Cantata Memoria commemorates the Aberfan tragedy of October 21, 1966, where 116 children and 28 adults died when a coal spoil tip enveloped a school and houses in South Wales.
Performer Biography
Joo Yeon Sir, a young Korean-born British violinist, winner of the inaugural The Arts Club Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award, makes her debut recording on this album.
Performer Biography
The album features a stellar cast of Welsh soloists and ensembles, including bass-baritone Bryn Terfel and soprano Elin Manahan Thomas.
Composition History
The work was commissioned by Ian Jones, CEO of S4C (the Welsh national broadcaster), and Hefin Owen of Rondo Media, for the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy.
Compositional Technique
The work is divided into two continuous sections: the first deals with the Aberfan tragedy and its immediate aftermath, and the second moves from darkness to light, celebrating childhood.
Compositional Technique
The libretto, written by Mererid Hopwood, is multilingual, incorporating English, Welsh, Latin, and specific words in various other languages to symbolize the memorial's universal nature.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Composer Karl Jenkins hopes Cantata Memoria is symbolic of childhood and the cherishing of the young, while also serving as a memorial for other tragedies involving children.
