From Pews to Pop Legends & Pizza: Acapela Studio’s Two-Century Journey”

This unique architectural treasure in Pentyrch six miles north-west of Wales’ capital city has seen a lot of changes in 200 years. Acapela Studio is a converted late Regency era chapel built in 1835, now used as a recording studio and successful music venue. History still lives on in subtlety though, as witnessed by its original wood panelling interiors adorning the tiered balcony that overlook the hallowed stage.

Housed in a grade II listed former Horeb Methodist Chapel, the building was bought by world famous Welsh harpist Catrin Finch with her then husband and record producer Hywel Wigley. They spent two years converting the premises into a recording studio opening its doors in 2007; the following year Britain’s longest serving heir apparent HRH Prince Charles visited the historic building in recognition of Catrin’s appointment as the first Royal harpist in two hundred years. Not technically a Royal official opening but a regal endorsement none the less.

The venue’s trump card however, was Paul James. A chance conversation in 2016 with this music buff and marketing expert who conveniently just happened to live around the corner, led to a collaboration with Hywel that resulted in rapid expansion drawing major name acts in quick succession to the venue. The first mainstream surprise guest to appear was Toyah Willcox, when an advertising poster was initially put up local music fans assumed that a tribute act would be performing, but when the real Toyah turned up akin to a modern pied piper the villagers flooded the streets to catch a glimpse.

Steve Harley played an important part in the development and promotion of the venue first appearing in 2017 and becoming a frequent visitor, by his own account he went on to perform twenty times playing three successive sold out shows every year. Paul James remembers Steve being a perfectionist and giving the Acapela technical crew a hard time prior to performing but, following that first gig, Steve fell in love with the venue and made sure it was the first name in his diary every year right up until his passing in March 2024.

Special mention has to be made regarding the dining experience on offer at the venue. The installation of an industrial sized pizza oven proved to be a game changer for concert goers, by accessing their website guests can pre-book a table and order from a choice of pizzas well before the gig starts. Alternatively, there is an option to order a pizza at the bar and it will be brought to you in a box wherever you are sat in the venue, including the balcony.

With renowned acoustics and an intimate atmosphere housing a capacity of around 200, Acapela’s musical itinerary today is a far cry from the sermons it once hosted, with acts including Ron Sexsmith, Alvin Lee, Tom Robinson, Steeleye Span, Martin Carthy, Cara Dillon, Fairport Convention and Jo Harman all safeguarding this ex-chapel’s growing reputation.

COLIN PALMER