Latest news with #EyetotheTelescope
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
KT Tunstall performs at Llangollen International Eisteddfod
The Scottish singer-songwriter performed a one-off concert on Thursday, July 10, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Eye to the Telescope. She performed the album in full alongside her band and the Absolute Orchestra, conducted by Dave Danford, the Eisteddfod's musical director. Tunstall said: "It has been my long-standing dream to see this album played with an orchestra and I lucked out being able to do it here at the Eisteddfod. "This has turned my long-held dream into reality." The concert followed the album's tracklist and opened with Other Side of the World. The orchestral arrangements aimed to bring a new dimension to the music, with Andy Burrows, Razorlight drummer, joining Tunstall on stage. Tunstall praised Danford's arrangements during the show. She said: "What Dave has done with this song is absolutely exquisite." Universe and I was highlighted by the brass section, and throughout the night, Ms Tunstall alternated between acoustic and electric guitars and performed on a grand piano. She also shared personal stories, including her early connection to the Eisteddfod. Tunstall said: "This isn't the first time I have been to the Eisteddfod, I came down here in the 90s driving a white van to sell merchandise from my friend's shop." She revealed that her parents met at Bangor University, where her father was president of the climbing club and her mother took up climbing. Tunstall also spoke fondly of family holidays on the Welsh coast. She said: "It was always sunny." The singer revealed that a new version of the title track will be released later this year. She said: "It has taken me 20 years to finally finish the song and it will be released in October. "Three days ago, I received a very special string arrangement from Nashville for the finished song and an incredible flute solo. "We managed to get a PDF of them - and Dave Danford sorted it out this morning so we could present it to you tonight." The evening began with a set from Edie Bens, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Swansea who is now based in Brighton. Wearing traditional Welsh plaid, Bens performed songs inspired by personal experiences, including one about crashing her boyfriend's car on Christmas Eve and another about an ex-boyfriend that reportedly drew complaints from his father.
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
KT Tunstall performs at Llangollen International Eisteddfod
The Scottish singer-songwriter performed a one-off concert on Thursday, July 10, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Eye to the Telescope. She performed the album in full alongside her band and the Absolute Orchestra, conducted by Dave Danford, the Eisteddfod's musical director. Tunstall said: "It has been my long-standing dream to see this album played with an orchestra and I lucked out being able to do it here at the Eisteddfod. "This has turned my long-held dream into reality." The concert followed the album's tracklist and opened with Other Side of the World. The orchestral arrangements aimed to bring a new dimension to the music, with Andy Burrows, Razorlight drummer, joining Tunstall on stage. Tunstall praised Danford's arrangements during the show. She said: "What Dave has done with this song is absolutely exquisite." Universe and I was highlighted by the brass section, and throughout the night, Ms Tunstall alternated between acoustic and electric guitars and performed on a grand piano. She also shared personal stories, including her early connection to the Eisteddfod. Tunstall said: "This isn't the first time I have been to the Eisteddfod, I came down here in the 90s driving a white van to sell merchandise from my friend's shop." She revealed that her parents met at Bangor University, where her father was president of the climbing club and her mother took up climbing. Tunstall also spoke fondly of family holidays on the Welsh coast. She said: "It was always sunny." The singer revealed that a new version of the title track will be released later this year. She said: "It has taken me 20 years to finally finish the song and it will be released in October. "Three days ago, I received a very special string arrangement from Nashville for the finished song and an incredible flute solo. "We managed to get a PDF of them - and Dave Danford sorted it out this morning so we could present it to you tonight." The evening began with a set from Edie Bens, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Swansea who is now based in Brighton. Wearing traditional Welsh plaid, Bens performed songs inspired by personal experiences, including one about crashing her boyfriend's car on Christmas Eve and another about an ex-boyfriend that reportedly drew complaints from his father.
