New Karl Jenkins work to celebrate University College status
21.05.2009
Carmarthen is to stage the world premiere of a new piece of music by Britain’s most famous composer, Karl Jenkins.
The only living composer in the Classic FM Hall of Fame has been working on choral piece to celebrate the elevation of Trinity College, Carmarthen, to university status.
And ‘O Beata Trinitas’ get its world premiere during the climax of the annual Trinity Arts Festival on Sunday, June 28.
“They don’t come much bigger than Karl Jenkins when it comes to composers with a worldwide reputation,” festival director Eilir Owen Griffiths said this week.
“So we are delighted to be able to showcase his latest work as part of the finale to a festival which has grown year by year.
“We are very lucky here at Trinity in that Karl is the patron of the festival and a Fellow of the college.
“And it was in his capacity as a Fellow that he was commissioned to write a work which would mark the college receiving university status.” Mr Griffiths added: “During our early discussions, I suggested that we use the three choirs I am connected with to provide a large choir for the work - and, of course, we have the Chamber Orchestra of Wales to provide a great symphonic sound.
“The new work from Karl is based on the story of the Black Book of Carmarthen, the world famous oldest surviving Welsh manuscript. “It is a work rich in rhythms and choral sounds and great symphonic qualities.
“As a sneak preview, I can tell you that it starts with an introduction with rhythmic use of the words O Beata Trinitas. The opening starts a cappella and then moves into different sections, including one in which the choir adopts the style of a traditional Welsh hymn.
“There are recurring themes throughout the work and the climax promises to be something special.”
The 28-year-old festival director added that the piece had been written in three languages by Dr Grahame Davies - Welsh, English and Latin. The 150-strong concert choir will be made up of Côr CF1, Côr Godre’r Garth and Côr y Drindod.
The concert will also feature Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, featuring soloists soprano Fflur Wyn, tenor Alun Wyn Jenkins and bass Owen Webb. This is the fourth annual Trinity Festival. “Without a doubt,” said Mr Griffiths, “the festival has grown in appeal and stature year by year.
“Having this work from Karl Jenkins in our programme is a major coup for the festival and music lovers from all over the UK will be interested in the premiere. There will be a rush for tickets, so I would advise everyone to book early.”
Details -
SUNDAY 28 JUNE
CELEBRATION CONCERT
World Premier
Trinity University College was pleased to invite internationally renowned composer Karl Jenkins to compose a work to celebrate its university college status. O Beata Trinitas is based on the Black Book of Carmarthen.
Conductor: Karl Jenkins
Chamber Orchestra of Wales
Mass Choir: Côr CF1, Côr Godre’r Garth and Côr y Drindod
The programme will also include a performance of CARMINA BURANA by Carl Orff
Soprano Fflur Wyn
Tenor Alun Wyn Jenkins
Bass Owen Webb
Trinity Sports Centre, 7.30pm
Tickets :
BAND A - £20
BAND B - £15
BAND C - £12.50
BAND D - £10
Contact -
Trinity University College,
Carmarthen,
SA31 3EP,
Wales
Tel: 01267 676767
Fax: 01267 676766
URL: http://www.trinity-cm.ac.uk
Contact me: 07777 683637 (m) 01554 757600 (h)
email: rlloydpr@btinternet.com
website: www.rlloydpr.co.uk
Further information:
Eleri Beynon
Press Office
(01267) 676790 / 07968 249335
e.beynon@trinity-cm.ac.uk
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