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The event takes place between 16 and 23 September 2006 in St Asaph, Wales - Artissimo.gr record entry date : Tue 12/Sep/2006
Music festival is on top of the world Two superstars of classical music will be among the headline attractions at a top musical festival, it’s been revealed. The world-famous percussionist Evelyn Glennie and the renowned cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber, have confirmed they will be performing at this year’s North Wales International Music Festival, in St Asaph. The twin coup has delighted the organisers who are already celebrating after securing a three-year funding package from the Arts Council of Wales. The festival will receive at least £42,000 a year over the next three years. The event, which takes place between September 16 and 23, is also being supported by the Cadwyn Clwyd Rural Enterprise Agency. Evelyn Glennie, whose concert is being sponsored by Npower Renewables, is the first person in musical history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. In 1993, she was awarded the OBE for her services to music, and to date has received no less than 70 international awards, including a coveted Grammy. Widely regarded as one of the most creative musicians of his generation, Julian Lloyd Webber is the younger brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the king of West End and Broadway musicals. He has collaborated with an extraordinary array of musicians from Yehudi Menuhin, Lorin Maazel, Neville Marriner and Georg Solti to Stephane Grappelli, Elton John and Cleo Laine. The other big names performing this year include festival favourites like the former royal harpist, Catrin Finch, and Classical Brit winners, The Sixteen, along with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Artistic Director Ann Atkinson said: “We are absolutely thrilled that we have been able to attract such a stellar line-up for this year’s festival, which again is being supported by the Cadwyn Clwyd Rural Enterprise Agency.” “The fact that we are able to boast artistes of the calibre of Julian Lloyd Webber and Evelyn Glennie is a major feather in our cap.” “Not only will Evelyn Glennie be performing at the festival, she will be holding a percussion master class for music students.” “Then there’s an orchestral workshop with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales who are sending eight players to North Wales ahead of the main group.” “They’re going to be working with youngsters on preparing exam pieces and audition pieces.” “They can also come and watch the orchestra rehearse and meet the conductor and the soloist – and come to the evening concert as well.” “Reaching out to the community is an important aspect of the festival because it’s all too easy to stay insular.” “Our educational links are an important element in making the festival such a special event in the cultural calendar of Wales.” “We are delighted that we are receiving this funding from the Arts Council. It is a huge vote of confidence which makes planning the festival over the coming years much easier.” “I think the fact that the festival last year was such a big success was a key factor in persuading the Arts Council that this was the right thing to do.” “In previous years, the festival had been in difficulties, there’s no two ways about it – audience numbers were down and it had lost momentum.” “We worked very, very hard last year to rekindle that momentum, to develop the community and education work as well as ensuring excellence during the festival itself.” “It all paid off because it made for a very vibrant festival week – we had four sell-out concerts.” “This year I hope we are going to build on that success and if we can continue to do that, hopefully, the future will be very rosy.” Einion Dafydd, a Senior Arts Development Officer with the Arts Council, said they were very pleased to support the festival because it achieved many of the Council’s aim. He said: “By giving the festival the status of being one of our revenue clients, the Arts Council is recognising the importance of the festival as a provider of classical music that attracts internationally recognised artistes to North Wales.” “This is underlined by the appearance of a choir of the standard of The Sixteen and the annual performances of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.” “The festival has developed a great deal since its founder, the late Professor William Mathias, chose St Asaph Cathedral as its home because of the Cathedral wonderful acoustic qualities.” “While the Cathedral is the heart of the festival, there are a host of other activities including performances and workshops throughout the area in school, old people’s homes and the like.” More information about the festival can be found at: www.northwalesmusicfestival.co.uk (the photograph below presents Evelyn Glennie)  (the photograph below presents Julian Lloyd Webber)  (the photograph below presents Ann Atkinson) 
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