David Childs has spoken to 4BR of the deep emotion and pride he felt in performing in the premiere of 'Cantata Memoria' by Sir Karl Jenkins and poet Mererid Hopwood at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on the weekend.

Deaths

The powerful work, conducted by the composer, was written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster — the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip behind the village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, on 21st October 1966, which sent debris through Pantglas Junior School, killing 116 children and 28 adults.

Buried alive

The looming anniversary of the tragedy has received worldwide coverage over the last few weeks.

The Welsh nation has been reminded of the poignant loss of a generation of children as well as the shameful aftermath of official denial which led one grieving father to state at the Coroner's Inquest that his child had been "buried alive by the National Coal Board."

Humbling

"It was the most humbling musical experience,"David said. "There was pride in taking part and performing with world class musicians such as Bryn Terfel, Elin Manahan Thomas, Joo Yeon Sir and Katrin Finch, but everything was overshadowed by the subject matter.

Even the atmosphere that was generated by the audience in the hall was so emotional and moving. It's difficult to really describe."

Destructive horror

The work, with its striking imagery projected onto huge screens, opened with a children's choir singing 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' before the growing menace of dribbling spring water under the spoil heap finally unleashes its destructive horror.

David performed with Bryn Terfel in the 'Cortege' section as he sings 'Myfanwy' and David accompanies as the 'musical voice of the valley' leading the choir into singing the names of all those killed to a backdrop of the scenes of the heartbreaking funeral processions.

The cantata ends with a plea for everyone to remember that the children all loved the light of the day and of life — a light that was so cruelly extinguished.

The singing of the list of the names of those killed was an immensely stark moment, but the way in which Sir Karl included it with such respect was incredibleDavid Childs.

Stark moment

"I think this will be a performance that will live with me for a very long time,"David added. "The singing of the list of the names of those killed was an immensely stark moment, but the way in which Sir Karl included it with such respect was incredible.

Looking back on it now, and especially as I have two young children who we send to school without a second thought, has touched me greatly. I was proud to have been asked to play a small part and humbled by the whole experience."

Performance

The performance of 'Cantata Memoria' can be viewed at:
http://www.s4c.cymru/clic/e_level2.shtml?programme_id=536946070