Latest news with #ChoiroftheWorld
Leader Live
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
LOOK: Chair of Llangollen Eisteddfod praises volunteer army
During Eisteddfod week alone, volunteers contributed more than 30,000 hours to ensure the smooth running of one of Wales' most iconic cultural festivals. From youngsters to pensioners, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to support every aspect of the event – with volunteer stage crews working alongside floral, tickets, finance, communications, marketing, field hosts, stewards, grounds staff, accommodations teams, those looking after competitors and many more teams. 'This is an incredible achievement for a festival that employs just one full-time member of staff,' said Mr. Gambles. 'The heart and soul of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod is our volunteers. Their passion, dedication, and tireless hard work transform this festival from a dream into a truly magical celebration of music and culture. "Without them, none of this would be possible – they are the unsung heroes who make Llangollen shine on the world stage.' This year's Eisteddfod – the 78th since its founding – attracted praise from leading figures including Ken Skates MS, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP, and local MP Becky Gittins. They each applauded the commitment and energy of the volunteer team, led by John Gambles, the Board of Directors and Chairs of various teams. Most volunteers hail from Llangollen and North Wales, while others travelled thousands of miles to lend their support. Llangollen has enjoyed a busy summer, with volunteers co-promoting all seven TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion concerts. This year's event welcomed more than 4,000 competitors from across the globe, including the world-renowned New Zealand Youth Choir, who won the prestigious Choir of the World title. Tens of thousands of visitors descended on Northeast Wales, providing a major boost to the local economy. Music industry insiders hailed the volunteers as the 'Pride of Wales', with Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, praising their exceptional contribution. Read more The volunteer team also partnered with local schools to inspire the next generation of Eisteddfod supporters. Forty students from Ysgol Dinas Brân and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd joined the Welcome Host team, assisting with field events, the festival shop, and liaison duties, while a further 20 students helped with programme sales. Volunteers work tirelessly year-round to keep the Eisteddfod thriving. This year, they also assumed full-time operations of the iconic Llangollen Pavilion, with plans to transform it into a vibrant all-year-round arts venue. Anyone who wants to volunteer at the Llangollen Pavilion - please email volunteers@
Scoop
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pavarotti's Widow Pays Tribute To New Zealand Youth Choir
July 16, 2025 Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of Luciano Pavarotti and organisers of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales have paid tribute to the "outstanding" New Zealand Youth Choir. This follows their remarkable triumph as Choir of the World at the world-renowned festival. In a double celebration for New Zealand, the choir's director, David Squire, was also named Most Inspiring Conductor. David Squire was presented with the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy by Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of the legendary opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, the world's best-selling classical artist. Nicoletta Mantovani said: "On behalf of the Pavarotti Foundation, I was honoured to present the Pavarotti Trophy to the exceptional New Zealand Youth Choir, winners of Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Their talent and passion truly reflect Luciano's spirit - especially during this special year as Decca Classics celebrates 90 years since the birth of the great Maestro." Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod promotes peace and friendship through music and dance. This year's event also honoured the memory of Luciano Pavarotti, who performed at the festival in 1955. In partnership with Decca Classics, his long-time record label, a 120-foot chalk mural of the Maestro on the hills overlooking Llangollen. It was commissioned with the approval of Nicoletta Mantovani and was unveiled near the iconic Llangollen Pavilion. Decca Classics has also announced a year-long celebration marking what would have been Pavarotti's 90th birthday. As part of the tribute, they have released 'The Lost Concert', an album featuring Pavarotti's historic 1995 performance at Llangollen. Chair of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, John Gambles, praised the choir, who also recently achieved success at the European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark. John said, "This choir should be a source of immense pride for everyone in New Zealand. Our audiences fell in love with their sound, spirit, and stage presence. They were not only musically exceptional but also outstanding ambassadors for their country. The Llangollen Eisteddfod upholds some of the highest musical standards of any choral competition in the world. For the New Zealand Youth Choir to win Choir of the World on the very stage where Luciano Pavarotti's international career began is a tremendous achievement. The crowd was captivated when the choir performed an impromptu haka before rushing to the stage to celebrate with their inspirational conductor, David Squire."
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Gorilla Technology CEO Paul Spain on why crypto ATMs are being taken away
NZ Youth Choir wins 'Choir of the World' at international festival It marks the choir's second international win in two weeks. Video / NZ Youth Choir via Facebook
Otago Daily Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Second big win for youth choir
A national choir, with a Dunedin singer in its ranks, has taken home the top award at an international competition. The New Zealand Youth Choir, with singers aged between 18 and 25, was named Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales on Saturday night (local time). The choir blended waiata and kapa haka with a traditional choral repertoire. It comprised about 50 singers, including former Columba College and University of Otago student Rosie Auchinvole, and operates on a three-year membership. The award came hot on the heels of another win at the European Choir Games in Denmark last week, where the choir won the Grand Prix of Nations, after receiving a score of 97.5 from 100 in the folklore category. The New Zealand Youth Choir wins Choir of the World 2025. PHOTO: FACEBOOK / NZ YOUTH CHOIR At the time, Ms Auchinvole told theit was a "huge honour" to represent New Zealand internationally. Labour arts, culture and heritage spokeswoman Rachel Boyack said the "outstanding young singers" were incredible ambassadors for New Zealand. "I watched their winning set this morning after waking up to hear this very exciting news," she said. "I've been lucky to see the choir perform this year, including at Waitangi on Waitangi Day, and it is incredible to see how much they've achieved — I am hugely proud of every one of them." Also on Saturday night, New Zealand Youth Choir conductor David Squire was awarded the Jayne Davies Conductors Prize. The New Zealand Youth Choir last won the Choir of the World title in 1999. — APL/RNZ
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Labour Congratulates NZ Youth Choir On World Win
Labour Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Rachel Boyack has congratulated the New Zealand Youth Choir on winning the prestigious 'Choir of the World' competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales. 'These outstanding young singers are incredible ambassadors for Aotearoa New Zealand on the world stage,' Rachel Boyack said. 'They have a large following here in New Zealand and internationally, due to their unique blend of Māori waiata and kapa haka with traditional choral repertoire. New Zealanders should be very proud of their success. 'I watched their winning set this morning after waking up to hear this very exciting news. I've been lucky to see the choir perform this year, including at Waitangi on Waitangi Day, and it is incredible to see how much they've achieved. I am hugely proud of every one of them,' Rachel Boyack said.
