On the 13 th September 2012 , Big Pit in Blaenafon will host a memorial concert in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in coal mining accidents. The concert comes two days before the first anniversary of the Gleision Colliery tragedy .

This concert will be held at Pit Bottom , 300 ft underground . An upright piano will be placed into the cage to make the descent into the mine. Several dignitaries and special guests including the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones will be attending the concert.

Performing will be Daniel and Laura Curtis who are considered as one of the foremost ambassadors for the preservation of the music of Ivor Novello and T he Great American Songbook . Welsh writer and actor Boyd Clack will also be writing a new poem to mark the event as well as joining Daniel and Laura in song. The BBC One Show will be covering the concert for inclusion as a VT in a future programme.

Daniel Curtis said I have wanted to do a concert at Big Pit for a long time. I contacted the museum with my fingers crossed that they wouldnt think I was crazy! Luckily it wasnt the craziest request they had ever received. Its great that we are making this happen. My great grandfather died in Senghenydd Colliery and I really wanted to hold a concert to pay tribute to pay my respects and raise awareness for those who have died in mines . Singing was an important part of mining history with many miners being members of their local Male Voice Choir. The number of people who lost their lives through the years is one the biggest tragedies running through the history of Wales and Britain .

Peter Walker, Keeper and Mine Manager added: We are only too happy to work with Daniel and Laura Curtis on this concert, as we feel passionately that any effort to keep the memories of this most important industry alive is vitally important . We have had many weird and wonderful events underground, and we look forward to sharing the excitement of this unusual concert.

Stage and screen legend Jo na than Pryce has supported the concert by saying: Coal mining is ingrained in our history and has to been one of the toughest and most dangerous jobs that anybody could do. My father worked in two mines in the Holywell area including the Bettisfield Colliery, but my mother rescued him from the mines when they married and both became shopkeepers. It is very important that we remember those who have lost their lives working in mines, but also those who have died from diseases like pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of dust. Due to my theatre commitments with King Lear, I am unable to attend the memorial concert at Big Pit, Blaenafon but I would like to add my support to the concert and wish Dan and Laura Curtis all the very best. Taking a piano underground is certainly unique idea and will, without doubt, create a very special and poignant atmosphere. Jonathan Pryce CBE .

The piano has kindly been donated by Pianos Cymru who are an award winning piano dealership in the NorthWest Wales area and have recently opened another branch in Chester called Jones Pianos . They have been established since 1970 and offer an extensive range of pianos. They have twice won the prestigious Kawai Dealer of The Year Award which is a National Recognition Award to the Piano Dealer that has served the piano world best thorough the UK that year. They have supplied and maintained pianos for major Music Festivals across the UK , and worked for International stars that have included Jose Carreras, Jamie Cullum, Bryn Terfel, Michae l Ball and Dame Shirley Bassey. www.pianoscymru.com