Latest news with #LlangollenEisteddfod
RNZ News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
David Squire's farewell NZ Youth Choir tour
David Squire directing the NZ Youth Choir at the Sydney Opera House in December 2022. Photo: Robert Catto Photography When David Squire joined New Zealand's National Youth Choir as a singer, it never occurred to him he might one day direct it. But direct it he has, for 15 years. That time, which has included some "really amazing experiences", is coming to an end, as Squire is stepping down as the New Zealand Youth Choir 's music director once it has completed its latest overseas tour to Singapore, Denmark and the UK. Squire and choir tenor Ivan Zhang joined RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump ahead of the choir's departure. This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. David Squire and the New Zealand Youth Choir Photo: Jo Highlights of the tour will include taking part in the European Choir Games in Denmark before representing New Zealand at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. The latter is a celebration of and competition for performing arts groups from around the world. It's not the first time the Youth Choir has taken part in the Eisteddfod, which all happens in a giant tent in a field not far from the small north Wales town of Llangollen. The last time Squire took the choir there, everyone was sweltering in a heatwave (and there's not much in the way of air conditioning inside the tent). The year before, it rained and the venue turned into a swamp. Not that those extremes put the musicians off. New Zealand Youth Choir 2025 member Ivan Zhang Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Youth Choir The tour also marks the end of Ivan Zhang's current stint with the choir. As well as studying music, Zhang is also reading law at Auckland University. He was thinking law would be his longer term career choice, but he is beginning to wonder if music is where his heart is. Luckily, he's young enough to audition for another stint with the NZ Youth Choir. As for Squire, he's not sure what his longer term plans will be. His focus is on the Youth Choir's tour, and once that's over, taking part in the Big Sing where Euphony and Voicemale - two Auckland secondary school choirs he directs - have made it through to the Finale in Dunedin this August.
Leader Live
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Fron male voice choir performing in Buckley this weekend
The Fron Male Voice Choir is performing at the Bistre Emmanuel Parish Church in Buckley on Saturday (June 21). Fron Male Voice Choir, esteemed for its musical excellence, holds a distinguished record with multiple acclaimed albums and sought-after recording contracts. Founded shortly after the Second World War, the choir's international presence shines too, having triumphed at prestigious events like the Llangollen Eisteddfod on four separate occasions. The choir became notable when the Universal Music Group album Voices of the Valley was released in November 2006, reaching number 9 on the UK album chart. It became the fastest-selling classical record of all time, achieving gold status in three days and, by 2009, had sold over half a million copies. Read more Tickets for the event, which starts at 7.30pm, are priced at £15 and can be purchased at The event is being held in memory of Bistre Emmanuel Church member, Trevor Wilford. The Elfed High School's music department are joining the event as guest artists.
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Pavarotti's widow 'deeply honoured' to award prizes at North Wales festival that inspired his dream
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The widow of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti is making an emotional visit to Llangollen International Eisteddfod which inspired his stellar career. Nicoletta Mantovani says she's 'deeply honoured' to be presenting a trophy to the winner of a competition to find an opera star of the future aiming to follow in his illustrious footsteps. During her trip she will also be marking several major milestones, the 70th anniversary of his first experience of the festival, the 30th anniversary of his triumphant return in 1995 and what would have been his 90th birthday on October 12 this year. Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he came to the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini, from their home city of Modena. They left as the overall winning choir and Pavarotti went home determined to make music his career and later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream. When he came back as a global icon for a sell-out concert in 1995, he said: 'I always say that to the journalists when they ask me what is a day more memorable in my life, and I always say that it is when I won this competition because it was with all my friends.' Nicoletta Mantovani is journeying from her home in Italy to hand over the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, the final of which is on the closing Sunday evening of the 2025 festival. Sharing the presentation will her be Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, owners of the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation which is once again sponsoring the award, and another megastar of the opera world, Sir Bryn Terfel. And in another coup for the Eisteddfod, the previous evening Nicoletta will have been on the world-famous Pavilion stage to hand the Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of her late husband, to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition alongside festival chair John Gambles. Nicoletta Mantovani said: 'I am deeply honoured and excited to be coming to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod to make both these amazing prize presentations. That is because this festival was the beginning of everything for Luciano and to mark both these anniversaries is very important,' said Nicoletta who founded and became president of the Pavarotti Foundation following his death. The foundation organises tribute concerts with opera stars such as Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo, hosts exhibitions reflecting Pavarotti's life and work and also arranges performances by young opera singers discovered or promoted by the Foundation. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Nicoletta said: 'Luciano had two dreams. The first was to bring opera to everyone and the second was to bring new people into the world of opera who could become the singers of the future, which both of these Eisteddfod competitions fulfil. 'Coming to Llangollen will be very emotional for me because without his first appearance there in 1955 he told me his career would not have been possible. 'He would tell me how his choir did not expect to win, how they waited for the announcement and first came the choir who were in sixth place, then fifth and so on. They were concerned but when it got to the second place and their name had still not been called they knew they had won and they cried with joy. 'In 1995 Luciano wanted to go back there to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that win and to inspire others about opera because it was such a special place.' John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod said: "We are delighted to welcome Nicoletta Mantovani, the widow of the great Luciano Pavarotti, to Llangollen this summer. 'Her presence to present both the Pavarotti Trophy and the Pendine Trophy, alongside global stars like Sir Bryn Terfel and our partners at Pendine Park, will make this year's Eisteddfod a truly memorable occasion. 