We are delighted that Saffyre gave a musical performance ‘Hints of Wales’ for Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust on 16th May 2026.
Saffyre was formed in early summer 2025 after Diana and Helen met to play chamber music and it was clear that they had a similar approach to the expression of the dots! Both classically trained, but also skilled in other genres such as jazz, blues, folk etc.., their programmes reflect their eclectic skills and are full of surprises and unusual elements!
Their first gig as background music came only three months into the partnership and as a result of this performance came the first Concert entitled ‘The Elements’. It was a resounding success and a Christmas Concert entitled ‘A Christmas Treasure Trove’ followed. More recently Saffyre have performed for a Valentine’s Sushi event.
Helen Wilding B.Ed Hons, LGSM, Dip. SH. is a classically trained violinist, pianist and viola player who has extensive experience in all genres. She was principal violinist in various orchestras and ensembles in Gloucestershire in the ’80s and ’90s, and has performed with folk and jazz bands as well as recording as a session musician. Helen is currently a member of jazz trio Hot Club Collective, violin and guitar duo Vegan Vampires, Midlands based The Film Orchestra and medieval trio Fleurs de Lys.
Diana Poole ALCM, LLCM(TD) is a classically trained cellist and self-taught wind instrument player. Her past musical experience includes performing as a Wandering Minstrel and Character Musician at Warwick Castle and a member of Oxfordshire-based folk group Magpie Lane. Diana is currently a ceilidh caller with her own band Longdogs & local band Sir Dancelot. She is also a member of The Film Orchestra.
Saffyre can be found on facebook here.
The performance ‘Hints of Wales” consisted of:
1. Palladio. Karl Jenkins
2. Lena, Malaja. Aleksey Igudesman
3. Dafydd y Gareg Wen (David of the White Rock). Arr. CV Stanford
Pant Corlan yr Wyn (The Lambs’ Fold Vale/Let Now the Harp) Arr. Adrian Dixon
4. Tango Eight. Jeremy Cohen
5. Wyddfa (Snowdon) Traditional Welsh Melody . Arr. Adrian Dixon
Nant-y-Glyn (The Brook in the Dell) Traditional Welsh Melody Arr. Adrian Dixon
6. All in the Garden Green. Medieval tune published 1651
Horses Brawl. 16th Century dance tune
7. Estampie quarta. Anonymous 14th Century dance tune. Arr. Sarah Jeffery
8. Three Welsh Folk Songs for Cello and Piano Arr. Colin Kirkpatrick:
a. Cysga di, fy Mhlentyn Tlws (Sleep, my pretty child)
b. Migildi Magildi
c. Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi (Sleep, my lovely baby)
9. Cawl Stew. Aleksey Igudesmann
10. Calon Lan. Arr. Kirsten Jenson
A recording of their performance in St. Mary’s Church, Abbeycwmhir can be viewed here.
