Dylan in Swansea and New York City
To mark the 70th anniversary of the death of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in New York City, Michael's song cycle, Dylan, was performed by the Royal Harpist Alis Huws and leading baritone Gareth Brynmor John. The first performance was from the very house where Thomas was born, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea, on 4th November. Two subsequent performances from New York took place at Rutgers Presbyterian Church on 11th November and St John's In The Village on 12th November. The Swansea performance was also livestreamed.
Gareth Brynmor John and Alis Huws in the front parlour, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, 4th November
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Rutgers Presbyterian Church, 11th November
The harp in St John's In The Village, 12th November
The Musicians
Alis Huws
Current Official Royal Harpist, Alis Huws is a freelance soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. Alongside her royal role, she regularly gives recitals across the UK and internationally, having toured to Japan, Europe, the US and Hong Kong.
Gareth Brynmor John
Gareth Brynmor John is the 2013 winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Award. He studied at St John’s College, Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music where, in his final year, he won the Royal Academy of Music Patrons’ Award.
Photo: Pablo Strong
The Venues
5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea
5 Cwmdonkin Drive is where Dylan Thomas was born, spent twenty three years of his life, and wrote two-thirds of his work. The performance will take place in the front parlour (pictured) in front of a small audience. The performance will also be live-streamed.
5 Cwmdonkin Drive has been restored and is open to the public. More details here.
Rutgers Presbyterian Church, NYC
Rutgers Presbyterian Church at West 73rd Street and just off Broadway, is the home of the Welsh Congregation of New York City, hosted the performance on 11th November.
St John's In The Village, NYC
This Episcopal Church in Greenwich Village with a significant arts programme hosted our second performance in NYC on the afternoon on 12th November.
The Piece
Premiered 3rd November 2003, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Roderick Williams (tenor), Sioned Williams (harp).
You can read more about the song cycle Dylan here.