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Leader Live
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Luciano Pavarotti's widow to visit Llangollen Eisteddfod
Nicoletta Mantovani will travel to North Wales this summer to present two major awards at the festival, marking 70 years since Pavarotti's first appearance at the event in 1955. Ms 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." She will present the Pavarotti Trophy to the winner of the Choir of the World competition on Saturday, July 12, and the Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition on Sunday, July 13. Pavarotti first came to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 1955 as a 19-year-old trainee teacher with his father, Fernando, to perform with the Chorus Rossini (which was from their home city of Modena, in Italy). (Image: Supplied) The choir won the overall competition, and, in the words of a spokesperson, "Pavarotti went home determined to make music his career and later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream." He returned to Llangollen in 1995 as an international superstar, performing in a sell-out concert to mark the 40th anniversary of his life-changing win. Ms Mantovani, who founded the Pavarotti Foundation following her husband's death, said: "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." The Pavarotti Foundation arranges performances by young opera singers discovered or promoted by the foundation, and organises tribute concerts featuring opera stars such as José Carreras and Plácido Domingo. Ms Mantovani said the Llangollen International Eisteddfod's competitions align closely with Pavarotti's own ambitions. She 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." John Gambles, chair of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: "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." The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition will take place during the festival's closing concert on Sunday, July 13. During the closing concert, Sir Bryn Terfel will perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside folk group Fisherman's Friends. Mario Kreft MBE, who is co-owner of Pendine Park with his wife Gill, and who will present the Pendine Trophy alongside his wife, Sir Bryn, and Ms Mantovani, recalled Pavarotti's 1995 performance. He 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." The Llangollen International Eisteddfod starts on Tuesday, July 8, and more details are available at
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.'
Leader Live
25-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Hillbury House celebrates 60 years of care
Hillbury House, built in 1864 for businessman John Bury, became a care home in 1965 and was taken over by the Catholic Order of the Sisters of Nazareth, who ran it until 2005 as Nazareth House. In 2005, it became part of the Pendine Park care organisation, founded by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill. Mr Kreft said: 'It was built in 1864 for John Bury who was well known locally and was one of the founders of the Wrexham War Memorial Hospital. "In building the house, they dug into a Bronze Age burial mound and found a number of artefacts which were given to the Wrexham Museum. 'Gill and I were looking for somewhere to open a care home in 1985 because we wanted a place suitable for our elderly grandparents which would provide the level of care we wanted for them. 'A property in Llandudno was set up but it fell through at the last minute and Gwern Alyn became available in Wrexham which was another of the areas we were looking. 'Converting Gwern Alyn into a care home was the start of the Pendine story and choosing Wrexham was the right decision for us.' He added: "We started with 14 residents at Gwern Alyn and now we're up to 440 at our nine care homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon. "Later this year, we will welcome our 6,000th resident and at the same time we employ 864 people and what we do supports the NHS." The Krefts were the first care organisation in Wales to employ an artist in residence. Thirty years later, the person they appointed, Sarah Edwards, is still working with them as a consultant, along with a musician in residence, a creative practitioner, and an army of enrichment co-ordinators. The couple have also launched the Pendine Arts and Communities Trust, which supports a host of community and arts-related activities. This includes the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, where they sponsor the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, and the North Wales International Music Festival, where they sponsor the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition. Mrs Kreft, a chartered accountant, also set up the influential Wrexham Business Professionals group to promote regional prosperity and shine a light on the enterprise and expertise that exists in the region. Both care homes are run by manager Cindy Clutton, who began her own career in care in 1982 aged just 15, working at weekends and in the school holidays at Nazareth House, as Hillbury was then called. She said: "My mum was there and she had always worked in care and I went there when I was still in school and I enjoyed it so when I finished school I went on to take a YTS - Youth Training Scheme - in care and started with Clwyd County Council in their home at Wren's Nest in Rhosddu. "I joined Pendine in 2000 at Gwern Alyn and they took over Nazareth House and I became acting manager of Gwern Alyn and Hillbury and the rest is history. "Mario had encouraged me to my Level Five management course and gave me the support I needed and I've been at the two homes ever since. "I've really enjoyed it. "It's a challenging job but it's also very rewarding when you see the residents all smiling and happy. "I still love coming to work each day." Mr Kreft said: "Four decades on and Pendine Park has become a very, very important community asset for Wrexham and 10 years ago we opened Bryn Seiont Newydd in Caernarfon. MORE NEWS: "We were the very first in the UK to deliver what in those days were NVQs – National Vocational Qualifications – although the skills you need as a carer are not something everyone can do and you don't really learn them at a college. "It's about empathy and emotional intelligence and you probably either have or don't have that by the time you leave primary school." Mr Kreft has also found time to become a campaigner for the social care sector, founding both Care Forum Wales, which represents around 500 independent providers, and the Wales Care Awards, to recognise frontline care workers.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ukrainian soprano hopes to rebuild career after war trauma through competition
Pendine International Voice of the Future offers platform for classical singer seeking new life in the UK A TALENTED Ukrainian soprano whose life was upended by the Russian invasion is hoping to revive her career at one of Wales's most prestigious cultural events this summer. Khrystyna Makar, now living in Shotton, Flintshire, is one of 25 singers from around the globe competing for the title of Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July. The classical singer, who fled her homeland in 2022 with her two sons, Denys, now 20, and Lukian, 15, left behind her husband, Volodimir, and parents in Lviv. Since arriving in the UK, she has lived in Ceredigion and Aberystwyth before settling in north-east Wales, where she continues to pursue her musical passion despite the upheaval. Before the war, Khrystyna enjoyed a flourishing career performing across Ukraine and at leading venues in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia. She hopes the exposure from competing in Llangollen will open new doors in the UK music scene. 'Being separated from your family is difficult but you have to be strong,' she said. 'We are a friendly people and we're very grateful for the support we have had from people in Wales and England.' Khrystyna recently returned from a visit home to Ukraine, which coincided with a deadly Russian missile strike on an apartment block in Kyiv that killed twelve and injured more than eighty. 'It's difficult, but people still try to keep going,' she said. 'We were able to celebrate Easter together – we don't lose our traditions even in these times. Everywhere is dangerous, even in the west, but people are trying to rebuild their lives.' This year's Pendine Voice of the Future competition features singers from the USA, China, South Africa, England and Wales. The winner will receive the Pendine Trophy, presented by Welsh opera legend Sir Bryn Terfel, and a cheque for £3,000, with £1,000 awarded to the runner-up. Now in its twelfth year, the competition is sponsored by Pendine Park via its charitable arm, the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). For Pendine founders Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill, who conceived the idea in 2013, the 2025 contest carries extra significance as the organisation marks its 40th anniversary. Mario Kreft said: 'The standard of the competitors in years past has been phenomenal, and I have no doubt it will be just as high again this year. The added opportunity to appear on the same stage as Sir Bryn Terfel is a dream come true for many of these young performers.' The final of the competition will take place on Sunday, July 13, during the Eisteddfod's grand closing concert, which will also feature Sir Bryn performing songs from his new album, Sea Songs, alongside The Fisherman's Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman. Artistic director Dave Danford described the competition as 'one of the most important' in the Eisteddfod calendar: 'For the audience, it's the chance to see a future star; for the competitors, it's the experience of a lifetime.' Two former winners with Pembrokeshire links will also return to the festival this year. Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, winner in 2017, and Shimona Rose, winner in 2024, will appear as featured soloists at a special Karl Jenkins concert on July 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Sir Bryn Terfel said: 'The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a brilliant opportunity for emerging vocal talent. It offers a platform that could help launch careers on the global stage.'
