ACTOR and musician, Rhys Ifans, best known for his roles in The Amazing Spiderman, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and, more recently, Snowden, has contributed to the debut, orchestral performance written by Super Furry Animals’ Cian Ciaran.

Being performed by the 84-piece BBC National Orchestra of Wales and premiering at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff on Friday, November 4, Ifans has narrated Rhys and Meinir, contributing his seasoned, dramatic delivery to the traditional Welsh folk tale of love and loss.

Rhys and Meinir sees the Furries keyboard player, vocalist, producer and solo artist will tell an ancient story of heartbreak in rural North Wales, using instrumentation and spoken word.

Adding a further layer to the project, Ciaran confirms that Ifans (a former lead singer with the Furries and offshoot, The Peth) has recorded the Welsh-language narration for the production. Ciaran also welcomes the conductor, Alastair King to the fold, who brings credits like Pirates of the Caribbean and Doctor Who to the production.

Almost 20 years in the making, the score features many ideas documented by Ciaran while on the road, in sound checks and in studio breaks, while with Super Furry Animals or working on solo projects, developed further over the last five years as a work completed for the orchestra to perform. The Welsh-language version of the story, the spoken word element is written by poet Gruffudd Antur (Eisteddfod Chair of the Bard 2012).

The fable follows Rhys and Meinir, destined to find true love in each other, living in the remote village of Nant Gwrtheyrn. Their childhood romance blossomed for all to see, but on the day of their marriage, Meinir is nowhere to be found and the mystery leads Rhys into months of despair. When finally a thunder strike reveals Meinir’s final hiding place, Rhys is unable to live a second longer.

Rhys and Meinir is supported by Arts Council Wales and the PRS for Music Foundation.

Tickets are available through the BBC NOW audience line on 0800 052 1812 or online at bbc.co.uk/BBCNOW