To read this blog in Welsh please click here.With a melody like no other, nothing quite compares to the natural beauty of birdsong. Whether you wake up to nature’s alarm clock of blackbirds, blue tits and robins or enjoy the song thrush’s solo performance at dusk, birdsong is everywhere and part of the fabric of our day to day lives. Wales is often called the land of song and boasts numerous Welsh singers, from our birds and male voice choirs to our rugby and football fans. However this autumn we’re set for a very special musical experience as both birdsong and Welsh music will be brought together beautifully as one. Birdsong / Cân Yr Adar is a brand new production inspired by RSPB Cymru’s Carngafallt nature reserve in Powys and is coming to theatres this November, thanks to funding from Arts Council of Wales. RSPB Carngafallt is home to complex ecosystems which make up some of Wales’ most striking Western Atlantic woodlands, also known as the Celtic rainforest for Wales. This autumn unique sounds and visuals will combine to celebrate all that’s beautiful about the reserve, as we enjoy a special concert by Welsh artists Gwilym Simcock and Kizzy Crawford, and leading Welsh chamber orchestra Sinfonia Cymru. Image: Gwilym Simcock & Kizzy Crawford
Gwilym Simcock, one of the most gifted pianists and imaginative jazz composers on the European stage, will collaborate with the exceptional Welsh/Bajan talent Kizzy Crawford – as they fuse soul-folk and jazz with Sinfonia Cymru. Created in partnership with RSPB Cymru, they have developed an exclusive collection of newly composed music inspired by the beauty of RSPB Carngafallt and the very special wildlife that lives there. RSPB Carngafallt was the perfect setting for Kizzy and Gwilym to hear our birds perform among the trees. With each season comes a new song; in the spring migrant birds like redstarts, wood warblers and tree pipits fill the green canopy above. As the moorland bursts with colour in summer the young fledge their nests, bringing with it an opportunity to catch some striking woodpeckers and whinchats. When the colder months creep in the forest is peaceful, as carpets of moss and lichen create an almost mystical atmosphere in the ancient woodlands. Birds of prey such as red kites, buzzards and peregrines can soar in winter, high above the stunning frosty landscape.
By working with both Gwilym and Kizzy, we want to bring the beautiful wildlife of RSPB Carngafallt to life. Nature is alive with beautiful songs and sounds and by bringing these melodies to the stage we can truly celebrate our unique land of song.
Birdsong / Cân yr Adar will tour the following venues:
2 November - Pontio (Bangor)
3 November - Neuadd Dwyfor (Pwllheli)
5 November - Theatr Mwldan (Cardigan)
10 November - Chapter Arts Centre (Cardiff) - schools performance with workshops, led by RSPB Cymru’s Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project.
10 November – The Riverfront (Newport)
11 November - Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (Cardiff)
14 November - Hampstead Arts Festival & EFG London Jazz Festival (St John's Church, Hampstead Heath)
For more details and to book tickets please visit www.birdsong-canyradar.com.