‘White Flower’ is a musical work created in collaboration between the Sarajevo National Theatre and the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and singer and performer Cardiff Ardwyn from Wales. A musical tribute to memory from Wales to Bosnia, it was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to mark the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
The melody and lyrics were written by Elvir Solak, who survived the siege of Sarajevo, the composition was arranged by Cardiff Ardwyn’s director of singing, David Leggett with solo performances by Abigail Lucinda, from Remembering Srebrenica Wales and soprano soloist of the Sarajevo National Theatre Aida Čorbadžić.
In less than a week, at least 8,372 mostly Bosniak-Muslim men and boys were killed. It was genocide. The most horrific crime on European soil since World War II. They were killed because of their identity.
The song is about the soul of the victim of Srebrenica, who describes the heartache and cry of his mother and depicts the infamous “White Flower” that became a symbol of Srebrenica’s suffering and genocide. It is sung in English and Bosnian with subtitles.
The power of music and love brought together two countries and almost 140 volunteers who joined together to create this masterpiece.
This work is a dedication and remembrance for the innocent victims of Srebrenica from Wales to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
