Cantata Memoria - For The Children

Cantata Memoria - For The Children is a profound and moving album by renowned composer Karl Jenkins, released on 7 October 2016 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This choral and classical masterpiece is not just an album, but a poignant commemoration of the Aberfan tragedy that occurred on 21 October 1966. On that fateful day, a coal tip collapse in Aberfan, South Wales, claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults, a tragedy that Jenkins beautifully and respectfully honours through his music.

The album features eleven tracks, each a component of the larger Cantata Memoria, with titles such as 'Pitran', 'Then Silence', 'Lament for the Valley', and 'Lux Aeterna'. These pieces are performed by a stellar ensemble, including Sinfonia Cymru, and notable vocalists such as Catrin Finch, Bryn Terfel, and Elin Manahan Thomas. The album's duration is just over 55 minutes, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience of Jenkins' evocative composition.

'Cantata Memoria - For The Children' quickly gained critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number one in the Official Classical Artist Albums Chart just days after its release. The album is a testament to Jenkins' ability to blend new age, choral, and classical elements into a cohesive and deeply resonant work. It is a powerful tribute to the victims of the Aberfan disaster and a significant addition to Karl Jenkins' illustrious discography.