A SPECIAL evening is being held to mark the centenary of the death of Claude Debussy.

Pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and broadcaster and television presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts will celebrate the life and work of one of the most prominent late 19th and early 20th century composers at Pontio in Bangor.

The Submerged Cathedral, Claude Debussy in music, pictures and words will be held in the Theatr Bryn Terfel, on Thursday, October 11 at 7.30pm.

During the months before the summer holidays, pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and the artist Catrin Williams visited local schools to work on a music and art project.

Llewelyn-Jones played Debussy’s works on the piano, while Williams engaged in artwork with the children, who were inspired by the sounds they were hearing.

Work by pupils from Ysgol y Borth, Ysgol Felinheli and Ysgol Llanfairpwll is now displayed at Pontio’s public spaces.

Before the concert Iwan will chat about about the French composer’s life and work, with Professor Chris Collins, head of Bangor University’s school of music and media, in the Pontio Studio at 6.30pm.

The bilingual talk is free but tickets must be ordered beforehand. During the main theatre event, Debussy’s music will be introduced in a theatrical context, combining visual and literary elements.

The event also explores Debussy’s influences. It was these which stimulated him to compose some of the most colourful and popular works of his era, such as Clair de Lune, Fireworks, Goldfish and The Underwater Cathedral.

Llewelyn-Jones will perform a range of Debussy’s solo pieces for the piano and Bethan Rhys Roberts will provide readings.

Llewelyn-Jones said: “Debussy is the evening’s focal point but we will be branching out in all directions, encompassing Shakespeare, art and poetry.”

Tickets for The Submerged Cathedral, Claude Debussy in music, pictures and words cost £15/£13 over-60/£5 students and under-18.

Go online at Pontio.co.uk or telephone 01248 382828.