A concert is to be held to mark the 90th birthday of a Welsh composer.

Professor William Mathias, who died aged 57 in 1992, is regarded as one of Wales' 'greatest' composers and will be celebrated at the concert at Bangor University’s Neuadd Prichard Jones at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 2.

Professor Mathias was born in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, and was a child prodigy who began playing the piano at three and composing at five.

He achieved 'global' fame during his lifetime, with his work including the 1981 anthem, 'Let the people praise thee, O God', composed for the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The concert is a joint initiative by Bangor University’s School of Music, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), and the Gwynedd and Anglesey Schools Music Service.

Professor Mathias' daughter, Dr Rhiannon Mathias, a musicologist and flute tutor at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, said: "The idea of the concert came from the community and I think it is a marvellous way to mark what would have been his 90th birthday.

"The Prichard Jones Hall is a wonderful place to stage the concert as it was his place of work for many years and so many of his pieces have been played there.

"Many, many people will remember him being there for concerts and seeing him walk through.

"I can't wait for the concert."

The concert will feature solo performances on the organ, flute, harp, and piano, as well as choral works.

Choral items will be performed by Côr Dre from Caernarfon directed by Sian Wheway.

The evening will culminate in a performance of 'Culhwch ac Olwen', a piece for choir and instrumental ensemble based on a love story from the Mabinogion.

Wyn Thomas, chair of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, said: "The aim of the occasion at the Prichard Jones Hall is to identify William Mathias's special contribution to Welsh music." 

He added: "He was a prolific composer and a versatile musician.

"He produced pieces for solo instruments, wind ensembles, and concertos but his main interest was choral/vocal music.

"Mathias built a music department in Bangor which was among the best in the British Isles and secured the respect and admiration of generations of future students and fellow musicians."

Tudur Eames, director of the Gwynedd and Anglesey Schools Music Service, who will conduct the work in the concert, said: "It's not an opera, a cantata, or an oratorio but a combination of several musical elements that illustrate the legend including a storyteller, instruments, accompaniment of two pianos and children's voices."

Tickets for the concert are priced at £12 or £10, and £5 for students and children. 

More information can be found at www.cgwm.org.uk.