Recital's poignant message strikes the right note

They were the forgotten WWI refugees who found hope in a Welsh chapel - now a pianist is bringing their story back to life

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AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned pianist is set to bring a forgotten First World War refugee story back to life in a powerful concert in Wales.

Llŷr Williams, from Pentrebychan near Wrexham, will perform a poignant piece by acclaimed composer Brian Hughes, inspired by the Belgian families who fled the German army's destruction and found sanctuary in Rhosllanerchrugog.

The work, Prelude and Fugue on Louvaine, will be performed at the Bangor Music Festival at the city’s Pontio Arts Centre on Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15.

It is rooted in the true story of refugees from the devastated Belgian city of Louvain who were housed in Bethlehem Chapel in Rhos, a place that holds deep personal meaning for both men.

The composer and the pianist are linked by family connections as well as music because Brian went to school with Llŷr's father, Gwyn, who is also a noted poet.

The emotionally-charged piece will be played alongside other new works written for the virtuoso pianist. Among them will be a work called Contrasts, which Llŷr performed for the first time at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham last August, as well as music composed by Richard Elfyn Jones, Geraint Lewis and Rhian Samuel.

Brian, who was born in Ponciau and now lives in Gresford, said: "I've known Llŷr for many years and I've followed his career with great interest. He is a world-class pianist and it is a pleasure to compose music for him and to have it performed by Llŷr."

According to Brian, his Prelude and Fugue on Louvaine was inspired by the story of Belgian refugees who fled Louvain after it was "utterly destroyed" by the German army in 1914.