Meirion Williams 50th anniversary concert

Event information

The Borough Welsh Chapel is proud to host the Meirion Williams 50th anniversary concert.

Meirion Williams was born in Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, in 1901 but spent his working life as a pianist, organist and composer in London. He accompanied the tenor David Lloyd in a recording of Welsh songs for the record label Decca. He is best known for his songs which have been recorded by Sir Bryn Terfel. He died on 4th October 1976 and was buried in Llanenddwyn Parish Church near Dyffryn Ardudwy. This concert therefore marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

The concert will include his Missa Cambrensis, unpublished and believed to have been lost, but has been remarkably re-discovered recently. It was written in November 1974 for the congregation of St. Benet’s church, the home of the Welsh Anglicans in London, next to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Meirion Williams was the organist at St. Benet’s for many years and wrote the setting in Welsh as well as in Latin. It will be performed by Côr y Boro, the Boro Welsh Chapel Choir.

Some of Meirion Williams’ much loved songs will also be performed by Sera Baines (soprano) from Llanelidan, Clwyd, and Steffan Lloyd Owen (bass/baritone) from Anglesey, winner of the 2005 Paris Opera Competition.

Also commemorated will be the journalist and author Caradog Prichard, who was a great friend of Meirion Williams and provided lyrics to his song, Y Llyn (The Lake). There will also be music by Ivor Novello and Welsh entertainer Ryan Davies, both of whom provided the soundtrack to the first half of the 20th century.

All proceeds go to Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice. Ticket price includes post-concert refreshments.