Search for child star to sing with Sir Bryn
A SEARCH has been launched to find a talented young singer to share the stage with opera star Sir Bryn Terfel at this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will see the successful vocalist join the cast of classic opera, Tosca, in the role of Shepherd Boy, completing a star studded line-up which also includes soprano Kristine Opolais and tenor Kristian Benedikt.
Organisers have now made a last call for talented boy soprano or treble to come forward for the 70th anniversary concert on July 4.
Festival music director Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “Being chosen for the role of Shepherd Boy is an extraordinary prize and one that could potentially change the winner’s life forever.
“The opportunity to perform with artists of this calibre is not one that comes along often and should be grabbed with both hands.
“I can’t wait to see what fresh talent is unearthed in the open auditions and I’m certain that whoever is selected as the Shepherd Boy will help bring this wonderful opera to life in the most beautiful way.”
He added: “On the night, we will be presenting an array of stellar global talent in a fantastic performance of Tosca, which sees Opolais and Terfel perform together for the first time.
“This hugely talented duo will be reunited on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York for another performance of Tosca, so the Eisteddfod audience will be the first to experience this unique combination on stage.”
Applicants will be asked to perform two individual pieces – I Give You Sighs from Tosca and another of their own choosing – during the audition.
The deadline for submissions is tomorrow, and the open auditions will be held at the Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen, on Saturday April 29.
Mr Griffiths said Tosca will be one of the main highlights of a week which will also see audiences entertained by jazz singer Gregory Porter and Welsh rock legends Manic Street Preachers.
Care firm Pendine Park will team up with Sir Bryn later in the week as sponsors of a Voice of the Future Competition to find the world’s best young singers, with the finalists competing for the Pendine Trophy and a cheque for £6,000. ■ More information on how to apply to audition for the role of the Shepherd Boy at international-eisteddfod.co.uk