Opera star to perform at North Wales International Festival
Mr Calleja, whose voice has drawn comparisons to the late Luciano Pavarotti, is a regular at the world's top opera houses, including the New York Met, La Scala in Milan, and Covent Garden in London.
Paul Mealor, the festival's artistic director, said: "I would say that Joseph Calleja is probably the world's greatest tenor – he has done everything.
"Joseph has performed in all the top venues and all the major opera houses, from the Met in New York and La Scala in Milan – and he is just getting better and better.
"To bring him to St Asaph for the very first time is amazing for us.
"It's simply the highlight of the festival."
Mr Calleja's appearance was secured thanks to his friendship with Mario and Gill Kreft, owners of the Pendine Park care organisation and headline sponsors of the festival.
The couple are long-time supporters of the event through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which funds cultural and community activities across Wales.
Joseph Calleja said: "I have very many fond memories of Wales, including Llangollen with Bryn a few years ago.
"He is Wales's greatest son and I love him a lot.
"I can't wait to come back frankly because I am also good friends with Mario and Gill and I know it is a special year for them because Pendine is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
"At the concert I'll be singing some popular songs, so it'll be an easy going night.
"We're not going to go too serious but it's serious enough that opera lovers will enjoy."
Mario Kreft said: "Joseph is a generational operatic talent who is right at the top of his game, as is our own homegrown hero, Sir Bryn Terfel.
"The acoustic at the cathedral is among the best in the world so it will provide a perfect backdrop to hear Joseph's magnificent tenor voice at its very best."
Other headliners at this year's festival include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, choral group Apollo5, and the Black Dyke Band.
Film and TV composer Debbie Wiseman OBE will also make her festival debut, with the NEW Sinfonia orchestra performing a selection of her well-known theme tunes.
The festival will also feature the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition, funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust.
More information and tickets are available online.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
13 hours ago
- Leader Live
MS says culture isn't a luxury in Wales its 'who we are'
MS for Delyn Last week in the Senedd, I spoke about the incredible contribution of North Wales to our cultural landscape – whether that's the Llangollen International Eisteddfod or the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph or our historic heritage at Flint Castle and Greenfield Valley. There's also the jewel in our cultural crown, Theatr Clwyd, which is nearing the end of an inspirational transformation. Culture in Wales isn't a luxury, it's who we are. It empowers, connects and drives our economy and it deserves to be supported not only by Welsh Government and other public bodies but also by our communities, the communities who inspire and attend performances and enjoy the wonderful cultural riches on offer in our corner of Wales. You can see many of my contributions in Senedd on my Facebook page at It was also lovely recently to welcome students and teachers from Point of Ayr Federation Schools to the Senedd for a visit. They certainly asked some fantastic questions and took the opportunity to raise a number of things they were concerned about with me – from the impact of acts of anti-social behaviour on their school and in their local area to what was happening with plans for a new skate park. I look forward to taking these matters up as their Member of the Senedd and updating the students through their schools. Last week was Armed Forces Week, culminating in Armed Forces Day on Saturday – a chance to pay tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of those who have served and those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all those in our Armed Forces community, including veterans and reservists here in North Wales, for their continued service and commitment. We will always remember, support and stand with you. As this year's Pride month comes to a close, it's a chance to reflect on what has been a packed but powerful few weeks. From the first ever Prestatyn Pride to the excellent Flintshire Schools Pride, Pride Cymru in the capital and Commonwealth events in the Senedd, Pride remains as relevant and as important as ever – a positive force for good that brings together both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider community. It's a privilege to serve the community that shaped me here in North Wales and I'm proud to be an authentic advocate and ally for our LGBTQ+ community too. Pride is still a protest and love will always win! Regular readers of this column will know that the Welsh Government will be banning plastic in wet wipes next year – the legislation is set to come into force in December 2026 and is part of a wider, integrated approach to address the problems created by excess plastic and litter, banning all sorts of single-use and unnecessary plastics in products we all use regularly, something which I kick-started when I was Minister for Environment back in 2016. So it was heartening this week to hear that Nice-Pak in Flint, one of our biggest local employers and one which does a lot of work locally for our communities, is ready for the transition ahead of the legislation by ensuring that 96% of the wipes it manufactures for the UK market are already plastic-free. This is great news for the company and for the environment – well done to the team at Nice-Pak! Finally, a reminder that Mold Carnival is back this Sunday, July 6 – a brilliant local event that brings the whole community together at the Rec and Kendricks Field (Maes Bodlonfa Fields). The day kicks off with a colourful parade at 10:30am from Griffiths Square car park and runs until 6pm with everything from hands-on science fun and special character appearances to live music, dance acts and family entertainment throughout the day. Plus, there'll be free football activities thanks to the FAW and McDonald's as well as Transformer robots! If you're free, do pop down and support this fantastic local day out. It's a great celebration of everything that makes Mold such a special place to live. As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don't hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don't need to wait for an advice surgery.
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Opera star to perform at North Wales International Festival
Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, described as "probably the world's greatest tenor," will perform at the opening concert of the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, September 11. Mr Calleja, whose voice has drawn comparisons to the late Luciano Pavarotti, is a regular at the world's top opera houses, including the New York Met, La Scala in Milan, and Covent Garden in London. Paul Mealor, the festival's artistic director, said: "I would say that Joseph Calleja is probably the world's greatest tenor – he has done everything. "Joseph has performed in all the top venues and all the major opera houses, from the Met in New York and La Scala in Milan – and he is just getting better and better. "To bring him to St Asaph for the very first time is amazing for us. "It's simply the highlight of the festival." Mr Calleja's appearance was secured thanks to his friendship with Mario and Gill Kreft, owners of the Pendine Park care organisation and headline sponsors of the festival. The couple are long-time supporters of the event through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which funds cultural and community activities across Wales. Joseph Calleja said: "I have very many fond memories of Wales, including Llangollen with Bryn a few years ago. "He is Wales's greatest son and I love him a lot. "I can't wait to come back frankly because I am also good friends with Mario and Gill and I know it is a special year for them because Pendine is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. "At the concert I'll be singing some popular songs, so it'll be an easy going night. "We're not going to go too serious but it's serious enough that opera lovers will enjoy." Mario Kreft said: "Joseph is a generational operatic talent who is right at the top of his game, as is our own homegrown hero, Sir Bryn Terfel. "The acoustic at the cathedral is among the best in the world so it will provide a perfect backdrop to hear Joseph's magnificent tenor voice at its very best." Other headliners at this year's festival include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, choral group Apollo5, and the Black Dyke Band. Film and TV composer Debbie Wiseman OBE will also make her festival debut, with the NEW Sinfonia orchestra performing a selection of her well-known theme tunes. The festival will also feature the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition, funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust. More information and tickets are available online.
Evening Standard
2 days ago
- Evening Standard
Ignore the haters, Rachel Zegler is an absolute smash in Evita
Written in 1976 — after the pop-religious romps about Joseph and Jesus with Rice, and before the imperial phase of Cats and Phantom — Evita may be Lloyd Webber's most fully realised work. The juxtaposition of sacred music and tango, the way songs and themes loop and flower throughout the score, particularly Don't Cry For Me and Oh What a Circus, is elegant and beautiful. Another Suitcase in Another Hall, sung by the mistress whom Eva has supplanted, sees the composer and lyricist at their melodious, bittersweet best. Rainbow High, given full welly by Zegler, is a banger.
