Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy

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The ground-breaking musical project Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy will visit Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil as a part of its Welsh tour on Thursday 6th of June 2024.

Exploring Welsh history and identity accompanied by live interactive visuals, Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy will perform original, unique Welsh music.

Q & A after the performance.

Trumpeter Tomos Williams has once again assembled an incredible band of Welsh and international talent for Cwmwl Tystion III / Empathy. Mared Williams and Eadyth Crawford are two of Wales’ most in-demand vocalists, Nguyên Lê is an internationally renowned electric guitarist from France via Vietnam, while Melvin Gibbs, from New York is a giant on the electric bass, and has been called ‘The greatest bassist in the world’ by Time Out New York. Tomos will once again be on trumpet and will compose a new Suite of music, while Mark O’Connor is in the drum seat alongside creative live visuals from Simon Proffitt.

Melvin Gibbs and Nguên Lê have international reputations and it’s some ‘coup’ to attract these two musicians to Wales – an indication of the quality and serious intent of the ‘Cwmwl Tystion’ project.

The band will perform original music (commissioned by Tŷ Cerdd) incorporating elements of jazz, heavy rock, the avant-garde and Welsh folk music. The name ‘Cwmwl Tystion’ (Cloud of witnesses) is derived from a poem by the great Welsh poet Waldo Williams and the music will deal with events and themes of identity from Welsh history.

The tour is made possible by financial support from The Arts Council of Wales and Tŷ Cerdd.

“From tender, Welsh-sung hymn to intricately orchestrated ensemble segments, and from pared-back lyricism and bluesy balladry to collective maelstrom, the music covers extensive territory…Politically provocative and musically engaging… its overarching theme of human rights, and human rights abuses, speaks to the world at large.” – All About Jazz

“This music stands up superbly in its own right and no knowledge of Welsh history is required to admire it but it really gains power from its political context’ – UKVibe

“With Cwmwl Tystion/Riot! Tomos Williams further consolidates his reputation as one of the most restlessly creative and seriously gifted musicians in Wales.” – Jon Gower, nation.cymru

“As a Welsh answer to Wadada Leo Smith, Matana Roberts and the late Don Cherry the Cwmwl Tystion project succeeds brilliantly and this represents another major artistic statement from Tomos Williams.” – thejazzmann.com

Tomos Williams – trumpet / composer

Mared Williams – voice

Eady Crawford – voice / effects

Nguyên Lê – electric guitar

Melvin Gibbs – bass guitar

Mark O’Connor – drums

Simon Proffitt – live visuals

General £15 / Concession £13

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06/06/24 7:30pm

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Get in Touch...

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01685 722176 | swyddfasoar@merthyrtudful.org

Theatr Soar, Canolfan Soar, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tudful, CF47 8UB

Lisbeth McLean, Prif Swyddog, lis@merthyrtudful.org
Eleri Walters, Swyddog Datblygu, eleri@merthyrtudful.cymru

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