The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary milestone with a star-studded concert line up featuring performances from renowned bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, iconic American Jazz, Soul and Gospel singer, Gregory Porter, vocal harmony group, The Overtones and the Only Boys Aloud Academi, as well as a whole host of global dance and musical talent.
Tickets for the festival, which will run from Monday 3rd July until Sunday 9th July 2017, will be available to season ticket holders and Friends of the Eisteddfod from 9am today [TUESDAY 24TH JANUARY], with tickets going on sale to the general public at 9am on Thursday 9th February online at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or via the box office on 01978 862001.
Anyone purchasing a membership to the Friends of the Eisteddfod during this two-week priority booking period will also gain access to advance tickets.
The 2017 event will be launched on Monday 3rd July with a rousing 70th anniversary opening concert that will include some of Wales’ best known hymns, powerful operatic choruses and inspiring classical favourites. Under the leadership of Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, Voice of the Future 2015 winner, Meinir Wyn Roberts and euphonium soloist, David Childs will join forces with the world class Cory Brass Band and Canoldir, Colne Valley, Froncysyllte and Rhosllanerchrugog Male Voice Choirs, setting the tone for the week ahead.
On Tuesday 4th July, bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel will return to the International Eisteddfod to perform in a breath-taking concert version of Puccini’s dramatic story of love, lust, murder and political intrigue, Tosca. The one-off performance will be accompanied by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, with further international artists to be announced shortly.
Wednesday 5th July will see Grammy-award winning video game music composer, Christopher Tin join the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and soprano, Elin Manahan Thomas for an international choral and orchestral spectacular in two parts, with a surprising twist. The first half of the evening will feature a broad spectrum of classical music depicting themes of renewal and togetherness. In the second half will be a special performance of Christopher’s song-cycle Calling All Dawns – including the iconic Baba Yetu – the theme tune to the globally renowned video game, Civilisation IV. The performance will also see the return of the locally recruited Llangollen Celebration Chorus who will join the formidable line-up.
Only Boys Aloud Academi will be special guests at the International Celebration on Thursday 6th July, performing and joining competitors as part of an international mass choir conducted by Tim Rhys Evans. The performance will be a rousing finale to the event, which will feature this year’s Peace Message, an annual highlight of the festival, delivered by Only Boys Aloud: Côr y Gogledd after the International Procession of Nations. The concert will also showcase the talents of the finalists in the Voice of the Future competition, which is supported by Pendine Park and the Bryn Terfel Foundation.
Grammy award winning Jazz, Soul and Gospel singer, songwriter and actor, the multi-talented Gregory Porter, will take to the stage at the festival on Friday 7th July for An Evening with Gregory Porter, a magical evening of soulful and soothing sounds, during which he will perform tracks from his newest album Take me to the Alley, as well as older works.
The International Eisteddfod’s competitions will reach their exciting climax on Saturday 8th July with a performance from special guests, The Overtones, Britain’s number one vocal harmony group. The winners of the adult choir categories will compete for the title of Choir of the World 2017 and the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy, while the title of Dance Champions of the World will be awarded and the overall winners of the folk dance categories will also be named.
The festival will draw to a close on Sunday 9th July with Llanfest 2017, a feast of contemporary music starting from 2pm and headlined by Manic Street Preachers, with exciting support acts to be announced soon. Tickets are still available to book on the International Eisteddfod’s website www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk.
Music Director of the festival, Eilir Griffiths, said: “We couldn’t be more excited about the 2017 concert schedule. For the last 70 years the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has brought people from across the globe together in the passionate celebration of music, dance, culture and diversity, exemplifying our values of peace and unity.
“This year’s festival will be a celebration of our history and values but also of our future, as we embrace artists and genres that many may consider not ‘traditional’ to the International Eisteddfod.
“We are proud that this year’s festival line up spans genres and generations, crossing the boundries of age, culture and creed. There really is something for everyone at Llangollen 2017.”
Terry Waite CBE , President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “The word Eisteddfod is the Welsh word for a gathering and that is what the International Musical Eisteddfod truly is.
“Every year since the end of World War II musicians and artists have gathered together from every corner of the globe to compete and to entertain. What makes this Eisteddfod unique is that it is all done to promote peace and harmony using the language of music.
“I have often said that music has the capacity to breath harmony into the soul and today this troubled world needs harmony more than ever it did. This year thousands of people will once again travel to Llangollen for the 70th anniversary celebrations.
“The Internationally acclaimed artist, Sir Bryn Terfel, will once again delight his audience, as will Only Boys Aloud, Gregory Porter and Manic Street Preachers and the many more eclectic stars who will perform at this unique week of music and dance. It certainly promises to be a week to remember.
“My great hope for this anniversary year is that the celebration may encourage us all to continue to bring harmony and peace in a divided world.”
Throughout the week there will also be live performances from emerging bands, musicians and street performers from across the globe, as well as activities to entertain the children and food, drink and local craft stalls.
Season ticket holders and Friends of the Eisteddfod are able to book tickets from today, via a special booking form. Tickets will be on sale to the general public from 9am on Thursday 9th February online at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or via the box office.
To become a Friend of the Eisteddfod and access priority booking, please click here
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