Musical tribute from young Welsh musicians

The ‘Sorrows of the Somme’ is a moving musical response to English, Welsh and German writings on the battle for Mametz Wood where almost 4,000 Welsh soldiers lost their lives or were wounded in the first days of the Battle of the Somme. This new musical production was performed by young people in October 2018 in the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

The Battle of the Somme saw immense loss of life and suffering particularly for a young generation of Welsh people. In a fitting tribute, the ‘Sorrows of the Somme’ production was performed by the National Youth Choir of Wales, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and C.Ô.R. The support from National Youth Arts Wales created a special resonance for this new choral and orchestral work from the distinguished composer Brian Hughes which was commissioned for Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918. The piece also included writings by Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Performed by today’s generation of young people, ‘Sorrows of the Somme’ poignantly reminds us of the vulnerability and spirit of those that Wales lost in the First World War.

Right: The National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Wales perform the premiere performance of Brian Hughes’ ‘Sorrows of the Somme’ © National Youth Orchestra and Choir