medi 18-25 september 2010

We’re better than Sydney Opera House!

The acoustics in St Asaph Cathedral are being hailed as world class – better even than the iconic Sydney Opera House.

That’s the view of the renowned mezzo soprano, Ann Atkinson, who has performed at both venues.

She was speaking at the launch of the North Wales International Music Festival of which she is the Artistic Director.

The cathedral was chosen as the venue for the Festival by its founder, the royal composer William Matthias, who wrote the anthem, Let the people praise Thee O God, for the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

According to Professor Matthias, one of his greatest achievements was the creation of the hugely popular music Festival in 1972.

He visited every potential venue in North Wales before deciding that St Asaph Cathedral provided the very best acoustic setting for the event.

The launch of this year’s festival was held in the aristocratic surroundings of Eaton Park, near Chester, where this year’s line-up was announced.

The stellar cast of performers includes The Sixteen, the highly popular choral ensemble known as the voices of Classic FM; the Classical BRIT winning trumpeter Alison Balsom, and the Prince of Wales’s harpist Claire Jones.

Also performing this year will be the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Ensemble Cymru, the internationally renowned pianist Iwan Llewelyn Jones and the acclaimed violinist Tasmin Little.

Returning this year will be the talented Welsh baritone, Jeremy Huw Williams, and the ever popular Ann Atkinson will also be among the star attractions.

After the launch concert, where she performed with Iwan Llewelyn Jones and clarinetist Peryn Clement Evans from Ensemble Cymru, Ann Atkinson enthused about this year’s event that’s being held between September 18-25.

She said: “St Asaph Cathedral is the perfect acoustic environment to showcase our highly talented line-up.

“The cathedral has a very special acoustic – the combination of the stone and the wood creates something really magical somehow.”

 “I have also performed in the concert hall at Sydney Opera House and, while it has a brilliant acoustic, I must say that St Asaph Cathedral is actually a much better venue acoustically.”

It was a sentiment echoed by the Dean of St Asaph, the Very Rev. Chris Potter.

He said: “William Matthias chose the right place because there’s something totally unique about the chemistry of that building that just lends itself to wonderful musical reproduction.

“The acoustic is just stunning which is why the event has been so successful and enduringly popular.

“The interior of St Asaph Cathedral has changed often over the centuries and the configuration now seems to be just perfect.”

“But we are not confined to the cathedral because once again this year we will be reaching out to the community.

 “As part of the community programme, we will be visiting schools to try and introduce new generations to the joys of classical music.

“Our educational links are an important element in making the festival such a special event in the cultural calendar of Wales.”

“We have had an excellent launch this year and we are indebted to the Duke and Duchess of Westminster for allowing us to come Eaton Park which has provided a fitting setting to announce our exciting line-up.”

Among those at the launch was Cllr Meirick Lloyd Davies, the Chairman of Denbighshire County Council.

According to Cllr Davies, the Festival is one of the jewels in Denbighshire’s cultural crown.

He said:”This evening has given us a taste of things to come because the festival has an excellent programme this year.”

For more information about what’s on at this year’s festival and to book online go to: www.northwalesmusicfestival.co.uk