A concert will shine a spotlight on a powerful story of hope and sanctuary.
An internationally renowned pianist is set to perform a moving piece in North Wales inspired by Belgian refugees who fled to Wales during the First World War.
Llŷr Williams, originally from Pentrebychan near Wrexham, will perform the work at the Bangor Music Festival, held at Pontio Arts Centre. The concert takes place on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15.
The programme features Prelude and Fugue on Louvaine by composer Brian Hughes, telling the story of refugees from the Belgian city of Louvain who found shelter in Rhosllannerchrugog.
Brian Hughes, who was born in Ponciau and now lives in Gresford, said: "I've known Llŷr for many years and I’ve followed his career with great interest.
"He is a world-class pianist and it is a pleasure to compose music for him and to have it performed by Llŷr."
The refugees were housed in Bethlehem Chapel, where Dr Caradog Roberts served as organist.
Dr Roberts later published the hymn tune Louvaine in 1916.
Mr Hughes said: "He published the hymn tune ‘Louvaine’ in 1916, and it forms the basis of this prelude and fugue.
"Llŷr is a member of the chapel too which makes it an apt choice to perform."
The concert will also feature other works written especially for Mr Williams, including Contrasts, first performed at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham last year.
Additional pieces by Richard Elfyn Jones, Geraint Lewis, and Rhian Samuel will also be performed.
The Bangor Music Festival, known as Gŵyl Gerdd Bangor, began in 2000 and has since become a leading event in contemporary Welsh music.
It has commissioned more than 175 new works and premiered over 50 compositions.
This year’s theme is Perthnasau (Relationships).
Guto Pryderi Puw, artistic director of the festival, said: "Llŷr is an exceptional pianist who is highly regarded on stages worldwide for the expressive and communicative nature of his interpretations and we are extremely pleased to be welcoming him to the festival for the first time.
"Through his recital, the touching story behind Brian Hughes’ composition can only demonstrate the kind of close relationships that can be forged between mankind whatever their backgrounds, and it’s as relevant today as it was over a century ago."
Mr Williams said he is looking forward to exploring contemporary work at the festival.
He said: "As most of my repertoire consists of pieces written between, say, 1800 and 1950, people don't realise that I also enjoy contemporary music.
"In this programme however I have a great opportunity to explore and share with the audience repertoire from some of the most interesting Welsh contemporary composers."
In keeping with tradition, the festival has commissioned five new works this year.
Two of these, by Lowri Mair Jones and Nicholas Olsen, will be performed by Ensemble CGWM at the Pontio Studio on February 14.
The other three commissions will be featured on the festival’s second day.
Six new pieces composed by Bangor University students will also make their debut over the weekend.
The festival will include pre-concert talks, workshops, and informal performances throughout Pontio.
Events begin with the Ensemble CGWM concert at 1pm on February 14, followed by a post-concert discussion with the composers.
Young musicians will perform in the Bar Ffynnon from 3pm, with further student works presented at 4pm in Pontio’s public spaces.
Workshops for children will also take place during the morning.
Tickets are available via pontio.co.uk or the Pontio Box Office on 01248 382828.
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