Choral music from Wales

Donald Macleod celebrates 80 years of "Composer of the Week" with a concert of music by Grace Williams and Hilary Tann, curated by Welsh music historian Rhian Davies, and performed by the BBC Singers in Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay. Donald, together with Welsh music specialist Geraint Lewis and conductor and broadcaster Gwawr Owen, considers the part these two composers play in the history of Wales's vibrant choral tradition.

Composer of the Week has been produced in Cardiff since 1999, so it's fitting that Donald is celebrating Welsh composers in this anniversary series. Across the week, he follows the stories of Grace Williams, Hilary Tann, Morfydd Owen, Dilys Elwyn-Edwards and Rhian Samuel. This quintet of composers were all born in Wales, and much of their music finds inspiration in their Welsh roots. Collectively, their stories will take us from the 1890s to the present day.

For the first time in "Composer of the Week's" long history, today's first episode of the series was recorded live and in front of an audience. During the programme the BBC Singers showcase music by two composers Grace Williams and Hilary Tann, through their choral music. Music includes Williams' arrangements of Welsh folk songs, and her masterly setting of Ave Maris Stella and we also hear Hilary Tann's settings of Welsh poets RS Thomas and Menna Elfyn.

Trad. arr. Grace Williams: Jim Cro
Mens' voices of BBC Singers
Ellie Slorach, conductor
Libby Burgess, piano

Trad. arr. Grace Williams: O rare Turpin
Trad. arr. Grace Williams: Mari lwyd
BBC Singers
Ellie Slorach, conductor
Libby Burgess, piano

Hilary Tann: The Moor
Emma Tring, soprano
Jessica Gillingwater, mezzo-soprano

Grace Williams: Ave maris stella
BBC Singers
Ellie Slorach, conductor

Hilary Tann: Wellspring
BBC Singers
Ellie Slorach, conductor

Grace Williams: When the green woods laugh
Grace Williams: Yr eos
BBC Singers
Ellie Slorach, conductor
Libby Burgess, piano

Hilary Tann: Paradise
BBC Singers
Ellie Slorach, conductor

Producer: Johannah Smith