Concert to remember the fallen
TWO generations of talent linked to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David will come together to mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice by performing in a special concert in Swansea.
In partnership with the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, UWTSD will present a Concert of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church, Swansea on Saturday, from 7.30pm.
The concert will feature the work of composer and conductor Eilir Owen Griffiths, In Memoriam: Er Cof, as part of an extended programme featuring a range of musical items.
It will also include performances by a father and daughter – both with a very close relationship with the University – the celebrated Welsh tenor, Rhys Meirion and his talented daughter, Elan Meirion.
“It’s a privilege for me to have the opportunity to perform in this concert – and to have the opportunity to sing in a classical style,” says Elan, a second year student on UWTSD’S Welsh-medium BA Perfformio (Performance) course based in Cardiff.
“I’m also looking forward to sharing a stage with my dad. We’ve performed in a number of concerts together but this will be the first time for to sing classically with dad.
“As he is a professional tenor I’m really excited to sing the soprano piece with him.
“It’s also an honour for us to be chosen to take part,” continues Elan.
“Studying the BA Perfformio course has really boosted our confidence - especially to try different styles of singing.
“The singing lessons with John Quirk have really helped me develop my voice and have helped me find the path I want to follow.” With Elan’s father, Rhys Meirion a graduate of Trinity College, Carmarthen, organisers say it’s a pleasure to be able to welcome the both to join a host of other performers who also have strong links with the university.
The work will be conducted by Eilir – also a graduate of Trinity College and now director of the BA Perfformio course at UWTSD.
Joining Rhys and Elan Meirion will be former student, Baritone Emyr Wyn Jones and current student, Gethin Bickerton as the narrator.
A choir of singers from the university will also perform, accompanied by the British Sinfoniata - an orchestra originally set up to perform at a concert at UWTSD in Carmarthen some years ago.
The evening will be compered by Swansea stalwart and Professor of Practice at UWTSD’S Swansea College of Art, Mal Pope.
In Memoriam comprises 15 movements featuring the words of Hedd Wyn, Ann Franck and Nelson Mandela, intertwined with some of Wales’s best-loved hymns and excerpts from the traditional Latin Requiem Mass including Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Benedictus, Cofutatis Maledicus, Pie Jesu and Libera Me.
As well as featuring such well-known references, In Memoriam also includes new writing, including a poem entitled Penbleth written for the composer by poet and former Archdruid T. James Jones.
“It is an honour to perform In Memoriam in Swansea with performers who have strong links with the University,” said Eilir.
“Rhys Meirion is a former student of the University’s Carmarthen campus and his daughter Elan, is a current student of the BA Perfformio in Cardiff. Gethin is also a current student as are members of the choir.
“Mal Pope, of course, is a renowned broadcaster, musician and filmmaker who is also a Professor of Practice at the University’s Swansea College of Art.
“I have also had the pleasure of working alongside Emyr and the British Sinfonietta over many years.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to give our students the opportunity to perform alongside experienced professionals in what I hope will be an evening to acknowledge the contribution of those who have served, and continue to serve, in the Armed Forces and their families”.
“It was a great honour to be commissioned to compose this piece in 2016 by the then High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Medwin Hughes, to mark Armistice Day and it has been an exciting piece to compose.
“It’s a thought-provoking work that discusses many questions and looks at a range of themes including war, peace, hope, loss and faith.
The work concludes with an arrangement of the modern Welsh language hymn Breuddwydio or Dreams which encapsulates the main message of the piece” continues Eilir.
Eilir, who is a past winning conductor in S4C’S Côr Cymru competition, is a celebrated conductor and has led many different choirs over the years, including Cardiff-based Côr CF1; Côr Godre’r Garth and the Cardiff Blues Choir, formed as part of the Codi Canu series on S4C back.
As well as having more than 15 years’ experience as a Musical Director and a composer, Eilir is also a former Musical Director for Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
He has also won many awards for his work as a composer including ‘Tlws y Cerddor’ (Musician’s Award) at the National Eisteddfod in 2008 but says that In Memoriam is the most significant piece he’s composed to date. ■ Tickets for the event are available from St Mary’s Church, Swansea or online via www.