Llangollen is an iconic cultural event which deserves support says Minister

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is a vital cultural event in Wales which deserves Government and private sector support, according to a veteran politician and Welsh Office Minister.

Lord Bourne, formerly Nick Bourne, the Conservative Leader in the Welsh Assembly and currently a Junior Minister at the Welsh Office, said: “The Eisteddfod is vitally important for Wales. It is one of the cultural icons we have alongside the Royal Welsh Show and the National Eisteddfod. (more…)

Wales still has international outlook despite Brexit says Economy Secretary at Eisteddfod

DESPITE Britain’s exit from Europe, Wales is a still a welcoming and internationalist country.

That was the message from the Welsh Government’s new Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM, when he visited the 70th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod yesterday (Thursday). (more…)

Operatic shootout is a lot of fun

Two of opera’s biggest guns staged a hugely entertaining shoot-out at Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion and a near full house loved every minute of it.

Wales’s very own singing superstar, Bryn Terfel, was paired with Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja and the combination of the duo with the mighty engine of the Synfonia Cymru Orchestra made for a memorable evening. (more…)

Indonesians win children’s choral title

The Indonesian flag was flying high over Llangollen after the Pangudi Luhur Youth Choir were crowned Children’s Choir of the World at the international Eisteddfod.

The Eisteddfod’s president, Terry Waite CBE, was on hand to present the international trophy to the choir’s leader, Sonia Nadya Simanjuntak, who was also crowned the most inspirational conductor in the competiton.

Eilir Owen Griffiths, the Eisteddfod’s music director, said: “The standard was exceptionally high but the Pangudi Luhur Youth Choir scored highly across each competition and richly deserve their success.

“And in Sonia they have a conductor with drive and enthusiasm who will ensure they choir goes from strength to strength. I hope we can welcome them back to North Wales in 2017.”

Veteran war reporter says festival is beacon of hope in a dark world

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod shines like a “beacon of hope” against the darkness of present times.

That was the key message from veteran war correspondent and former politician Martin Bell OBE in his speech from the main stage as one of the festival’s Day Presidents.

Mr Bell, known as the Man in the White Suite because of his trademark appearance, spoke of his fears about the impact of Britain’s recent referendum vote to leave the European Union. (more…)

Competition A9 Adult Folk Song Choirs

Stage Order Name Country Total Mark Position
5 Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir USA 91.0 1st
8 Coro San Benildo Philippines 88.0 2nd
7 The Sunday Night Singers USA 87.0 3rd
4 Cantica Laetitia Czech Republic 85.7 4th
3 University of the Philippines Medicine Choir Philippines 85.0 5th
6 Surrey Hills Chamber Choir England 84.3 6th
9 Belle Canto Women`s Ensemble Canada 84.3 6th
1 Musica Oeconomica Pragensis Czech Republic 79.0 7th
2 Chamber Choir Ancora Finland 77.0 8th