memories and milestones in her musical journey.

Ffion Morgan Short
Last Sunday’s LARS Afternoon of Music Concert at St Elli Church marked Ffion Morgan Short’s final performance as a LARS member.
Ffion has been with LARS for over four years, joining in 2022. Ffion has shown remarkable commitment to LARS, often travelling from her home in Barry — and sometimes even returning from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester — to be part of our events. The Royal Northern has been a pinnacle of her musical development, where she achieved a First Class Honours degree.
She is a gifted musician and has performed with the renowned Lewis Merthyr Brass Band, following proudly in her father’s footsteps as a talented instrumentalist.
Ffion was a member of the Welsh National Youth Opera for several years, performing a number of lead roles, and she has also sung with the National Youth Choir of Wales.
Importantly, during her time at the Royal Northern, Ffion embraced every opportunity available to her and has been widely recognised for her talents.
At LARS events, Ffion has always made an impression. She has a bubbly, warm personality that makes everyone feel at home — something especially valuable for our newer members — and she has given us some excellent performances.
Ffion will be missed by us all, and we wish her every success in her musical career. We will be closely following her musical journey with pride.

Heather Jones
Last Sunday’s LARS Afternoon of Music Concert at St Elli Church marked Heather Jones from Pontypridd final performance as a LARS member.
Heather Jones — or Heather Dolly, as she is known in the music world — joined LARS four years ago in 2022. Heather is from Pontypridd and was introduced to LARS by our musical advisor, Stewart Roberts, who recognised her potential immediately. We saw it too, and Heather worked hard at her craft — both as a composer and, of course, as a singer.
Heather’s musical development took a significant leap forward when she was accepted into LIPA — the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, established by none other than Sir Paul McCartney. There, her artistry blossomed under the guidance of many well‑known musicians, and she has grown into a confident, distinctive performer with a clear creative identity.
Some of Heather’s performances have been memorable, showcasing that distinctive voice and style that only she can bring. We always looked forward to her appearances — and although we missed out on hearing her guitar playing at our events, perhaps that’s something we’ll have to go and enjoy elsewhere.
Heather will be missed by us all. On behalf of everyone at LARS, we wish her every success, and we will be closely following her musical journey with pride.
Cerith Owens
LARS Chairman

Lauren Elizabeth Williams
Last Sunday’s LARS Afternoon of Music Concert at St Elli Church marked Lauren Elizabeth Williams’ final performance as a LARS member.
Lauren joined LARS seven years ago, in 2019. During that time, we have watched her flourish. Her confidence grew steadily, and her studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama — through both her degree and her Masters in Voice and Opera — together with the numerous staging opportunities LARS has given her, have shaped her into a polished, professional artist.
Lauren’s respect and friendship towards LARS have always been evident. We shared memorable moments with her during our visit to ’s‑Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands two years ago, where she played a key role in the camaraderie of the group. Her performance on the international stage wowed an audience who had never heard her before — just as she continues to do with audiences, both familiar and new, here at home.
Later this month, she will be the guest soloist with the Comrades Male Choir on their concert tour of Barcelona, performing in the world‑famous Cathedral Sagrada Família. Next year, she will be guest soloist with the Treorchy Male Choir on their concert tour of Ireland.
We wish Lauren every success as she takes the next step in her musical development on the Opera Course at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. We hope her dream of a career in music comes true — LARS will follow her journey with immense pride

LARS is delighted to continue its close friendship with St Michael and All Angels Church in Dafen by performing at their Harvest Supper. We’re very much looking forward to being part of this special event for the Church and the community.

This Sunday - very limited tickets remain

Now on sale at Llanelli Music Shop, John Street:
Tickets for the LARS Concert at St Elli Church on Sunday 13th September.

Further success for James Oakley, who was recognised last night at the Brangwyn Hall by the National Youth Choir of Wales. He was awarded the inaugural David Jackson Award — a new honour created to celebrate the most promising singer in the choir, selected by the conductor and tutors.

Congratulations to James on behalf of LARS.

Yn Hynod Falch
Immensely Proud
Mae aelodau LARS wedi mwynhau llwyddiant gwych yn yr Eisteddfod yr wythnos hon.
LARS members have enjoyed fantastic success at the Eisteddfod this week.

JAMES OAKLEY – cyntaf / 1st
Unawd allan o sioe gerdd 19 oed a throsodd
solo from a Welsh musical 19 and over

Unawd tenor 19 ac o dan 25 oed
tenor solo 19 and under 25

MARED PHILLIPS - cyntaf / 1st
Unawd allan o sioe gerdd o dan 19 oed
solo from a Welsh musical 19 and under

MAX MORRIS – trydydd / 3rd
Unawd allan o sioe gerdd o dan 19 oed
solo from a Welsh musical 19 and under

Roedd aelodau LARS yn cymryd rhan mewn clybiau corawl drwy’r wythnos, ac roedd llawer ohonynt wedi mwynhau llwyddiant mawr. Mae LARS yn falch o bawb a gystadlodd yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol eleni.
LARS members were involved in choirs throughout the week, many of which enjoyed great success. LARS is proud of all who competed at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

Penelope George has enjoyed a tremendous series of highly commended performances, earning praise for both her artistry and professionalism. Her recent engagements highlight not only her growing reputation as a gifted young soprano but also her role as a proud ambassador for Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS).

Recent Highly Commended Appearances:

- Rhayader Male Voice Choir Annual Concert

- Neath Male Voice Choir Annual Concert

- Port Talbot Cymric Male Voice Choir Annual Concert

- Shaftesbury Concert with the Treorchy Male Choir

- Civic Service of the Llanelli Town Mayor

Heartbeat Trust UK Concert, All Saints Church, Oystermouth — Appearing alongside eight fellow LARS members-