A poignant new opera that tells the story of one of Britain's worst mining tragedies is set to tour former pit communities across Wales, bringing a powerful act of remembrance to a wider audience.
An Emotional Tribute to the 266 Lost
The opera, titled 'Gresford - Up From Underground', commemorates the Gresford colliery disaster of September 22, 1934. A massive underground explosion and fire ripped through the pit near Wrexham, claiming the lives of 266 men and boys. The emotionally charged production, which moved its premiere audience to tears, is now embarking on a tour following its shortlisting for a prestigious Ivor Novello Award.
The tour will visit Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham, Blackwood in Gwent, Ystradgynlais, and Caernarfon. Performances will be delivered by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra, six professional singers, and a cast of emerging professionals.
A Daughter's Personal Connection
Among those taking part is 72-year-old Gillian Davies, a Wrexham native now living in Llandudno, whose personal connection to the disaster is profound. Her father, 18-year-old miner Ivor Owen Bellis, was meant to be on the fateful shift but was saved by a hand injury sustained the night before.
"His mother had refused to let him go to work because of the injury," Gillian explained. "His best friend, who he travelled with on the bus from Coedpoeth every shift, was among those who never came back."
Gillian, who will sing with the NEW Voices chorus in Rhos and Caernarfon, described the tour as "absolutely wonderful". She stated: "I think it's absolutely wonderful that we can go round Wales with the tour to actually remember what happened... The miners never had much money and those lads took their wage packets and put them in their pockets and went down there. They never came back and the families never got paid for the shift that they did."
Bringing a Universal Story to Life
The project is the brainchild of Wrexham brothers Jonathan and Robert Guy, founders of the NEW Sinfonia. Jonathan composed the music, while Robert will conduct the orchestra. The libretto is by poet Grahame Davies, also from Coedpoeth.
Director Ruth Evans emphasised the universal themes of the story. "This is very much a story about Gresford but it is a universal story about adversity in mining communities where there was oppression with people being taken for granted," she said. The production uses a symbolic colour scheme, starting in grey and gradually introducing "bright, vibrant Wrexham red" to embody community resurgence.
Conductor Robert Guy stressed the importance of keeping the miners' memory alive, while composer Jonathan Guy spoke of a "strong sense of responsibility" to do justice to the story for the many emotionally connected families.
The 2024 premiere was supported by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust. The project holds special significance for the care organisation Pendine Park, which once cared for Albert Rowlands, the disaster's last survivor, before his death in 2020 aged 100. Founder Mario Kreft MBE said: "Events like the Gresford mining disaster should never be forgotten. They shape our history."
Tour Dates and Information
The opera will be performed on the following dates:
- The Stiwt, Rhosllannerchrugog: Saturday, February 21 (7.30pm) & Sunday, February 22 (4pm).
- Blackwood Miners’ Institute: Thursday, February 26 (7.30pm).
- Galeri Caernarfon: Friday, February 27 (7.30pm).
- The Welfare, Ystradgynlais: Friday, March 6 (7.30pm).
For tickets and further details, visit the NEW Sinfonia website.
