The Gentle Good - Welsh contemporary folk artist Gareth Bonello - is returning to China to perform his China-inspired, award winning album Y Bardd Anfarwol (The Immortal Bard) as part of the first ever UK – China Year of Cultural Exchange.
In 2011 Gareth took part in the first round of the Musician in Residence China Programme, organised by the British Council and PRSF.
He spent six weeks in Chengdu, Southwest China working with local musicians and looking for inspiration at the Wuhou Temple, Kuaizhai Valley, Dufu Thatched Cottage, Sichuan Opera and even the Chengdu Panda Base.
Drawing on these unique Chinese elements, he composed Y Bardd Anfarwol, working with the Chengdu Associated Theatre of Performing Arts and theming the album around the legendary life of Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai.
This month (March 2015), Gareth is invited back to China by the British Council to share this Chengdu inspired album and to tour his performances in three cities in south west China. Later this year, three UK musicians will follow Gareth’s footsteps to join the third round of the Musician in Residence programme in China.
Y Bardd Anfarwolfuses Chinese and Welsh traditional music and poetry to beautiful effect. Featuring collaboration between musicians from China and the UK the album has received widespread critical praise and was awarded the Welsh Album of the Year award at the 2014 National Eisteddfod.