A distinguished pianist who has accompanied stars such as Sir Bryn Terfel and Aled Jones brought smiles to residents of Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon.

Annette Bryn Parri from Deiniolen led a sing-along in the music room of the care home, which specialises in dementia care.

For over an hour, the room was filled with renditions of popular songs from the past, leaving the residents 'visibly joyful'.Emyr Gibson, the creative practitioner at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd with residents Huw Williams and Bob ParryEmyr Gibson, the creative practitioner at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd with residents Huw Williams and Bob Parry (Image: Mandy Jones)

Ms Parri said: "I was really looking forward to visiting having heard so much about Bryn Seiont Newydd and it was wonderful.

"I was very happy to see the people in the room leaving with smiles on their faces having enjoyed the session.

"Seeing that is important to me and it was a pleasure to see."Care practitioner Nerys Parry with residents Brenda Williams and Bob ParryCare practitioner Nerys Parry with residents Brenda Williams and Bob Parry (Image: Mandy Jones)

Music has been integral to life at Bryn Seiont Newydd since it opened in 2015.

This session was the first time Ms Parri, who has played in other Pendine Park care homes, visited.

Nia Davies Williams, musician-in-residence, Mr Parri, sayng: "Experts have long been aware of the value of music for people living with dementia.Bryn Seiont Newydd's artist-in-residence, Nia Lloyd-Roberts singing along with David Edwards and Huw WilliamsBryn Seiont Newydd's artist-in-residence, Nia Davies-Williams singing along with David Edwards and Huw Williams (Image: Mandy Jones)

"Music undoubtedly finds that missing person – that character that has now disappeared.

"It relieves irritability and fatigue and calms angry feelings.

"For those who live with the condition, music brings the occasional tear as they remember loved ones who are no longer with us, but it also brings back the good days of the past."Annette Bryn Parri with resident David EdwardsAnnette Bryn Parri with resident David Edwards (Image: Mandy Jones)

During the session, Ms Parri took song requests from residents, which included classics by Elvis Presley, Doris Day, and Hogia'r Wyddfa.

A 'stand-out' moment was when David Edwards, a former member of Y Brythoniaid male voice choir, sang Joseph Parry's Myfanwy.

With tears in his eyes, he said: "I really like to sing Myfanwy but haven't done so for some time, but it was wonderful to sing it with Annette."

Resident Eluned Jones from Llanfaes, near Beaumaris, said: "I love singing and have known Annette Bryn Parri for many years, she is so talented and it was lovely to hear her play the piano and hear everyone singing and especially David singing Myfanwy."

Bob Parry, a former employee of the Anglesey Aluminium plant at Holyhead, also joined the singing.

He said: "I couldn't do it all on my own, I needed a bit of help from Emyr (Gibson, Bryn Seiont Newydd's creative practitioner) but I love singing, always have."

Read more: 

The "fabulous" Gwynedd beach that people are effectively cut off from

Menai Bridge fire causes ‘substantial damage’ after tumble dryer fault

Former Gwynedd royal home is double winner at Welsh tourism awards

Ms Parri's musical journey began at an early age, becoming an official accompanist at 15.

She has provided accompaniment to the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years and has served as the musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for almost a decade.

Last year, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.