A land long shrouded in myth and legend, storytelling and music have, and still do combine to forge Welsh culture. From the fabled stories in The Mabinogion with its tales of romance, tragedy and heroic sagas, to otherworldly folklore speaking of dragons, faeries, brave knights and patron saints, many in Wales have grown up with these much-loved stories.

Myth is not just a thing of the past in Wales though, the ability to weave together narrative and music is as relevant today as it has always been. From current Welsh folk ballads and music born in urban areas of the nation, to reflections of ancient Welsh myths told afresh by contemporary composers.

Join BBC NOW and conductor Jac van Steen for a St David’s Day concert that will celebrate the diverse traditions of the storytelling Wales is so famous for!

Programme
Gavin Higgins
Faerie Bride

Arwel Hughes
Dewi Sant: "Molwn Di"

Grace Williams
Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon

Gareth Glyn
Gwlad y Gan

James James
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau
arr. Jeffrey Howard

Performers
BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Jac van Steen
Conductor

Marta Fontanals-Simmons
mezzo soprano

Paul Carey Jones
bass-baritone

BBC National Chorus of Wales