The calibre and stature of the artists, the sheer beauty of the music and the near-perfection of its interpretation, by some of the most respected and recognised figures in the world of music, are all things which will live in our minds for a very long time. It is little wonder therefore that they have received so many enquiries, since the last Festival ended, from people anxious to know whether they would be going ahead with the 2023 event. Most of you will of course know, by now, that the answer to that question is very much an affirmative one, and that arrangements are already in place for this year’s Festival
We are confident that they have arranged both a varied and exciting programme although the problem for some people may well be that of choosing what concerts not to come to, rather than the reverse! To whet your appetites, I’ll mention a performance of Purcell’s great opera, ‘Dido and Aeneas, The Geoff Eales Trio (Jazz at the Cawdor) as well as a return visit of brilliant pianist, Lucy Parham, in the highly acclaimed dramatic production, ‘Rachmaninoff – A Heart in Exile’ with leading British actor, Henry Goodman. ‘Love is like a Violin’, is a celebrated evening of some of the iconic violinist Max Jaffa’s favourite concert pieces, performed by the acclaimed violinist, Simon Blendis. There will be their usual ‘Cameo’ performance at Newton House, Dinefwr Park. In accordance with what is now an established tradition the Festival will draw to close with a major choral performance. This year the chosen piece will be one of the most popular in the choral repertoire, Fauré’s beautiful Requem, along by works by other composers which will be performed by Cantorion John S. Davies Singers, who have maintained a standard of choral excellence which has earned the Festival many plaudits in the last 20 years.
In a complete departure from their established practice, they will be presenting a splendid evening of ‘Tales From Vienna’. Experience the magic of Vienna in its heyday with classic music of the era played by Emma Johnson and Friends highlighted by fascinating insights from Emma, and illustrated with photos and paintings of the era.
This year there will be involvement, on the part of their successful Schools Outreach Programme, by schoolchildren from Llandeilo Primary School in a performance entitled ‘Africa A Singing Nation’ directed by Caius Lee, and will include African Dancers and drummers.
They will naturally be continuing with their (free) lunchtime recital programmes, which are very popular with their audiences, giving local young musicians (and some very old ones!) an important concert platform..
