A much-loved Welsh folk song will be given a new voice this summer as part of the fifth edition of Brecon Choir Festival.
Festival organisers have announced that American tenor and composer Blake Morgan, a member of internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble VOCES8, has been commissioned to create a brand-new arrangement of the iconic Welsh folk song Ar Lan y Môr.
The new work will receive its premiere performance by acclaimed British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six during the festival’s Grand Concert on Saturday 18 July in Brecon.
Tickets 👉
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One of the most treasured songs in the Welsh musical tradition, Ar Lan y Môr has long held a special place in the hearts of audiences across Wales. Rich in atmosphere and emotion, the song evokes themes of memory, landscape and longing that continue to resonate with listeners today.
For Brecon Choir Festival’s fifth anniversary edition, the commission offers an opportunity to celebrate Welsh musical heritage while bringing a fresh perspective through one of the world’s leading contemporary vocal composers.
Blake Morgan is widely recognised both as a performer and composer, touring internationally with VOCES8 and creating new works for choirs and vocal ensembles around the world.
His new arrangement has been specially commissioned for Brecon Choir Festival and will be performed by The Gesualdo Six, one of the UK’s most respected professional vocal groups, known for their expressive performances and innovative programming.
The commission has been made possible thanks to the generosity of a private syndicate of supporters who have helped bring the project to life.
As an independent, volunteer-run festival, Brecon Choir Festival continues to combine world-class performances with community participation, helping to make high-quality choral music accessible to audiences in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
The announcement comes ahead of the full Choir Trail programme reveal, with further festival details expected in the coming weeks.
Now celebrating its fifth edition, Brecon Choir Festival has become a highlight of the cultural calendar, attracting performers, audiences and music lovers from across Wales and beyond.
The premiere of Blake Morgan’s new arrangement of Ar Lan y Môr promises to be one of the standout moments of this year’s programme.
For tickets and festival information, visit the Brecon Choir Festival website.
👉 https://www.breconchoirfestival.co.uk/2026tickets
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