- TypeMusic
- Location Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- Date 01-03-2023
To celebrate the rich folklore and music of Wales this St David's Day, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales are performing a special concert at St David's Hall, Cardiff from 7:30PM on Wednesday 1 March.
Wales is a land long shrouded in myth and legend and storytelling and music have, and still do, combine to forge Welsh culture. From the fabled stories in The Mabinogion with its tales of romance, tragedy and heroic sagas, to otherworldly folklore speaking of dragons, faeries, brave knights and patron saints, many in Wales have grown up with these much-loved stories.
Myth is not just a thing of the past in Wales though: the ability to weave together narrative and music is as relevant today as it has always been. From current Welsh folk ballads and music born in urban areas of the nation, to reflections of ancient Welsh myths told afresh by contemporary composers.
One such composer is Gavin Higgins, the current Composer-in-Association for BBC NOW and Royal Philharmonic Society Award nominee, his piece 'The Faerie Bride' will make its Welsh premiere at this concert. More traditional music will include pieces by Welsh composers, Arwel Hughes, Grace Williams, Gareth Glyn and the rousing words of 'Mae hen wlad fy nhadau' by James James.
Along with BBC NOW, performers will include the acclaimed mezzo soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Welsh bass baritone Paul Carey Jones, Conductor Jac van Steen and Welsh writer, singer and comedian Carys Eleri will be reading an original story to be told between the movements of the Grace Williams 'Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon'.
Tickets £15. Or use promotion code NOW5 for £5 tickets for our readers. Students and under 26's £5.
Artists: Carys Eleri, Paul Carey Jones, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Mae hen wlad fy nhadau'