THE global premiere of a new work by renowned Welsh composer Robat Arwyn will tell the story of how the world was created.

There will be matinee and evening performances of Hanes Creu Popeth yn y Byd! (Story of the Creation of Everything in the World!) at the North Wales International Music Festival on Saturday, September 21.

Mr Arwyn has been busy composing the music for the new songs, with lyrics by the award-winning poet Mererid Hopwood.

The festival will be staged at St Asaph Cathedral from September 14-28, thanks to support from the Arts Council of Wales, Ty Cerdd and Colwinston Charitable Trust.

Among the other highlights will be performances by Japanese pianist Yu Kosuge, rising piano star Luke Jones, vocal group The Gesualdo Six, the Only Boys Aloud choir and folk groups Awen Celtica and VRï.

The resident orchestra is NEW Sinfonia, which was established by brothers Robert and Jonathan Guy, who were regulars at the festival’s masterclasses and workshops when they were younger.

According to Robat Arwyn, the new work has been inspired by the theme of this year’s festival, Mother Earth.

He said: “I wanted to produce a light-hearted piece that will be performed by children and young people, looking at big questions through their perspective.

"Where did the world come from? How was it made? The answers are delivered through the songs.

“I wanted the songs to be humorous and Mererid Hopwood has done an amazing job with the lyrics, the songs are really light and very witty.

“We are still working on some of the songs but there will be seven in total, each answering the big question and telling a different part of the story.

“I am looking forward to performing the new composition with the three choirs at the two concerts.

“Côr Cytgan Clwyd is a prize winning youth choir, with choir members ranging from 12 up to 19 years of age, and is a dynamic and exciting choir.

“We also have the choir from Ysgol Pen Barras singing too. This school choir is fantastic and has won many titles including the 2017 S4C Côr Cymru title as Wales’ best primary school choir. They are a wonderful choir and will no doubt give the audience a real treat.

“My own choir, Côr Rhuthun, are also performing and we are already well into rehearsals.”

He added: “I hope it will be a wonderful afternoon and evening and I’m very much looking forward to it.

"It’s lovely to be asked back to the North Wales International Music Festival for a second time, it means perhaps I didn’t do too badly two years ago!

“I’ve really enjoyed writing this work, which I hope will be performed by children and youth choirs in the future.”

It’s been a busy year for Mr Arwyn so far and his diary schedule shows no sign of letting up.

He added: “I’m 60 this year and I’m honoured S4C are making a programme, to be screened in between Christmas and the New Year, of some of my songs.

“We filmed the programme in Bangor and Bryn Terfel and Rhys Meirion each performed a song on the programme. In Bryn Terfel’s case he sings Brenin y Sêr, a song of mine he has already recorded and has very much made his own.”

The concert is being sponsored by Ruthin-based R M Jones Joinery, specialist manufacturers of bespoke architectural joinery.

Jane Jones, of R M Jones Joinery, said: “The North Wales International Music Festival is a highlight in the cultural calendar and as a Ruthin company, we are delighted to be sponsoring this particular concert because Robat Arwyn is local and so hugely talented.

“We can’t wait to hear his exciting new work and it promises to be a magnificent and truly memorable occasion.”

The festival’s artistic director Ann Atkinson said: “Arwyn is always an incredibly popular addition to the festival.

“It’s going to be a very special event and I’m so looking forward to hearing this music and these songs. It’s going to be a light-hearted and fun couple of concerts.

“It really is a busy programme this year and we are going to have the pleasure of enjoying some amazing music performed by talented world class musicians. I’d encourage any lover of classical music to get a ticket for at least one of the concerts.

“There is something for everyone at this year’s Festival including an evening of folk music, something we haven’t done before. It’s going to be an amazing festival and one I’m very excited about.”

Tickets are available online, from Theatr Clwyd, Mold (01352 701521) or Cathedral Frames, St Asaph (01745 582929).

For more information about the North Wales International Music Festival, visit www.nwimf.com