Matholwch – Siddi & Siobhan Owen
One of Wales’ most famous manuscripts has inspired a new music project by the National Eisteddfod, linking Wales and Australia, with one of the songs chosen as this week’s Trac yr Wythnos on BBC Radio Cymru.
Siddi from Llanuwchllyn and Australian musician, Siobhan Owen, whose family roots are in Anglesey were charmed by the stories in Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch, thanks to Maredudd ap Huw from the National Library of Wales.
Matholwch can be heard on BBC Radio Cymru throughout the week, with the song also available to stream across all digital platforms, having been released jointly on the National Eisteddfod’s new music label, Label EG, and Recordiau I Ka Ching
Eisteddfod Organiser and Artistic Director, Elen Elis, says, “We’ve been working with the National Celtic Festival in Australia for a while, and we’ve all enjoyed the collaboration between Siddi and Siobhan Owen.
“Their music works perfectly together, and the fact they’ve been inspired by one of our most valuable manuscripts has allowed us to look at the legends and the characters in a totally different and fresh way.
“We’re very much looking forward to seeing how the project develops over the next few months, and are also excited that the songs are being released on our brand new music label, Label EG and with Recordiau I Ka Ching.”
Another song from the collaboration, Cylch Casineb, will be released soon, and videos of both songs are available to watch on the Eisteddfod’s YouTube channel, with the video for Matholwch created and directed by film-maker Jonny Reed.
