Llangollen 09
A true taste of the international festival
The team behind S4C's programmes from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year are looking forward to conveying the atmosphere of this unique festival to the viewers at home.
"Seeing the competitors from different countries socialising on the Eisteddfod field, and in the town, is as important as seeing them competing on stage," says Gareth Williams, Chief Executive of Rondo Media, the production company responsible for the broadcasts.
"It's amazing to see the countries coming together, and of course, the aim back in 1947 when the Eisteddfod was established was to break down barriers and bring people from many countries together to socialise and perform," he adds.
S4C programmes
Alwyn Humphreys, Nia Roberts, and Rhodri Owen make up the experienced presenting team this year. Alwyn will present the afternoon's competitions, while Nia will present the highlights programmes in the evening.
Rhodri will be walking around the Eisteddfod field, and the town of Llangollen, meeting and chatting to visitors, and enjoying more informal performances than those seen on stage.
As well as keeping you up to date with the daily competitions, Nia Roberts and Rhodri Owen present the climax to the competing at Llangollen - the prestigious Choir of the World competition live on Saturday 11 July.
And on Sunday 12 July, Alwyn Humphreys will present a special gala concert from the 2009 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod featuring Faryl Smith, Mark Evans, Côr Godre'r Aran, Fron Male Voice Choir, Cantorion Colin Jones and young baritone Alexei Kalveks.
International competitors
Among the overseas competitors who are sure to cause a stir are a choir of young men from the United States, The Westminster Chorus, who are world champions at singing Barbershop; and the University of Santo Tomas Singers from Manila, past winners of the Eisteddfod's Choir of the World competition. S4C will broadcast live coverage of this year's Choir of the World competition next week, together with highlights of the festival's Gala Concert.