Latest news with #NorthWalesInternationalMusicFestival
Rhyl Journal
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Archdruid of Wales Mererid Hopwood to appear at festival
Mererid Hopwood, the Archdruid of Wales, will appear at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph as part of the event's fringe programme, sponsored by Pendine Park through its Pendine Arts and Community Trust. She will read a poem originally written to uplift people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mererid Hopwood, archdruid of Wales, said: "Such events often create a quite magical atmosphere and I'm excited at being invited to take part." Her appearance is scheduled for 9.30pm on Thursday, September 18 at Jacob's Ladder café, following the evening concert at St Asaph Cathedral. Mererid Hopwood, who became the first woman to be awarded the chair at the National Eisteddfod in 2001 when it was held in Denbigh, has fond memories of the Vale of Clwyd. She will read from her new book Mae, a collection written in both Welsh and English. She said: "I'll be reading poems from my new book Mae as well as some others. "Most of them are in Welsh but I have written poems in English and several more have been translated." Mae includes poems about peace, injustice, the environment, and family. The title comes from a piece commissioned during the first Covid lockdown in March 2020. She said: "Someone from S4C phoned up and said they wanted a poem to cheer people up who were stuck at home." Paul Mealor, artistic director of the festival, said: "It's the second time we've staged these fringe events and they were so successful last year we've decided they'll return again this year." Other fringe highlights include pianist Cyrill Ibrahim performing Harmonie du Soir at St Asaph Cathedral, jazz guitarist Joshua Lascar at the New Inn on Saturday, September 13, and a cabaret night with Jillian Bain Christie and John Frederick Hudson on Friday, September 19. Mr Mealor said: "Our first comedy evening was hugely successful and Manon James will again be appearing at the New Inn along with Katie Gill and it'll be an evening of laughs and more laughs." Ms Hopwood has previously collaborated with Mr Mealor. She said: "During Covid I wrote the words for a piece composed by Paul called Gweddi Cymru (Wales' Prayer). "It was for the BBC's annual St David's Day concert and my words were read over the music." The festival opens on Thursday, September 11, with Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, who Mr Mealor describes as "the world's finest lyric tenor." Other headliners include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, vocal ensemble Apollo5, and the Black Dyke Band. Film and TV composer Debbie Wiseman OBE will make her festival debut this year with performances of her well-known themes by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. The festival will also host the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition. This year's closing concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra conducted by Trystan Lewis. Community events include a Tots & Children's concert, a dementia-friendly concert, and Mindfulness through Music workshops. Tickets and more information are available online.
Leader Live
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
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.
North Wales Chronicle
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Music legend awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours
Ann Atkinson, the former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, discovered that she had been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. According to Ann, she was deeply touched to learn that she'd been nominated for the honour after serving the festival with distinction for two decades before stepping down two years ago. In her new honorary role as a vice-president, she's looking forward to this year's event at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20. Ann Atkinson (Image: EILEEN JACKSON) Her successor, royal composer Paul Mealor, paid tribute to Ann's 'immense contribution'. He said: 'Ann is a friendly force of nature and a legend of music and the arts in Wales. We are indebted to her for turning the festival into an event that has established itself as a highlight of the UK's cultural calendar. 'I will be forever grateful to Ann for the help and wise advice she has given to me after taking the helm, making the transition as smooth as possible. 'We are delighted her achievements have been recognised with the MBE – it is richly deserved'. It's the latest in a long line of accolades for Ann, who lives near Corwen, and has variously been described as a 'force of nature' and a 'legend of the classical music scene' in North Wales. A celebrated mezzo soprano in her own right, Ann has sung with many of Britain's leading opera companies, including Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Wexford Festival Opera. From 2002 to 2009 Ann was also Musical Director of the Fron Male Choir who found fame and became known as the "Oldest Boy Band in the World" releasing several albums which topped the classical charts for a record 16 weeks. Ann was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the 2009 National Eisteddfod in Bala and a year later was made an Honorary Fellow at Glyndŵr University. In 2011 she received the Welsh Livery Guild's Merit Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements to the world of music in Wales and beyond. She was once again recognized for her contribution to Welsh Music in 2019 when she received the prestigious Sir Geraint Evans Award from the Welsh Music Guild in Cardiff. Three years ago Ann received an honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of her contribution to music. Ann's not resting on her laurels though because she's still busy as the musical director of two male voice choirs, Côr Meibion Trelawnyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr and is a singing tutor to a host of young, up and coming soloists. But the arrival of the letter to inform her about the MBE prompted a feeling of momentary dread. She said: 'I saw this official looking letter and I thought I'd had a speeding fine or that I was being called to do jury service. 'When I opened it I was stuck on the first paragraph, I couldn't read any more. I couldn't believe it. I'm still pinching myself. It was a lovely surprise and a very great honour. 'When I became artistic director, the festival was facing many challenges and I believe we met all those challenges and left the festival on a more secure footing for the future. 'One of the things I am proudest of was developing the educational element of the festival, giving children a stake and being part of it. They are the performers and the audience of the future. 'They won't forget the experience of playing on the festival stage with professional musicians or coming to the festival to work on different projects. 'Among the biggest highlights for me was the 50th anniversary of the festival which was a major milestone. 'But after two decades, I felt that the time was right for me to step down and give an opportunity for new blood and fresh ideas. 'The fact that it was the festival that nominated me for this honour means a great deal. I am very grateful to them. 'I became a vice-president of the festival last year which means that I can continue to be involved. 'Paul was an inspired choice as the new artistic director and he's doing a fantastic job and putting his own stamp on the festival. He's ringing the changes but staying true to the core values of the festival.' Headliners this year include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, world class choral group Apollo5 and the renowned Black Dyke Band. Making her festival debut this year will be the acclaimed film and TV composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE. MOST READ Her theme tunes for Wolf Hall, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Judge John Deed and many others will be played by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. Another highlight this year will be the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that was launched last year and is being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by the festival's headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation. The final concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra under the baton of conductor Trystan Lewis. Also returning will be the festival fringe which Paul Mealor introduced as a new element last year to create closer links with the local community in St Asaph. The fringe events will include a cabaret and American song night, stand-up comedy, and a poetry night led by one of Wales's greatest poets, Mererid Hopwood, the current Archdruid of Wales.
