The 2017 Vale of Glamorgan Festival runs from 19-26 May and is packed full of festival “firsts” in a season where we shine the spotlight on Welsh composers and join the 70th birthday celebrations of the renowned American composer, John Adams.  Partnering with Music Theatre Wales, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Sherman Theatre we co-present the world premiere of a new Welsh language opera Y Twr by Guto Puw.  Guto is also writing an unusual piece for fairground organ and brass quintet to premiere during the Festival’s “day by the sea” which culminates in a concert in the Edwardian Eastern Shelter on Barry Island.  6 piano, “super-group” Grand Band from New York make their first visit to Wales with a 2-day residency where they work with young composers, young pianists and present two concerts.  Former BBC Young Generation Artists, Apollon Musagète Quartet from Poland join us for 2 days alongside our orchestral partner BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Marsyas Trio.  

More world premieres include a new Concerto for amplified recorders by the UK’s Graham Fitkin, a piece inspired by walking from Wales’, Steph Power, and young American Ben Wallace writes a new work for Grand Band.  We also present the inaugural Peter Reynolds Composer Studio during which 8 aspiring young composers immerse themselves in the festival, take part in sessions with visiting composers, attend rehearsals and concerts and write a new work to be performed and recorded live by a visiting ensemble.