Mine disaster opera on Novello shortlist

A N opera marking the 90th anniversary of Gresford Colliery disaster has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious prizes in British music - an Ivor Novello award.

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The moving one-act work, Gresford - Up from Underground, tells the story of the 1934 mining tragedy that claimed 266 lives and left an indelible mark on the Wrexham community.

Created by Wrexham-born composer, Jonathan Guy, and Grahame Davies, a librettist raised in nearby Coedpoeth, the pair say they are thrilled after learning their opera has been recognised among the best compositions in the UK.

Jon, who wrote the score, and Grahame, who penned the words, said they both had "shivers down their spines" when they heard that they had made the final shortlist for the 2025 Ivors Classical Awards - regarded as the Oscars of the composing world.