'Luciano's legacy has long been intertwined with Llangollen, and to honour that connection while celebrating his remarkable life and milestones is a genuine privilege for us all." Pendine is sponsoring the International Voice of the Future via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales. The competition will take place during the festival's closing concert on Sunday, July 13, when Sir Bryn Terfel will be performing songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, along with acclaimed folk group Fisherman's Friends. Mario Kreft said: 'Gill and I were privileged to be on the Maes outside the pavilion watching on a big screen for Pavarotti's brilliant performance in 1995 when he even performed a couple of arias outside. 'Pendine is also celebrating a big birthday this year – our 40 th anniversary – and we're absolutely thrilled that Nicoletta Mantovani was particularly keen to present the Pendine Trophy during what I am sure will be a memorable and emotional visit for so many reasons. 'Luciano Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most beloved tenors of all time – and it's wonderful to think that Llangollen Eisteddfod is where his remarkable journey to greatness began. 'The fact that Nicoletta Mantovani will be presenting the prizes will surely be a huge inspiration to the current crop of talented young singers who are aiming launch their own fledgling careers. 'It was lovely to learn that the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition chimes with Pavarotti's desire to encourage and foster the singing stars of the future, ensuring that his legacy lives on. 'The fact that Sir Bryn Terfel will also be there will make it all the more special because he is also living proof that supreme talent can take you a long way and we are delighted to be doing our bit to help gifted young singers attain new heights.' The Llangollen International Eisteddfod starts on Tuesday, July 8, and more details are available at Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Pavarotti's widow 'deeply honoured' to award prizes at North Wales festival that inspired his dream
The widow of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti is making an emotional visit to Llangollen International Eisteddfod which inspired his stellar career. Nicoletta Mantovani says she's 'deeply honoured' to be presenting a trophy to the winner of a competition to find an opera star of the future aiming to follow in his illustrious footsteps. During her trip she will also be marking several major milestones, the 70th anniversary of his first experience of the festival, the 30th anniversary of his triumphant return in 1995 and what would have been his 90th birthday on October 12 this year. Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he came to the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini, from their home city of Modena. They left as the overall winning choir and Pavarotti went home determined to make music his career and later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream. When he came back as a global icon for a sell-out concert in 1995, he said: 'I always say that to the journalists when they ask me what is a day more memorable in my life, and I always say that it is when I won this competition because it was with all my friends.' Nicoletta Mantovani is journeying from her home in Italy to hand over the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, the final of which is on the closing Sunday evening of the 2025 festival. Sharing the presentation will her be Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, owners of the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation which is once again sponsoring the award, and another megastar of the opera world, Sir Bryn Terfel. And in another coup for the Eisteddfod, the previous evening Nicoletta will have been on the world-famous Pavilion stage to hand the Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of her late husband, to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition alongside festival chair John Gambles. Nicoletta Mantovani said: 'I am deeply honoured and excited to be coming to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod to make both these amazing prize presentations. That is because this festival was the beginning of everything for Luciano and to mark both these anniversaries is very important,' said Nicoletta who founded and became president of the Pavarotti Foundation following his death. The foundation organises tribute concerts with opera stars such as Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo, hosts exhibitions reflecting Pavarotti's life and work and also arranges performances by young opera singers discovered or promoted by the Foundation. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Nicoletta said: 'Luciano had two dreams. The first was to bring opera to everyone and the second was to bring new people into the world of opera who could become the singers of the future, which both of these Eisteddfod competitions fulfil. 'Coming to Llangollen will be very emotional for me because without his first appearance there in 1955 he told me his career would not have been possible. 'He would tell me how his choir did not expect to win, how they waited for the announcement and first came the choir who were in sixth place, then fifth and so on. They were concerned but when it got to the second place and their name had still not been called they knew they had won and they cried with joy. 'In 1995 Luciano wanted to go back there to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that win and to inspire others about opera because it was such a special place.' John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod said: "We are delighted to welcome Nicoletta Mantovani, the widow of the great Luciano Pavarotti, to Llangollen this summer. 'Her presence to present both the Pavarotti Trophy and the Pendine Trophy, alongside global stars like Sir Bryn Terfel and our partners at Pendine Park, will make this year's Eisteddfod a truly memorable occasion. 'Luciano's legacy has long been intertwined with Llangollen, and to honour that connection while celebrating his remarkable life and milestones is a genuine privilege for us all." Pendine is sponsoring the International Voice of the Future via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales. The competition will take place during the festival's closing concert on Sunday, July 13, when Sir Bryn Terfel will be performing songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, along with acclaimed folk group Fisherman's Friends. Mario Kreft said: 'Gill and I were privileged to be on the Maes outside the pavilion watching on a big screen for Pavarotti's brilliant performance in 1995 when he even performed a couple of arias outside. 'Pendine is also celebrating a big birthday this year – our 40 th anniversary – and we're absolutely thrilled that Nicoletta Mantovani was particularly keen to present the Pendine Trophy during what I am sure will be a memorable and emotional visit for so many reasons. 'Luciano Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most beloved tenors of all time – and it's wonderful to think that Llangollen Eisteddfod is where his remarkable journey to greatness began. 'The fact that Nicoletta Mantovani will be presenting the prizes will surely be a huge inspiration to the current crop of talented young singers who are aiming launch their own fledgling careers. 'It was lovely to learn that the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition chimes with Pavarotti's desire to encourage and foster the singing stars of the future, ensuring that his legacy lives on. 'The fact that Sir Bryn Terfel will also be there will make it all the more special because he is also living proof that supreme talent can take you a long way and we are delighted to be doing our bit to help gifted young singers attain new heights.'
North Wales Chronicle
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
