Friday 19 June 2020

Despite missing out on performing at concerts in Canada, Welsh opera and musical theatre singer John Ieuan Jones will once again take to the ‘stage’ to sing for charity.

John Ieuan will host his third live online concert from his home on Friday 26 June in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and Ataxia UK, two charities that are close to his heart.

Before the pandemic, the singer from Rhos-on-Sea was due to perform in Canada and was going to start a contract at the Grange Park Opera in Surrey.

His talent has seen him perform throughout the world, including venues such as The Bridgewater Hall, The Millennium Centre and The Royal Albert Hall, and last year he won a significant award at the National Eisteddfod of Wales – the Towyn Roberts Memorial Prize.

During lockdown, his previous two charity concerts have been a huge success. He has raised over £8,000 for the DPJ Foundation, Mind, Hope House Children's Hospice and St David's Hospice.

The opera singer said he didn’t know what to expect regarding viewing of his concerts but was ‘pleasantly surprised’ that he had an average of 600 people watching the last live concert, which starred Wales Air Ambulance Patron Sir Bryn Terfel. It has now been viewed 13,000 times.

John Ieuan graduated last summer from the Royal Northern College of Music with a distinction in his Master’s degree. He said: “This will be my third online concert, with the first raising nearly £4,000 and last one raising well over £4,000, which was incredible, I really hope I can achieve the same for this concert.  I can't thank people enough.”

His concerts will include something for everyone and may involve a special guest or two who will join him, virtually, for a duet. But you’ll have to tune in to find out!

John Ieuan has a personal reason to support the lifesaving Charity. He said: “Being from a farming background, I understand the importance of the service the Air Ambulance provides for people throughout Wales. A few years ago, my cousin had an accident on a farm in Machynlleth and, unfortunately, he is now paralysed. However, without Wales Air Ambulance it could have easily been much worse and we as a family are extremely grateful for that.

“Secondly, as the lockdown is slowly easing and people will be desperate to get out and visit the incredible beauty spots we have in Wales, I'm afraid the Air Ambulance will once again be an essential service and relied upon by so many.”

Lynne Garlick, the Charity’s North Wales Fundraising Manager, said: “It is wonderful to hear that people like John Ieuan are thinking of different ways to not only entertain the public during these difficult times but to also fundraise for so many charities. His support is much appreciated, and I hope many people will tune in and enjoy the concert from the comfort of their own homes.”

You can watch the live concert at 8pm on his Facebook page John Ieuan Jones - Baritone.

You can show your appreciation to John Ieuan Jones by donating to his Virgin Money Giving page - John Ieuan Jones Online Charity Concert No.3 here.