An internationally celebrated Welsh pianist is set to illuminate a poignant chapter of First World War history through a powerful musical performance in North Wales. Virtuoso Llŷr Williams will bring a forgotten refugee narrative back to life at this year's Bangor Music Festival.
A Musical Tribute to Sanctuary and Survival
The centrepiece of his recital will be the emotionally charged Prelude and Fugue on Louvaine, composed by the acclaimed Brian Hughes. This profound work is inspired by the true story of Belgian families who fled the utter destruction of the city of Louvain by the German army in 1914. These refugees found an unexpected sanctuary in the community of Rhosllannerchrugog, where they were housed in Bethlehem Chapel.
The connection runs deep for both artist and composer. Brian Hughes published the hymn tune 'Louvaine' in 1916, which forms the basis of this new prelude and fugue. Furthermore, Llŷr Williams is himself a member of that very chapel, making the performance a deeply personal tribute. The two men are also linked by family, as Brian attended school with Llŷr's father, the noted poet Gwyn Williams.
Spotlight on Welsh Contemporary Composers
The concert, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15 at Bangor's Pontio Arts Centre, will feature a programme dedicated to new Welsh music. Alongside Hughes's piece, Williams will perform other works written specifically for him, including Contrasts, which he premiered at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham last August. The recital will also feature compositions by Richard Elfyn Jones, Geraint Lewis, and Rhian Samuel.
Artistic Director Guto Pryderi Puw highlighted that the festival's theme this year is Perthnasau (Relationships). He stated that Llŷr's recital perfectly demonstrates the close relationships forged between people from different backgrounds, a message as relevant today as it was a century ago. This marks the virtuoso pianist's highly anticipated debut at the festival.
A Festival of New Music and Connections
First staged in 2000, Gŵyl Gerdd Bangor has established itself as Wales's foremost festival for contemporary and new music, having commissioned over 175 new pieces. This year continues that tradition with five new festival commissions. Two of these, by Lowri Mair Jones and Nicholas Olsen, will be performed by Ensemble CGWM in a concert at Pontio Studio at 1pm on February 14.
The festival weekend is packed with events for all ages:
- Pre-concert talks with featured composers, including Brian Hughes and Rhian Samuel.
- Camau Cerdd/Steps in Music workshops for young children.
- A flute workshop with Richard Craig at Bangor University's Mathias Hall on Saturday morning.
- Informal performances by young musicians in Pontio's public spaces.
- On Sunday, a concert exploring live flute and electronics with Electroacoustic Wales.
Llŷr Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, noting it offers a fantastic opportunity to explore and share repertoire from some of the most interesting Welsh contemporary composers with the audience.
For full programme details and to book tickets, visit bangormusicfestival.org.uk or the Pontio website. Tickets are also available via the Box Office on 01248 382828.
