Three Choirs Festival

Our CEO David Francis met composer Richard Blackford last week in London at the world premiere of his new work La Sagrada Familia Symphony – inspired by the landmark church in Barcelona by architect Gaudi.

Richard’s symphony was richly colourful, dramatic and expansive. Its impact on the audience was clear and received genuinely enthusiastic applause.

Richard has another world premiere this year – this time at the Three Choirs Festival. Also inspired by location, The Black Lake is a highly narrative choral work and recounts life in a mid-Walian village in the early 20^th century from the perspective of a young lad growing up among a rural community.

Richard’s music for The Black Lake captures the musical heritage of Wales as well as its natural beauty and dramatic landscape, without shying away from the challenges faced by rural communities at the time.

The story is progressed by narrations throughout the work. We are delighted that Welsh actors Betsan Llwyd and Steffan Rhodri will be our narrators for the world premiere in Hereford. Audiences may recognise Steffan - among many acting credits he played ‘Dave Coaches’ in the award-winning TV series Gavin and Stacey.

The Black Lake premieres on Sunday 27^th July 2025 at 7.30pm in Hereford Cathedral, performed by the Three Choirs Festival Chorus, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by David Hill, with soprano soloist Elizabeth Watts. Join us for a special world premiere at the Three Choirs Festival.