Tafod Arian (Silver Tongue) is a multi-layered production that combines film and sound archive to create new music.
In 2024, the musician Lleuwen Steffan toured the chapels of Wales reintroducing the lost Welsh folk hymns to the Welsh public. Unexpectedly during the trip, she had the opportunity to hear and record other traditional hymns from members of the public who were keen to share. Tafod Arian combines these recordings with recordings from the sound archives of St Fagans Welsh History Museum to create new music that has both electronic and acoustic elements.
Sharing the stage with Lleuwen will be talented multi-instrumentalist Gethin Elis and renowned singer and songwriter from Brittany - Nolwenn Korbell. A new film created by Aled Victor will be a part of the performance.
Through Silver Tongue, we pay tribute to the voices of the past, infusing their timeless melodies and lyrics with contemporary arrangements and heartfelt interpretations. This production gives new life to archive recordings, ensuring that the traditional hymns of Wales, once loved by the nation, claim their place on Welsh stages today. Let us transport you through time, bridging the gap between the past and the present, and immerse you in the timeless beauty of Wales’ sacred music in 2025. There will be no break in the performance.
This project is a commission by the National Eisteddfod of Wales, with support from the British Council and Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity.
Booking the show
Would you like to book Lleuwen Steffan to perform Tafod Arian at your venue?
Contact the Tafod Arian project manager for more information and to book.