News
The Eisteddfod Competitors’ Club – more than a "Green Room"...
Take a quick peek behind the scenes at the Eisteddfod Competitors’ Club. Much more than a “Green Room”, this is where our competitors relax, forge friendships, and have fun. It’s their home for the week.
Meeting friends, being part of the action – and eating curry with Terry Waite!
These are just some of the things people get out of volunteering with the Llangollen Eisteddfod!
We’re seeking volunteers for a multitude of roles and thought we’d share the experiences of other volunteers with you.
So, what can a Llangollen Eisteddfod volunteer expect?
Become an Eisteddfod volunteer and enjoy the festival atmosphere...
Just as the "Games Makers" made the Olympics, so this is your chance to make the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Nearly 800 people volunteer every year, some just for the festival week and others through the year in preparation of the Festival.
There are so many great reasons to volunteer. We list a few here. One of our existing volunteers also describes the excitement of being right in the thick of it...
Can the third-placed male voice choir from last year’s Eisteddfod finish higher still in 2013?
Musical director Islwyn Evans knows all about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
He’s led children’s choir Ysgol Gerdd to seven trophies at the event, and chamber choir Cywair won Choir of the World in 2005, winning the inaugural Pavarotti Trophy.
Wrexham schoolchildren are encouraged to sing, thanks to this youth choir making their Llangollen debut…
Wrexham County Youth Choir was formed in 2009 by Tim Jones and Tina Boycott to encourage singing in the North Wales county’s secondary schools.
Members range in age from 13 to 18 with some progressing to the Four Counties Youth Choir and the National Youth Choir of Wales.
More than a third of the pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn-coch belong to the school choir: here’s why it’s popular…
Ysgol Penrhyn-coch near Aberystwyth has just 86 pupils – yet up to 35 of them sing in the school choir. How is it so popular?
Deputy head of the school is choir musical director and soloist Gregory Vearey-Roberts. Greg has been competing and performing in Eisteddfodau around Wales from an early age and has previously won first prize at Llangollen.
This choir will represent the Welsh slate village of Bethesda at Llangollen for the first time since the 1980s…
It is not just the South Wales valleys that ring with the sound of singing… in Snowdonia, the Penrhyn Male Choir rejoice from the slate quarry village of Bethesda.
The village marks the entrance to the Ogwen Valley and its fortunes were built on the world-famous slate industry based at nearby Penrhyn Quarry.
Can this mid-Wales choir bring previous successes in Wales to the International Musical Eisteddfod…?
Gregory Vearey-Roberts is well known as a soloist and successful conductor having appeared in many Eisteddfodau around Wales.
In 2013 he faces one of his sternest tests as he brings Aberystwyth-based Ger y lli’s SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Choir that helped launch professional rugby league in North Wales hope to touchdown with a win in Llangollen…
A choir that performed before the first professional rugby league match in North Wales will be tackling the Eisteddfod competition this July.
One of New Zealand’s leading choirs is making its first overseas tour this year – and coming to Llangollen!
Euphony choir was established 15 years ago and in that time has made a name for itself in native New Zealand.
Attached to Kristin School in Auckland, the choir is undertaking its first overseas tour in 2013, and competing at Llangollen as part of its UK visit this summer.
Canadian choir uses music to promote understanding of global issues…
Saskatoon Children’s Choir uses its extensive repertoire to promote understanding of global issues…just as Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s message is one of peace.
Chamber choir wins major award just one year after forming – 11 years on, can they win at Llangollen?
In September 2002 classical singing teacher Inge Sykora asked her students to sing together, thereby forming the Waelrant Vocal Ensemble. Only one year later, the ensemble won a first prize at the European Music Festival for Young People at Neerpelt (Belgium).
All the way from Alaska – this children’s choir will be looking to turn to up the heat at this year’s Eisteddfod…
We stress that the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod is a truly international event, and choirs don’t come more international than this!
All the way from Alaska, this children’s choir was formed in 1979 and will be looking to make its mark in this year’s Senior Children’s Choir competition on Wednesday 10 July.
Romanian choir bidding to add yet another medal to their list of competition wins…
The Romanian SOUND Choir was founded in 1994 and has been supported by the SOUND Cultural Foundation since 1996.
The organisation has done very well, winning a string of awards and performing regularly on its country’s radio and TV stations.
This choir performs with the oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra in the UK – but who is it?
The award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is the UK's oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra and has been at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life since 1840.
The Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir is lucky enough to perform and record with this esteemed musical institution.
Puellae cantantes means “Singing Girls” and this choir from the Czech Republic has more than 80 of them!
They start singing early in the Czech Republic – from the tender age of three in this choir!
Puellae Cantantes features four training choirs of more than 80 children from the age of three. The main concert choir has 41 singers from 11 to 18 years old.
Hear Show Tunes and Beatles classics sung Barbershop-style with the Milltown Sound Chorus…
Dusty Springfield, The Beatles, hit Musical numbers and Doris Day – you may hear them all, Barbershop-style, with the Milltown Sound Chorus.
TV choir from Northern Ireland for adult singers with or without disabilities to compete at this year’s Eisteddfod
Based in Belfast and funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Open Arts Community Choir is an award winning inclusive choir for adult singers with and without disabilities.
Music Director delighted with new competitions programme
The 2013 Eisteddfod will see the introduction of new competitions designed to showcase excellence in the children’s choir and dance categories.
