A sold-out audience of more than 85 people was captivated by a concert of poetry and harp music celebrating the Welsh landscape at Llansantffraed Church, near Talybont-on-Usk.

Held on Sunday, July 27, the summer concert continued the church’s tradition of literary events honouring its historic link with 17th-century Breconshire poet Henry Vaughan.

Award-winning poets Hilary Davies and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams gave readings from their own work, alongside selected poems by others. Their performances were interwoven with harp music by accomplished Brecon harpist Martha Powell, who played both traditional and contemporary pieces.

Highlights included first performances of a tribute to Henry Vaughan that Dr Williams had written specially for the concert and two compositions by Martha Powell on ‘The Staghorns’ (mythical mountains) and ‘Arfordir’ (The Coast).

Speaking after the concert, Talybont-on-Usk resident Pat Wilkie said: “We were transported by the imagery of the poetry readings of Rowan Williams and Hilary Davies celebrating our local landscape, interspersed by the lyrical melody of Martha Powell playing the harp.

“On a showery summer afternoon, I felt the concert had been so aptly titled ‘A Sunshine After Rain’. The title had been chosen Hilary Davies from a line in Vaughan’s poem ‘The Shower’.”

Speaking on behalf of the Brecknock Society and the Friends of Llansantffraed Church as organisers, Mervyn Bramley thanked performers for their contributions to Llansantffraed’s ongoing heritage. He thanked the Mid Wales Music Trust for supporting Martha Powell’s compositions, and the team behind the excellent interval refreshments. The concert also broadened community use of the church and raised funds for its upkeep.

The next concert at Llansantffraed Church is on Sunday, December 7 at 3pm, featuring seasonal music by the Gwent Chamber Orchestra. Details will be shared locally and at www.breconandepyntma.org.uk. Tickets will be available in advance and on the door.