THE breadth and depth of innovative music that Welsh artists have to offer is explored in a series of concerts, The Wales Anthology.

The first concert, entitled O’r Galon - From the Heart showcases the extraordinary talents of harpist Catrin Finch, pianist Gwilym Simcock and singer songwriter Al Lewis who will perform together for the first time on Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon stage on April 6.

The first half of the concert will feature music from each artist’s existing repertoire, with the second half of the concert consisting of new compositions and arrangements created in collaboration by all three, and inspired by Welsh music and culture. The Wales Anthology series will consist of three such concerts at Wales Millennium Centre across the year, presented and performed bilingually in Welsh and English, each branded with their own artwork by welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall.

BRIT nominated ‘Queen of the Harps’ Catrin Finch has achieved worldwide recognition for her classical virtuosity. Having recently played at the World Music Exposition (WOMEX) 2013 at Wales Millennium Centre, the art of fusion that Catrin Finch seamlessly brought to the table with Senegalese musician Seckou Keita gave us a taste of her incredible musical versatility.

One of the most influential jazz composers of the decade, award winning artist Gwilym Simcock has performed across the world in numerous prestigious events including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the BBC Proms and the London Jazz Festival. In 2011, Gwilym’s album ‘Good Days At Schloss Emlau’ was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize Album of the Year.

North Walian singer songwriter Al Lewis has achieved nationwide recognition recently, with his music featuring heavily in UK radio playlists. Along with sell out solo shows in London, he's also performed with Cerys Matthews and supported Jools Holland at the Royal Albert Hall.

Across the series, specially commissioned artwork by the professional artist Dan Llywelyn Hall will be created for each concert. Dan, originally from Cardiff, won the Sunday Times Young Artist of the Year in 2003 and since has regularly exhibited work across the UK. His new work titled Audience for the Heart, accompanies this first concert.

Each concert will also feature an emerging talent. In this first concert, the headliners will be joined on stage by Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford, who at seventeen is already attracting considerable professional acclaim for her striking songwriting and performing ability.

In this evening of exciting new music, expect a true reflection of Welsh music expressed in various genres and styles from classical to jazz, folk to pop.

Wales Millennium Centre’s inscription reads, ‘Creu Gwir Fel Gwydr o Ffwrnais Awen. In These Stones Horizon Sing’ and musician and Artistic Director of The Wales Anthology, Lucy J Morgan hopes the series reflects the spirit of poet Gwyneth Lewis’ words: "Crucially, its (the Wales Anthology’s) aim is to foster new collaborations and partnerships in musical performance and composition, and to encourage us, the artists, to work together to create something new for the audience. The only caveat to the freedom of expression is that the product of these musical meetings of the mind reflects the traditions, culture and music of Wales past and present, and forges a new anthology for the twenty first century. And where better to found new material, than in the building whose motto bears testimony to the incendiary nature of the creative process. I can’t think of a more appropriate venue in Wales as the starting point for a new musical venture such as this."

Richard Perry, Theatre Business Manager said: “Wales Millennium Centre’s founding mission is to showcase the best of Wales to the world as well as bringing the best of the world to Wales. "Presenting the best of professional and young emerging talents in Wales in both languages is a key objective of ours and I’m pleased that we can offer a series of concerts which will provide a stage for the very best of Welsh artists to explore our cultures and traditions."

The Wales Anthology, O’r Galon - From the Heart will be performed at Wales Millennium Centre on April 6. For more information and to book tickets visit www.wmc.org.uk or contact the ticket office on 029 2063 6464.