18/10/2026
A very poignant and deeply moving evening, as we came together at Swansea Minster to commemorate the lives lost at Aberfan 60 years ago.
The concert began in almost complete darkness, with only candlelight illuminating the faces of the choristers from Dunvant Male Choir, Morriston Male Choir and the pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Bryn y Môr, as they performed Benedictus by composer Karl Jenkins 🕯️
This opening piece set the tone for the entire evening, capturing the empathy, reflection and emotion that brought us together, and reminding us why we were there. We gathered to honour the 116 children and 28 adults who lost their lives on 21 October 1966, and to remember their families, friends and the Aberfan community, who continue to carry the pain of that tragic day.
Every piece performed throughout the evening had been carefully selected by our incredibly talented musical directors, D. Huw Rees of Morriston Male Choir and Lynne Griffin of Dunvant Male Choir. Their thoughtful choices helped create an atmosphere of remembrance, reflection and heartfelt tribute.
A special thank you to Penelope George (LARS) for her contribution to the evening, including a beautiful and moving rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.
The stars of the evening were, without doubt, the wonderful pupils of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bryn y Môr, conducted by Linda Williams and accompanied by Chris Lewis. They truly stole the show with their final performance of Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus, which earned them a well-deserved standing ovation from the congregation and the massed male choirs seated behind them. A truly special moment. Da iawn, pawb!
The evening concluded with World in Union, once again sung in almost complete darkness, with candlelight illuminating the Church. It was a fitting and powerful end to an emotional evening, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can come together as one — to reflect, to remember and to honour those we have lost.
Aberfan will never be forgotten ❤️