Basque folklore coming to Llangollen in the shape of Landarbaso choir…
A little piece of Basque folklore will come to Llangollen in July with the Eisteddfod performance of Spanish choir Landarbaso.
Choir from the Czech Republic nears 1,500 concert performances with appearance at the 2013 Eisteddfod…
Kantiléna from the Czech Republic is nearing 1,500 international performances as it bids to impress the judges at Llangollen in 2013.
(Photo by Jakub Holas)
Traditional Indonesian folksong will show “rich and beautiful culture” of the island nation
Jinggaswara National Institute of Technology Choir will be a few days short of celebrating its 26th birthday when it performs at Llangollen this year.
The choir will be busy, competing in no fewer than four competitions including Show Choir (Thursday 11 July) and Mixed Choirs (Saturday 13 July).
Jubilate is Latin for 'celebration' and that's the essence of this special ladies' choir from London…
Jubilate is known for its high standard of performance, its varied repertoire, and its sense of fun. It’s a recipe for success, as some of its members have been with the choir for 25 years!
Choir to make its 41st consecutive visit to Llangollen in 2013…
Highcliffe Junior Choir from Christchurch will perform a newly commissioned piece for its appearance at the Eisteddfod this year. It will be the first time for the performance, but the 41st time this choir has performed at Llangollen.
Only 6,700 miles away… this choir will compete in Llangollen for best senior children and children’s folk choirs…
This Filipino choir has the small task of travelling more than 6,700 miles (as the crow flies!) from Quezon City, Manila, to Llangollen, to compete in this year’s Eisteddfod.
One of our most “distant” performers, The Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir (HMtQCC) has the aim of preserving the heritage of sacred music through Latin, English and Filipino repertoire.
South African choir with Royal patron and Welsh connection striving to find funds for Llangollen trip
Not every choir can boast a king as its patron. The Royal Bafokeng Youth Choir of South Africa can. Even with royal tribal connections, they are one of several overseas groups striving hard to raise money to reach Llangollen this year. Can you help them?
Concerts to Inspire young people
Get your first taste of international choral and classical music for just £5!
Have you ever listened to choral performances or classical music live? Its power and emotion can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! We realise choral and classical music has a language all of its own, and finding something you might like can be daunting.
Llangollen appearance “Biggest gig to date” daunts but excites Midlands school choir…
A debut appearance at Llangollen has got one Midlands school choir a little nervous, but very excited!
The Four Oaks Cluster Choir admits it is “daunted but excited” about its “biggest gig to date” when it competes in the Junior Children’s Choir on International Children’s Day, Tuesday 9 July.
Hong Kong choir on a seven-year winning streak! Can they win in Llangollen?
Since launching in 2005, this Hong Kong school choir has won every championship in its class…!
Can they win in Llangollen this year?
South African choir gives underprivileged children the chance to fulfil dreams…
One of the top provincial youth choirs from South Africa gives underprivileged children the chance to fulfil their talent and their dreams.
The Colla Voce Youth Choir was formed in 1986 and recently celebrated its 25th reunion by launching its sixth CD recording.
Warrington Choir
Peace Choir mark 20th anniversary of bomb outrage at world festival
A choir will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Warrington bombing at an international festival dedicated to world peace and harmony.
Overseas groups striving to reach Llangollen 2013
Through our contact with choirs and dance groups around the world, the story we hear most often is their battle for funding. We would like to share some of their inspiring efforts with you. Perhaps you, or someone you know, may be able to help...?
Twickenham performers look to score at this year's Eisteddfod
They sang in front of 42,000 rugby fans at Twickenham. Can this ladies barbershop chorus turn on the style at Llangollen?
Amersham A Cappella
Lake District choir seeking to conquer North Wales...again!
Lake District girls’ choir Amabile are back in North Wales in July having already won competitions in this area.
Amabile won the Senior Children’s Choir Class at Llangollen and in October 2012 clinched first prize in the North Wales Choral Festival in Llandudno.
Hear a BBC Radio 3 performance next.
Amabile Choir
Australian singers make a date with Llangollen
The Adelaide Chamber Singers will be competing in our chamber choir completion on Friday 12 July this year. Read more about them and enjoy a recent recording here.
Adelaide Chamber Singers
Golden girl Claire heads for dream date
The former royal harpist who enchanted Prince William and Kate Middleton at their wedding reception is looking forward to her own dream date in North Wales.
Strictly stars add sparkle to international festival
Strictly Come Dancing couple James and Ola Jordan will add glitz and glamour to the star-studded line-up at this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Let’s dance
Let’s dance - West End star Mark appeals to Welsh dancers
West End star Mark Evans is appealing to folk dancers across Wales to represent their country against teams from around the world at Wales’s biggest international cultural festival.
West End star Mark Evans
Gareth Malone’s ‘The Choir-Sing While you Work’
Television Series filmed at the Llangollen Eisteddfod
Thank you Amarylca, Belgium!
We would like to share with you a great email that we received from one of the choirs who competed in 2013. Thank you Amarylca, Belgium!
Choir of the World 2012 Winners
DelicaTon from Germany win Choir of the World Competition
DelicaTon (Germany) have been crowned winners of the 2012 Choir of the World competition at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The renowned Pavarotti Trophy now heads for Germany.
