Following successful performances at the BBC Proms in July and across South Wales earlier this month to mark the centenary of the death of the iconic Welsh composer Morfydd Owen (1891-1918), commemorations continue next week when Gregynog Festival presents a series of community concerts to highlight her connections with Montgomeryshire.
Harpist Llywelyn Ifan Jones gives a recital at Pontcadfan, Llangadfan, on Sunday, 23 September at 2.30pm, with tickets to include afternoon tea in Cwpan Pinc. After studying in Cardiff and Salzburg, Llywelyn is now developing a busy freelance career including recent performances in Germany, Norway and Canada.
"His programme includes two Morfydd Owen compositions inspired by Welsh landscapes, Talyllyn and Glantaf, as well as a lovely range of relaxing repertoire for a Sunday afternoon," said Dr Rhian Davies, the festival's artistic director.
"Star folksingers Sian James and Steffan Rhys Hughes and accompanist Rhiannon Pritchard then join Rhian Davies at the community centre in Llanbrynmair on Saturday, 29 September, at 7.30pm to perform some of the Welsh and Russian folksongs that Morfydd Owen transcribed and arranged from phonograph cylinder recordings.
"This will be an extended version of the presentation that was so much enjoyed during the National Eisteddfod in August."
Dr Davies added: "Morfydd’s father William Owen came from Llanbrynmair originally and Llwynowen, the row of cottages in which he grew up, inspired the bardic name by which she remains popularly known in Wales, Morfydd Llwyn-Owen.
"William Owen also presented two framed portraits of Morfydd to the people of Llanbrynmair following her death, one of which will be on display during the concert."
Tickets and further information are available from gregynogfestival.org, 01686 207100, and at the door in Llanbrynmair.
Photo: Morfydd Owen
