Aberfan: From Darkness to Light
Roy Noble explores the development of a poignant new requiem dedicated to the memory of the 144 people who died in the Aberfan disaster 60 years ago.
60 years ago, on the 21st of October 1966, a massive colliery spoil tip collapsed, devastating the quiet mining village of Aberfan. A landslide of coal waste engulfed homes and buried Pantglas Junior School, claiming the lives of 144 people, including 116 children. The scale of the loss deeply affected the community for generations, and that grief can still be felt today.
In this programme, Roy Noble explores the creation of a newly commissioned requiem called 'Aberfan: From Darkness to Light'. This powerful composition, crafted with the Aberfan community at its core, was composed by Paul Mealor, featuring lyrics by Graham Davies. The piece is intricately woven from themes of grief, reflection, and compassion, honouring those we have lost while providing a collective gesture of hope and renewal.
The world premiere of 'Aberfan: From Darkness to Light' takes place on Sunday 25 October 2026 during the 'Aberfan 60' concert at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, bringing together Mark Lewis Jones, Aberfan School Choirs, Ynysowen Male Voice Choir, and the BBC National Chorus of Wales.
In the lead up to this event we hear directly from Composer, Paul Mealor; Librettist, Grahame Davies; Director of the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, Lisa Tregale; Conductor, Timothy Redmond; and Musical Director of Ynysowen Male Voice Choir, Jennifer Jones MBE.
Plus, we eavesdrop on choir rehersals happening at Ynysowen Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhyd y Grug.
Presented by Roy Noble.
Produced by Stuart Russell.
On radio
Broadcast
- Fri 23 Oct 202618:30BBC Radio Wales
