AWARD-winning Welsh folk trio VRi come to Langton Matravers village Hal on Friday 6th February, at the start of a three-date tour with Artsreach, Dorset’s rural touring arts charity.

Twice winners of Best Album at the Welsh Folk Awards, VRï are Jordan Price Williams (cello, voice), Aneirin Jones (violin, voice) and Patrick Rimes (viola, violin, voice). World-famous actor and champion of all things Welsh, Michael Sheen says: “VRï is where Welsh craft and heart meet.”

Songlines, the magazine for folk, traditional and ethnic music traditions, says: “They play – and sing – with the exuberance of a folk band, but possess the exquisite musicality and elegance of a chamber string ensemble.”

Inspired by the incredible story of a time when Wales’ traditional music and dance were suppressed by Methodist chapels and, earlier, its language by the Act of Union, VRï sheds new light on a vibrant folk tradition. Their music harnesses the raw energy of the fiddle with the finesse of the violin, and the beauty of chamber music with the joy and hedonism of a pub session, all underpinned by powerful vocal harmonies.

VRi will be at Langton Matravers village hall on Friday 6th February and Sturminster Marshall’s Memorial Hall on Saturday 7th, both at 7.30pm, and Burton Bradstock hall on Sunday 8th February at 3pm.