Rhyl Journal
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Music legend awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours
Ann Atkinson, the former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, discovered that she had been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. According to Ann, she was deeply touched to learn that she'd been nominated for the honour after serving the festival with distinction for two decades before stepping down two years ago. In her new honorary role as a vice-president, she's looking forward to this year's event at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20. Ann Atkinson (Image: EILEEN JACKSON) Her successor, royal composer Paul Mealor, paid tribute to Ann's 'immense contribution'. He said: 'Ann is a friendly force of nature and a legend of music and the arts in Wales. We are indebted to her for turning the festival into an event that has established itself as a highlight of the UK's cultural calendar. 'I will be forever grateful to Ann for the help and wise advice she has given to me after taking the helm, making the transition as smooth as possible. 'We are delighted her achievements have been recognised with the MBE – it is richly deserved'. It's the latest in a long line of accolades for Ann, who lives near Corwen, and has variously been described as a 'force of nature' and a 'legend of the classical music scene' in North Wales. A celebrated mezzo soprano in her own right, Ann has sung with many of Britain's leading opera companies, including Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Wexford Festival Opera. From 2002 to 2009 Ann was also Musical Director of the Fron Male Choir who found fame and became known as the "Oldest Boy Band in the World" releasing several albums which topped the classical charts for a record 16 weeks. Ann was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the 2009 National Eisteddfod in Bala and a year later was made an Honorary Fellow at Glyndŵr University. In 2011 she received the Welsh Livery Guild's Merit Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements to the world of music in Wales and beyond. She was once again recognized for her contribution to Welsh Music in 2019 when she received the prestigious Sir Geraint Evans Award from the Welsh Music Guild in Cardiff. Three years ago Ann received an honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of her contribution to music. Ann's not resting on her laurels though because she's still busy as the musical director of two male voice choirs, Côr Meibion Trelawnyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr and is a singing tutor to a host of young, up and coming soloists. But the arrival of the letter to inform her about the MBE prompted a feeling of momentary dread. She said: 'I saw this official looking letter and I thought I'd had a speeding fine or that I was being called to do jury service. 'When I opened it I was stuck on the first paragraph, I couldn't read any more. I couldn't believe it. I'm still pinching myself. It was a lovely surprise and a very great honour. 'When I became artistic director, the festival was facing many challenges and I believe we met all those challenges and left the festival on a more secure footing for the future. 'One of the things I am proudest of was developing the educational element of the festival, giving children a stake and being part of it. They are the performers and the audience of the future. 'They won't forget the experience of playing on the festival stage with professional musicians or coming to the festival to work on different projects. 'Among the biggest highlights for me was the 50th anniversary of the festival which was a major milestone. 'But after two decades, I felt that the time was right for me to step down and give an opportunity for new blood and fresh ideas. 'The fact that it was the festival that nominated me for this honour means a great deal. I am very grateful to them. 'I became a vice-president of the festival last year which means that I can continue to be involved. 'Paul was an inspired choice as the new artistic director and he's doing a fantastic job and putting his own stamp on the festival. He's ringing the changes but staying true to the core values of the festival.' Headliners this year include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, world class choral group Apollo5 and the renowned Black Dyke Band. Making her festival debut this year will be the acclaimed film and TV composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE. MOST READ Her theme tunes for Wolf Hall, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Judge John Deed and many others will be played by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. Another highlight this year will be the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that was launched last year and is being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by the festival's headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation. The final concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra under the baton of conductor Trystan Lewis. Also returning will be the festival fringe which Paul Mealor introduced as a new element last year to create closer links with the local community in St Asaph. The fringe events will include a cabaret and American song night, stand-up comedy, and a poetry night led by one of Wales's greatest poets, Mererid Hopwood, the current Archdruid of Wales.
