Award winning composer David John Roche, whose works have been performed by many of the world leading orchestras, from the National Orchestra of Wales to the Tokyo Philharmonic, is to be featured in UPROAR — a new music ensemble who will bring new and existing works to smaller venues across Wales.

New works

Made up of 16 leading orchestral performers UPROAR will bring a 90-minute programme to Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Newtown, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhosygilwen featuring music by Gyorgi Ligeti and Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir alongside new commissions from Welsh composers Ashley John Long, Litang Shao and David John Roche.

The composer has previously worked with brass bands — linking with Tredegar Band in 2023 for the world premiere of his major work 'The Vow' as part of the Vale of Glamorgan Festival, as well as mentoring six new composers to the medium.

Harm Reduction

His new work, 'Harm Reduction' explored his love of heavy metal music and the rock scene of his youth, whilst Lito Shang explores the unpredictable nature of the sea. Ashley John Long's work captures the echoes and whispers of the hillsides of the Welsh countryside.

'The Chamber Concerto' by Ligeti (whose music is well known from the films 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining) is given its Welsh Premiere, as does 'Hrim' by Anna Thorvaldsdottir, a potent evocation of elemental power specially created to accompany the Ligeti work.

For further details: https://www.uproar.org.uk/ligeti

Dates:

Aberystwyth Arts Centre
7th March

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Cardiff
13th March

Hafren, Newtown
14th March

SOAR Theatre
Merthyr Tydfil
22nd March

Rhosygilwen
Cilgerran
23rd March