Barbara Dickson heads up Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Jul 2 2009 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Scottish singing sensation Barbara Dickson is topping the bill at Llangollen’s International Musical Eisteddfod next week (July 6-12).

The multi-million selling recording artist will now join the Dee Valley town’s Hall of Fame which includes Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Paige and Katherine Jenkins.

Other stars to grace the 2009 Pavilion stage are bass-baritone Sir Willard White and rising star Faryl Smith, a runner-up in the 2008 series of Britain’s Got Talent.

The teenage mezzo-soprano will open the week-long culture-fest in the opening Gala Concert on Monday night along with BBC 1 Your Country Needs You finalist, Mark Evans and the award-winning Fron Male Voice Choir, which was formed to compete in the first International Eisteddfod of 1947.

Faryl, who has competed at the Eisteddfod, said: “To be singing at the opening concert at Llangollen is a dream come true. Competing there gave me my first taste of performing on an international stage and the confidence to follow my dream.”

Also performing are reigning Llangollen Male Choir champions Côr Godre’r Aran, male-voice choir, Cantorion Colin Jones and young tenor, Alexei Kalvecs.

Local choirs performing during the week include Yale Sixth Form College and Rhosnesni High School from Wrexham, Rhos Male Voice Choir (Saturday pm) and Chester’s A Handbag of Harmonies (Saturday am).

Aside from big names, the festival will welcome more than 4,000 performers and festival-goers from around 50 countries competing in song, dance, instrumental and choir competitions throughout the week.

Outside the Pavilion the field is a hive of activity with competitions, outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing in national and regional costume.

Regular highlights include the Parade of Nations, where international performers in traditional costume parade through the picturesque town. Weather permitting, the parade leaves the festival ground on Tuesday July 7 at 4.30pm.

For more information, telephone 01978 862001 or visit the website at www.llangollen2009.com