This week, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod reveals its 2020 line-up (7-12 July 2020) and has opened its priority booking in time for Christmas.
The unique celebration of global peace and harmony returns for its 74th Eisteddfod, with daily performances and competitions, featuring some of the most prestigious artists and choirs from around the world, culminating with the world renowned Choir of the World award.
The International Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dr Edward Rhys-Harry, said, “We are very proud to launch our programme of musical excellence and international diversity. We always aim to bring the world’s very best artists in music and dance together here in Wales, to perform in an unparalleled spirit of friendship.
“The events running each day reflect our vision of promoting peace through music and the evening concerts really do have something for everyone.”
The 2020 concert programme opens on Tuesday 7th July with two of the classical world’s vocal powerhouses, Aled Jones and Russell Watson. On Wednesday 8th July, Fusion, featuring Manchester Collective’s Sirocco, will offer a unique evening with the essence of the International Eisteddfod at its core as different musical elements from different cultures sit side by side. British ‘Queen of Soul’, Beverley Knight, makes her Llangollen debut with a roof-raising show for the Friday concert. Llanfest 2020 will feature BRIT award winners, James Morrison and Will Young, in what promises to be another great end to the Eisteddfod week.
The annual International Eisteddfod is home to over 4,000 performers during the weeklong programme and is an exquisite celebration of international music, culture, creativity and collaboration. It is now a key driver of cultural tourism to North Wales and attracts over 35,000 visitors every year.
Evening concert line-up includes:
Tuesday 7 July – Back in Harmony: Aled Jones and Russell Watson
£42 / £37
Following their sell-out 2019 In Harmony tour, two of the classical world’s greatest voices present an evening that will feature a wealth of well-loved hymns, arias, and popular songs – ranging from a rousing Funiculì, Funiculà to a peaceful The Lord is My Shepherd.
Wednesday 8 July – Fusion: Uniting Cultures Through Music
£25
At the heart of the International Eisteddfod is the celebration of diverse cultures coming together through music and dance. The captivating Wednesday evening concert takes this theme of fusion, with various musical elements from different cultures sitting side by side.
The second part of the evening will feature Manchester Collective with a special excerpt from their critically acclaimed show, Sirocco, an electrifying fusion of Western Classical Music with the music of Africa.
Thursday 9 July – A Concert for Peace
£27 / £20
The inaugural Concert for Peace highlights the unique founding values of the International Eisteddfod – international peace, goodwill and understanding. This uplifting and vibrant concert will feature the Parade of Nations presented by Terry Waite CBE, the annual Peace Message, the Rotary Peace Award and performances by international participants and special guests.
Friday 10 July – BK25: Beverley Knight
£40 / £35
Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight, makes her Llangollen debut with a roof-raising show for the Friday night concert.
Three times MOBO award-winner and Lifetime Achievement recipient from the Urban Music Awards, Beverley is best known for her hit singles Greatest Day, Shoulda Woulda Coulda and Come As You Are and for her roles in West End shows including The Bodyguard and Memphis.
Saturday 11 July – Choir of the World
£30 / £25
Expect a night to remember with music, dance and the best choral voices from across the globe. The finest choirs perform to compete for the coveted Pavarotti Trophy and Choir of the World title. Dance Champions of the World will also be crowned alongside the Pendine International Voice of the Future, which has been included in the Saturday evening programme for the first time.
Sunday 12 July – Llanfest with James Morrison and Will Young
£49.50
The finale to Llangollen 2020 is the Llanfest festival on the Sunday. BRIT Award winning artists James Morrison and Will Young co-headline Llanfest with individual sets that include greatest hits and material from their latest albums.
Llanfest has quickly become a firm favourite in the summer festival diary with outside stages featuring live music throughout the day and a chilled festival atmosphere in the spectacular setting of the Dee Valley.
Priority booking for all concerts opens from 9.30am Monday 9th December for Friends of the Eisteddfod and those wishing to buy a Festival Pass for the week. Tickets will then be on sale to the general public from 9.30am on Tuesday 17th December online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office. You can become a Friend of the Eisteddfod during this priority booking period and gain access to these advance tickets, contact the box office on 01978 862001.
