Sounds Which Span the Irish Sea
From Planet 222
by Rhian Davies
Rhian Davies explores how the Gregynog Festival of classical music places Wales in a wider European tradition. In the centenary year of the Easter Rising she gives the historical narrative behind this year's Festival: the myriad connections between Wales and Ireland via ancient harp pins, Saint Melangell and the ‘University of Revolution’ at Fron-goch.
Gregynog Festival, the oldest extant classical music festival in Wales, was founded by Gwendoline and Margaret Davies in 1933. Programming combines music-making by international artists of the highest quality with a strong sense of cynefin through annual curatorial themes drawn from the heritage of Gregynog, Mid Wales and the Marches. This year’s theme of ‘Éire’ brings some of Ireland’s leading musicians and scholars to Wales to interpret narratives that link both nations.
Gregynog Hall© Gregynog Festival