Rhyl Journal
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
KT Tunstall set to perform at Llangollen Eisteddfod
The BRIT Award-winning singer will perform at the International Eisteddfod on Thursday, July 10, marking 20 years since her breakthrough debut album, Eye to the Telescope, was released. Ms Tunstall's last visit to the festival was in the 1990s, when she drove down from Edinburgh to help a friend sell candles and incense from a van on the Eisteddfod field. Now, two decades after her rise to fame, she will headline a one-off concert in the Llangollen Pavilion, performing her iconic album live with a full orchestral arrangement. Ms Tunstall said: "He contacted me to explain the idea, and I had to say yes. "I'm so excited. "This will be the only chance people will have to see my music set to an orchestra. "The album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is very stripped-back music with four to five musicians. "To have an orchestra with me will be mind-blowing." The concert will feature reimagined versions of her hit songs, including Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See, performed with The Absolute Orchestra under the baton of Eisteddfod artistic director Dave Danford. Ms Tunstall said: "It is also out of my comfort zone as I am a bit of a control freak over my music, so I have had to learn to let go of the reins." Reflecting on her previous visit, she recalled: "I have been to the Eisteddfod before. "It was 1996/97 and my friend had a hippie shop in Edinburgh. "I drove down in a van and spent the week at the Eisteddfod selling things like candles and incense. "I loved it." The concert is part of her 2025 tour and will be the only UK date to feature a full orchestral arrangement. Elsewhere in the tour, Ms Tunstall will perform at London's Royal Albert Hall. She said: "I was thinking about getting a few friends round with a six-pack, and instead I will be celebrating with 5,000 people. "I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think it is the 20th anniversary of the album."
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
KT Tunstall set to perform at Llangollen Eisteddfod
The BRIT Award-winning singer will perform at the International Eisteddfod on July 10, marking 20 years since her breakthrough debut album, Eye to the Telescope, was released. Ms Tunstall's last visit to the festival was in the 1990s, when she drove down from Edinburgh to help a friend sell candles and incense from a van on the Eisteddfod field. Now, two decades after her rise to fame, she will headline a one-off concert in the Llangollen Pavilion, performing her iconic album live with a full orchestral arrangement. Ms Tunstall said: "He contacted me to explain the idea, and I had to say yes. "I'm so excited. "This will be the only chance people will have to see my music set to an orchestra. "The album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is very stripped-back music with four to five musicians. "To have an orchestra with me will be mind-blowing." The concert will feature reimagined versions of her hit songs, including Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See, performed with The Absolute Orchestra under the baton of Eisteddfod artistic director Dave Danford. Ms Tunstall said: "It is also out of my comfort zone as I am a bit of a control freak over my music, so I have had to learn to let go of the reins." Reflecting on her previous visit, she recalled: "I have been to the Eisteddfod before. "It was 1996/97 and my friend had a hippie shop in Edinburgh. "I drove down in a van and spent the week at the Eisteddfod selling things like candles and incense. "I loved it." The concert is part of her 2025 tour and will be the only UK date to feature a full orchestral arrangement. Elsewhere in the tour, Ms Tunstall will perform at London's Royal Albert Hall. She said: "I was thinking about getting a few friends round with a six-pack, and instead I will be celebrating with 5,000 people. "I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think it is the 20th anniversary of the album."
Rhyl Journal
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Three Welsh music acts set to perform at Llangollen Eisteddfod
BBC Radio Cymru's Rhys Mwyn will host the event, which will feature live performances from Pedair, Mared, and Buddug. The outdoor event will take place on July 10, from 4.30pm to 7pm, before KT Tunstall takes to the pavilion stage to perform her debut album Eye to the Telescope with an orchestra. Pedair, Mared, and Buddug are known for their unique contributions to contemporary Welsh music. Pedair combines traditional Welsh influences with modern sounds, while Mared is celebrated for her powerful vocals and storytelling. Buddug, with her innovative approach, bridges the gap between folk, pop, and electronic music. Rhys Mwyn, a prominent figure in Welsh-language music, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to present such incredible Welsh talent for this event. "Pedair, Mared, Buddug are pushing boundaries and bringing fresh energy to the Welsh music scene, and it's truly inspiring to see how far they've come. "It's a real privilege to be able to link up with the Llangollen Eisteddfod, a festival that has long been a cornerstone of our cultural celebration. "I'm excited to be part of this. "I can't wait to present these three outstanding artists on what is expected to be one of the busiest days at the Llangollen Eisteddfod." Morgan Thomas, a trustee of the International Eisteddfod, said: "We are delighted to partner with Rhys Mwyn and BBC Radio Cymru for this event. "Rhys's deep-rooted passion for Welsh music and his unwavering support for emerging artists make him an invaluable ally in our mission to celebrate and promote our culture to the world. "This collaboration enriches our festival, bringing a fresh perspective and broadening our reach to audiences both locally and beyond." The bilingual event will celebrate Welsh culture, language, and musical creativity. Entry is £5, with free admission for KT Tunstall ticket holders. A full bar and food will be on offer, providing a fitting pre-show gathering ahead of the main evening concert with KT Tunstall and the Absolute Orchestra. The event is supported by BBC Radio Cymru, the Arts Council of Wales and Visit Wales. For tickets and more information, visit the Llangollen International Eisteddfod website.
