To add to the dancers in their colourful costumes, the wonderful flowers decorating the front of the stage, and the enthusiastic chatting in numerous languages around the Eisteddfod field, "The Voice" has now arrived at Llangollen!
This year was the first ever appearance of the tenor with the fantastically resonant voice, Russell Watson, know as "The Voice" at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. This week on S4C, Nia Roberts presents highlights of his memorable concert, which also features Russell's special guest for the evening, the young singer from Kettering, Northamptonshire, Faryl Smith. Russell comes from Salford, and sprang to fame back in 1999 when he sang at the final of the Rugby League Challenge Cup at Wembley, and then at important football matches at Old Trafford and Barcelona. Since then his career has gone from strength, and he has battled serious illness along the way.
Said Russell before the concert at the Eisteddfod, "I am absolutely thrilled to be following in the footsteps of so many international stars at what is known as the most famous Eisteddfod in the world. This festival really "keeps a welcome in the hillside," and I cannot wait to step foot on the Pavilion stage and perform. Llangollen, here I come!"
Said Faryl, who won first prize for her vocal solo in the 10-15 age group at the Eisteddfod when she was just 10, "I'm really looking forward to going back to Llangollen. I have great memories of competing at the Eisteddfod. It was my first taste of performing on an international stage and gave me the confidence to follow my dream."
© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales