The Cathedral has always been proud of its association with the Welsh Regiment and the St David Chapel which is dedicated to it. The Chapel holds various memorials to those who died in war, including a memorial stone dedicated to those who died in the Korean War. Earlier in the year Father Mark was pleased to welcome the Cultural Attaché from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea who paid homage in the Cathedral while on a visit to Cardiff.

Last week we were delighted to welcome Ms Hannah Kim, the official Ambassadress of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation in the USA. Formerly the Chief of Staff to a US Congressman, Hannah visited Wales on the final leg of a worldwide tour. Visiting over 30 countries that participated in the Korean War, Hannah has sought to preserve the stories of veterans from the War and thank them for the sacrifices made during the conflict. After visiting Welsh veterans at Maindy Barracks, Hannah visited the Cathedral to pay homage to the fallen soldiers.

Hannah said of her visit “It was the perfect ending to my visit in Wales… I was surprised and grateful when Canon Jan recognised my attendance at Evening Prayer and gave a special prayer for Korean War Veterans. I prayed for the 32 Welshmen who died in the Korean War and had the privilege of meeting Dr John Kenyon, the Cathedral Archivist who explained the background of the memorial plaque.”

You can find out more about Hannah’s journey at www.remember727.org

On Saturday 7 September we look forward to welcoming international recitalist David Briggs to play the 2010/13 Nicholson Organ at the Cathedral. This recital is part of the Royal College of Organists 2019 ‘Organ Fest’ which is taking place in Cardiff from 6-8 September. More details can be found here OrganFest.

David’s recital will explore the colours of the instrument here at the Cathedral and will be recorded by BBC Radio 3 for future broadcast. The programme will be as follows:

Briggs – Marche Episcopale

J S Bach – Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731; Piece d’orgue, BWV 572

Dupre – Symphonie No.2

INTERVAL

Briggs – Symphonic Improvisation on Three Welsh Themes

David Briggs is an internationally renowned organist whose performances are acclaimed for their musicality, virtuosity, and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages. With an extensive repertoire spanning five centuries, he is known across the globe for his brilliant organ transcriptions of symphonic music by composers such as Mahler, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Bruckner, Ravel, and Bach. Fascinated by the art of Improvisation since a child, David also frequently performs improvisations to silent films such as Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Nosferatu, Jeanne d’Arc, Metropolis, as well as a variety of Charlie Chaplin films.

David has held positions at King’s College, Cambridge, Hereford, Truro and Gloucester Cathedrals. He is currently Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York City.

Stephen Moore, Director of Music at Llandaff Cathedral said of the recital “It is immensely exciting to be able to welcome an organist of David’s standing to play here at the Cathedral. We are looking forward to him putting the Nicholson through its paces in a wonderfully varied and colourful programme. It’s also a particular delight to be able to welcome the 2019 Organ Fest to Cardiff and for Llandaff to have a part in the weekend’s events.”

Further details about the recital and booking information may be found here.