Euphonium virtuoso David Childs has just returned from London where he has been working with composer Karl Jenkins (above) and an ensemble of world class performers such as Bryn Terfel on a forthcoming DG Classic (Deutche Gramophone) CD.
Aberfan tragedy
The recording will feature a new work entitled, 'Cantata Memoria', which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy, which struck the small south Wales mining village on October 21st 1966.
116 young children and 28 adults were killed when a coal tip enveloped Pantglas School, together with houses. It was an event that shocked the world.
Impact
Karl Jenkins is quoted as saying: "I was in my first term at the Royal Academy of Music, London at the time and the event. It inevitably had a massive impact on me, and millions of others.
The whole of humankind was once children and the work is seen as symbolic, concerning childhood and the cherishing of the precious young as well as the actual disaster in Wales."
David told 4BR: "It has been a great privilege to be asked to perform on a work with such significance for the whole of Wales. It was an unimaginable tragedy and the music is a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives."
Two hearts
The libretto has been specially written by Welsh poet Mererid Hopwood, who said: "We sincerely hope the work speaks from two hearts to many hearts."
Although the work does not document the chronology of the tragedy, it is a reflection of the time before and after it struck — from the occasions when the children sang, 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' in school assembly to 'Myfanwy' which was hear sung those who dug for victims.
116 young children and 28 adults were killed when a coal tip enveloped Pantglas School, together with houses. It was an event that shocked the world4BR
Two parts
The 55 minute long work is divided into two parts: the first dealing specifically with the tragedy and the immediate aftermath, and the second; moving from darkness to light, celebrating childhood and reliving memories, ending with a Lux aeterna (everlasting light).
The project has seen David join world famous singers Bryn Terfel and Elin Manahan Thomas as well as harpist Catrin Finch and other leading welsh artist in recording the work, which will be released later this year. The world premiere performance will also take place later in the year at the Wales Millenium Centre.
