02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
