Return to Llangollen Eisteddfod for Sirenian Singers
One of the most successful choirs to have graced the stage at the Llangolllen Eisteddfod is making an emotional return as it marks the 20th anniversary of its greatest triumph.
The Sirenian Singers, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will be closing the concert on July 4 at this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod when the new Pendine International Voice of the Future will be crowned.
The 50-strong choir, under the baton of founder and musical director Jean Stanley Jones MBE, includes members from Shropshire and is a multiple winner at Llangollen. It became the first Welsh choir to win the coveted Choir of the World title in 1998.
Jean said: “Llangollen is always something very special and this year we will close the concert by performing songs from our own extensive repertoire. However, as we are closing the concert, it means we will have the chance to enjoy the Pendine Voice of the Future final."
This year’s contest has attracted a record number of 43 entries and for the second year running organisation Pendine Park, has contributing £5,000 to the prize fund via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which was established to support cultural and community initiatives.
The rest of the £10,000 prize pot is being donated by the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation and Llangollen Eisteddfod.
The aim of the competition is to showcase and nurture young talent by raising their profile and giving their budding careers a financial boost. Winners are also given the opportunity to perform in future Eisteddfod concerts with established international stars.
Jean said she started the choir when music teacher at St David’s School in Wrexham, now Ysgol Rhosnesni.
“We competed at Llangollen and won the Children’s choir competition as well as several other major competitions including Montreux, Switzerland. Some of the girls, on leaving school, wanted to continue singing and asked that I form an adult choir.
“I set up a ladies choir and returned to Llangollen where we won the female choir competition several times and we also won the famous Bela Bartok Festival competition in Hungary."
The choir now boast 30 women and 20 men,
The Classical Collection concert will also feature the Eisteddfod’s new musical director and pianist, Vicky Yannoula who will perform alongside fellow pianist Peter Jablonski.
For more tickets to the Classical Collection concert including the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
