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The music scene here has never been
richer in talent, diversity and originality. Familiar bands like the
Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals have a worldwide
following. And there are many new faces and musical genres - bands
such as Feeder, and a thriving club scene reflecting a rich melting
pot of cultures and styles. Music in Wales crosses many boundaries.
On the classical front, the famous Welsh National Opera performs to
a global audience. And for jazz fans, there's a choice of clubs and
festivals - Brecon's is one of the best in Europe.
Jazz
The highlight of the jazz year in
Wales has to be Brecon Jazz, a three-day festival held each August.
The festival attracts the big names from the jazz world - and big
audiences too, bringing a unique atmosphere to the streets of this
handsome country town. The Llangollen International Jazz Festival
held in May in another well-established event. Cardiff has a good
range of venues - Café Jazz, for example, has live music four nights
a week. Performances also take place regularly at the Norwegian
Church Arts Centre on Cardiff Bay.
Classical
Classical music is performed and
appreciated throughout Wales, at venues from Llandudno in the north
to Cardiff in the south. There are more broadcasts from St David's
Hall, Cardiff, than any other concert venue in Britain. Here, you
can hear world-famous orchestras like the London Symphony and Vienna
Philharmonic, along with Wales's own BBC National Orchestra. St
David's Hall also stages the Cardiff Singer of the World every two
years, a competition at which Bryn Terfel first came to prominence.
And talking of opera, Welsh National Opera, based at Cardiff, is one
of the world's leading touring companies.
Dance Music
There's an excellent choice of venues
in Cardiff. Club Ifor Bach has a distinctively Welsh atmosphere,
with three floors and an eclectic music menu ranging from funk to
hip hop, drum'n'bass to rock. Evolution in Cardiff Bay attracts fans
of progressive house and trance music. TJ's in Newport is known far
and wide. It hosts numerous club nights, at which DJs and bands
playing mainly rock, punk and ska. Swansea's large, purpose-built
Escape Club is popular with house and techno dance fans.
Live Music
There's a cosmopolitan choice of live
music at Cardiff. The 5,500-seat International Arena is the
capital's main pop venue - all the big names perform here. St
David's Hall is another leading venue, and there's a great club and
pub scene too. Llandudno's North Wales Theatre also attracts the big
international stars. And don't think the opportunity to see live
acts is confined to these large centres. Smaller venues like
Brecon's Theatr Brycheiniog and the Wyeside Arts Centre at Builth
Wells have imaginative, wide-ranging programmes - everything from
big bands to the blues. |
