Nathan receives Vale of Glamorgan Festival Legacy Award

Following a national call for applications, Storïau’r Cymry - a digital cantata comprising eight individual life stories reflecting the diversity of local histories around Wales - has been awarded Research and Development funding to begin this national creative project, led by composer Nathan James Dearden and creative producer Ruth Evans.

What are the Legacy Grants?

The projects are being supported through Legacy funding from the Vale of Glamorgan Festival, which came to an end last year, following over 55 years championing the work of living composers, engaging with audiences, and forging unique international partnerships. Composer John Metcalf MBE founded the festival and remained Artistic Director throughout. The Festival took the extremely difficult decision to close following the rejection by Arts Council of Wales of applications for Lottery funding.

Following an open call, launched in late 2024, over 40 applications were received, representing in excess of £170,000 of request. Six collaborations were selected, in awards totalling over £22,500.​

The projects will take in a range of composer-led initiatives: from a digital cantata, to a harp concerto; from a new work for World Environment Day, to a collective of artists working in electro-acoustic and live electronic performance; and from a contemporary angle on the harpsichord, to new work for a leading piano and percussion duo.  

Supporting these composer-led projects is entirely in the spirit of John as a composer and enabler, and of the Festival’s remarkable body of work.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the Legacy Grants, the other award winners, and the Vale of Glamorgan Festival, please visit this website (link embedded).