A TELEVISION show will pay tribute to a great Wrexham composer to mark the centenary of his birth.
Arwel Hughes, of Rhos, was one of the most prominent composers of his day and audiences across the country are familiar with his most famous work, the hymn tune Tydi a Roddaist (Thou Gavest).
In a special programme, Tydi a Roddaist – Taith Gerddorol Arwel Hughes, conductor Owain Arwel Hughes, the composer’s son, Owain, looks at his father’s lesser known works, as well as his musical heritage.
The programme, part of S4C’s arts series, Sioe Gelf, follows Owain as he rehearses the National Youth Orchestra of Wales in a performance of Prelude for Orchestra, composed by Arwel Hughes in 1945 for the youth of Wales.
The culmination of all the hard work is a memorable performance conducted by Owain at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford.
As well as Owain’s excursion with the orchestra, the programme follows Arwel Hughes’ own musical odyssey.
Viewers will hear from some of those people who knew him, including Owain’s brother and sister, Ieuan and Delun.
Born in Rhos, one of 10 children, Arwel showed early musical talent.
He made an impression locally by providing the accompaniment for the silent films at the cinema next door to his home when he was just 14.
Arwel won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London before embarking on a successful career as a composer and conductor.
He was head of music for the BBC in Cardiff and music director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
He also organised the music for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969.
Among his compositions are two operas – Menna and Love is the Doctor – and he was the first living composer to have an opera performed by the Welsh National Opera.
He composed his most famous work, Tydi a Roddaist, to the words of T Rowland Hughes while he waited for a train on the platform at Shrewsbury station.
Owain said: “My father spent his entire professional life at the BBC and did a great deal for Welsh composers.
“He was reluctant of pushing his own work and consequently many people don’t know a lot about his compositions, especially the orchestral works.”
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Tydi a Roddaist: Taith Gerddorol Arwel Hughes will be broadcast with English subtitles on October 22 at 8.25pm on S4C.