Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod -
On Stage

As this first photo shows, the stage is a large and colourful setting for the many displays of culture and talent from every corner of the world.

These are Orlyk, representing the Ukraine, providing entertainment for the Saturday evening concert.

Luciano Pavarotti*, as a member of his father's choir, won first prize in Llangollen as a young man back in 1955.

He actively supports the Eisteddfod and gave a concert here in 1995.

His agents have said that in 2005 Luciano Pavarotti intends to give his last concert before retiring at Llangollen, where he first gained public recognition.

*his official website is really great, click the link

The musicians of Izvorasul, of Romania, provide traditional tunes for the group's dancers.

These dancers are from Turkey and
call themselves Ezgim Genglik.

Below, Côr Meibion Pontarddulais, of Wales, winners of the Male Choirs competition, compete
for the title of Choir of the World.

Philippine Saringhimig Singers
performed for the Saturday
evening crowd at the Royal
International Pavilion.

Choir of the World 2004 were Cambridge Chord Company, of England (below).

For the first time in the Eisteddfod's history, the winners of the Barbershop competition contended with other choirs for the title.

They were very well-received and much enjoyed by the predominantly Welsh audience, of whom they light-heartedly made fun of in a song about the Welsh. (I think they got away with it as much of the stereotypical characters in their song are more commonly found in South Wales rather than the north!)

Aled Powell
August 2004
Photos: July 2004