CODEC, (Concert Orchestra De Cymru) was founded in 2011 from core members of Welsh Sinfonia, The orchestra focuses on Operatic and Choral repertoire. It's mission is to make music accessible to all tastes and all ages. CODEC specialises in themed concerts, accompaniments and the finest popular classics in the orchestral, operatic & choral repertoire. Orchestral reductions can be arranged for choral and chamber works. The orchestra's membership is drawn from the finest of professional musicians based in Cardiff & further afield. Having played frequently together over the years, whether as chamber or orchestral musicians, members of the CODEC have vast experience and knowledge of repertoire under their belts. Thus equipped, they can tackle any style from baroque to pop, adapting to the requirements of event. They play together as one, able to accompany soloists, choirs, and opera with or without a conductor. The mainstay of the orchestra's work is accompanying choral works. Accompanying is our forte, whether it be for an opera gala, choral society or concerto.
There can be few instrumental passages as iconic as those that open Handel’s Coronation anthem ‘Zadok the Priest’ . ... The performances all received hugely assured performances from Stephen Benavente’s choir. Tempi were generally steady and the singing had the assurance and accuracy that one would expect from the 21 members of one of Wales’ best chamber choirs. The consistent vocal quality and carefully calculated balance meant that at no point were they swamped by the excellent accompanying Concert Orchestra De Cymru A memorable ’Let the bright seraphim’ with its brilliant trumpet obbligato, superbly performed here. Both halves had begun with instrumental contributions – a wonderfully fluent ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ set the scene for the choral excellence to follow and the Music for the Royal Fireworks,"
Thank you so much for Saturday evening. Once again, your outstanding playing lifted the choir to perform at their best. You never let us down. Please pass on my thanks on to every member of the orchestra. We had so many positive comments from the audience. One person said she thought she was in The Royal Albert Hall because the standard of playing and singing was so high!! Special thanks to Barry for his patience during rehearsal, to Sarah for the Benedictus and Will who did the Tuba Mirum. It certainly was an evening to remember. The four soloists were absolutely delighted with your playing, too. Angharad was in tears at the end of the Mozart. So emotional. Lastly a personal thank you to your good self for your continuing support for the choir. Long may the partnership between us continue.