The inaugural Grace Williams Festival will take place throughout February 2027, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of the Barry-born composer.
It will feature a programme of classical and contemporary music concerts, art workshops, walking tours, and a film screening.
Dr Jonathan Hicks, co-organiser, said: “With the support of Barry Town Council, we are planning a series of music, art and heritage events to remember her life and to raise awareness in the town of her work and international standing.
“We aim to stage performances of her work, contemporary music performances by young people and others, as well as a heritage walk showing people her environment, and a family art event based on her compositions.”
The festival is being organised by Barry Arts Festival, Glastonbarry, Glastonbarry Fringe, Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg, and Art Central Friends.
Dr Hicks said: “Classical music can be seen as elitist, but we aim to break down that barrier by showing how Barry inspired Grace’s work and by highlighting contemporary local artists and all genres of music, as well as staging performances of her work.”
The event will run under the banner ‘The Grace Williams Festival – Making Music in Barry’ and aims to revive and promote the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most important but overlooked British composers.
Dr Diane Williams, co-organiser, said: “Grace studied composition at the Royal College of Music, where she was taught by the distinguished composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
“Although Grace was a pioneering Welsh composer and a significant orchestral voice, her music remains rarely performed in contemporary concert life.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the festival, or who has memories to share about Grace Williams, is encouraged to contact Dr Hicks at ninian27@btinternet.com.
