The Faerie Bride – ‘a bold and brilliant premeire’

The Faerie Bride, Gavin’s cantata based on the Welsh myth of Llyn y Fan Fach, has premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival. The work for two singers and orchestra, with libretto by Francesca Simon, was premiered by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, with singers Marta Fontanals-Simmons and Roderick Williams.

The Times called it a ‘bold and brilliant premiere’, ‘superbly atmospheric’ and ‘a very moving parable’, whilst the Guardian said ‘Higgins’ control of his orchestral forces was highly assured, and combined with an equal instinct for colouristic and atmospheric detail’.