The prestigious Choir of the World title has been awarded to Advent Euphonic Chorale from the Philippines following a spectacular finale at the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
In a remarkable day of competition, the internationally acclaimed choir completed a stunning hat-trick of victories. They were first crowned winners of the Mixed Choir Competition with an outstanding score of 95, before claiming the Open Choirs Competition with an incredible score of 96. They then returned to the stage later the same day to win the prestigious Choir of the World title, completing an extraordinary treble that ranks among the finest achievements in the festival’s history.
The standard of competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is widely recognised as being among the highest in the world. Each year, the festival attracts many of the finest amateur choirs from across the globe, making victory in any category a remarkable achievement. To win three major titles in a single day is an exceptionally rare accomplishment and underlines the outstanding quality of Advent Euphonic Chorale.
The Pinoy choir, composed of students and young professionals, and predominantly drawn from the Adventist University of the Philippines, has earned an international reputation for excellence, winning accolades at prestigious competitions across the globe. Their latest success in Llangollen adds the celebrated Choir of the World title to an already remarkable list of achievements.
The Choir of the World competition brings together the winners of the festival’s principal choral competitions for a thrilling grand final on the iconic Llangollen stage and is widely regarded as one of the highest honours in international choral music.
Following their victory, the choir was presented with the famous Pavarotti Trophy by Artistic Director Dave Danford and Chair of the Eisteddfod John Gambles, to rapturous applause from the audience.
John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said,
“Congratulations to Advent Euphonic Chorale on becoming our 2026 Choir of the World. To win three major titles in a single day is an extraordinary achievement and reflects the exceptional standard of musicianship, artistry and dedication shown by every member of the choir.
“This competition represents the very best of international choral singing and tonight’s final once again demonstrated why Llangollen continues to be recognised as one of the world’s great stages for choral music. We are delighted to add Advent Euphonic Chorale to the distinguished list of Choir of the World winners.”
Artistic Director Dave Danford added,
“The standard throughout this year’s Choir of the World competition has been truly exceptional. Every finalist brought something unique to the stage, making the judges’ task incredibly difficult.
“Advent Euphonic Chorale performed with outstanding precision, musicality and expression throughout the day. Winning the Mixed Choir, Open Choirs and Choir of the World titles in the space of a few hours is an extraordinary accomplishment and one that will long be remembered in Llangollen. We congratulate them, along with every choir that has helped make this year’s festival such a memorable celebration of international music-making.”
The Choir of the World competition brought the curtain down on an outstanding week at the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Thousands of competitors from across the globe travelled to Llangollen to celebrate music, dance and international friendship, while audiences enjoyed a memorable programme of concerts and events. Highlights included Sir Karl Jenkins’ powerful opening concert Uniting Nations: One World, the critically acclaimed performance by Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, a spectacular evening with Michael Ball, the busiest Parade of Nations in a generation, and six unforgettable days of world-class competition. Once again, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod demonstrated why it remains one of the world’s most celebrated and prestigious international arts festivals.
Warning them that it was so hot that he almost came in shorts, he followed up with the aptly-titled
There are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that transformed the Pavilion into one enormous celebration.
There was a particularly poignant moment during “Balafô Douma”, a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto the international stage. It was a performance rooted in heritage, yet entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.
Hundreds of youngsters from schools across North Wales and Cheshire packed into the Pavilion at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to hear the traditional Peace Message delivered during the annual children’s day matinee.
50 children from two Dee Valley community schools relived a local tradition when they arrived by train for a sunny day out at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
“We see them as extremely important to the people in the communities at the other end of the heritage line, where the railway is part of their everyday lives.
Following an extended standing ovation, the audience was treated to a moving encore of Benedictus, the hauntingly beautiful penultimate movement from Sir Karl Jenkins’ much-loved anti-war masterpiece, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. Its soaring opening melody filled the Pavilion, played by the outstanding Cellist Beatrice Newman, and the audience responded with prolonged, rapturous applause, bringing an emotional and fitting conclusion to an unforgettable opening night.
Visitors, competitors and music lovers from around the world can now experience the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod like never before with the launch of the festival’s brand-new official mobile app. Available now on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, the free app has been designed to put everything visitors need in one convenient place, making it easier than ever to plan a visit, follow the competitions and stay connected throughout the festival.
Residents and businesses in Llangollen are being invited to a public meeting on Tuesday, 9 June ahead of the 2026 summer season at the Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. This summer, tens of thousands of visitors are expected to come to Llangollen, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Numerous steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment for the public during event days, including traffic management measures and a one-way system in certain areas. A dedicated phone line will also be launched to allow residents to contact the Eisteddfod team with any issues during the festival.
The title, Greeting the Dawn, draws inspiration from two iconic Welsh poems: Niwbwrch by Dafydd ap Gwilym and Y Wawr by Hedd Wyn. Together they tell the story of someone arriving in an unfamiliar place, receiving a warm welcome from its people before witnessing the beauty of a new dawn.

One of the most colourful and much-loved traditions of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns on Friday 10 July, as the spectacular Parade of Nations brings thousands of visitors and performers together in a celebration of international friendship, music and culture.








