‘”Those who were fortunate enough to be present experienced a sense of everything that the word 'artist' can mean”

Sioned’s career as a renowned soloist, Principal Harpist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra for 28 years, recording artist, chamber and concerti player, pioneering teacher, researcher, script-writer and storyteller, has taken her around the globe, navigating life from her childhood in rural Wales to an international career. At the age of 38 she was diagnosed with the ultra-rare McArdle disease – an inherited metabolic muscle disorder requiring careful management. During physical exertion McArdle’s causes fatigue and may result in severe pain which can lead to muscle breakdown and life-threatening kidney failure. Whilst the doctors told her to ‘reserve energy at all costs’, Sioned ignored that edict and led the world in demonstrating what can be achieved. Join Sioned on an adventure of exhilarating highs and rock-bottom lows, as she kicks seemingly insurmountable obstacles to the side, and continues her innovative playing career with refreshingly new projects. Performing an array of music ‘from then till now’, reflecting key events in her life, focusing on the passion she has for performing and creating, Sioned weaves her story with words and anecdotes, poignancy and plenty of humour!

This performance is to raise awareness of ultra-rare disabilities, in particular McArdle disease, and to raise funds for the Association for Glycogen Storage Disease-UK

On display: A lifetime’s collection of photographs, programmes, items from Sioned’s research, and AGSD-UK publications

PROGRAMME

Sioned Williams (b.1953) (arranged): Original Welsh melodies

Ancient Welsh airs and original music from 18 Cent-21st Cent

John Parry (1710-1782): Sonata No.1 in D Major

Andante

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) edited Sioned Wiliams: Suite in E major, BWV 1006a

Gavotte en Rondeau

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) arranged John Thomas (1826-1913): from the opera ‘Otello’

Harp cadenza and Aria (Willow Song)

Michael Finnissy (b.1946): Welsh Harp

Pearl Chertok (1918-1981): Around the Clock Suite

Harpicide at Midnight

Michael Stimpson (b.1948): The Drowning of Capel Celyn

First Light
The Wheels of Treason
Flooding
Sunken
Farewell

INTERVAL

Andrew Baker (b.1954): Returning to Arcadia

Into the magic wood
Thalia Dances

Berkant Gençkal (b.1977): The Stairs of MC Escher - WORLD PREMIERE

Ferenc Farkas (1905-2000): Hungarian folk dances from the 17th Century

Danse Lapockas
Danse de Lazar Apor

York Bowen (1884-1961): Arabesque

Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961): Chanson dans la nuit

Osian Ellis (1928-2021): Lachrymae

Sioned Williams at The National Liberal Club - ‘It takes guts’

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