Elin Manahan Thomas premieres John Brunning’s ‘Swansongs’

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Composer and Classic FM presenter John Brunning will have his song cycle ‘Swansongs – Songs of Remembrance’ premiered by Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, at the North Wales International Music Festival (St Asaph) on Friday 28th September. The songs have also been recorded by Signum Records (with Daniel Grimwood, piano), and are due for digital and CD release in November.

The song cycle started “in response to the death of a loved one that affected me very profoundly”, John says. With Remembrance Day approaching, the performance of the 2nd song “When Poppies Fall” will be a particularly fitting tribute to those that have lost their lives serving their country.

John’s previous works have been performed by artists including All Angels, The King’s Singers, Tasmin Little, Xuefei Yang, Craig Ogden, Katherine Jenkins and tenor Paul Phoenix.

Elin Manahan Thomas – most recently known for her performance at the Royal Wedding in May this year – is delighted to be giving the premiere of the Swansongs in her native Wales, along with Welsh pianist Jocelyn Freeman. Elin says of the songs “they are beautiful, simple and heartfelt. The words and music match perfectly and they have a timeless and touching quality to them.”

 

Elin Manahan Thomas premieres John Brunning’s ‘Swansongs’

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