Martyn Brabbins takes to the podium in a programme of British masterpieces as we travel to Aberystwyth and Bangor this November.

Opening with Barry-born Grace Williams鈥� overture Hen Walia, which takes its inspiration from folk tunes, in particular the lullaby Huna Blentyn, we move on to Elgar鈥檚 quintessentially British and sumptuous song cycle, his Sea Pictures 鈥� a vivid musical portrait of the sea and its changeable characters. To perform this sensational work we鈥檙e delighted to be joined by Cardiff Singer of the World finalist Beth Taylor.

For the second half we delve into a symphony by Grace Williams鈥� teacher, Vaughan Williams. Composed during World War II, his Fifth Symphony is a contemplative yet rhythmically exciting and exquisitely flowing antithesis to the surrounding turmoil.