ARIAS, ABBA AND ALL THAT JAZZ ...

DINAS POWYS 2008 MUSIC FESTIVAL PROGRAMME UNVEILED

The Dinas Powys 2008 Music Festival will take place from 21 - 29 June.

As well as fabulous classical favourites, including Pendyrus male voice choir, the Cory Band - the nation’s favourite brass band, and the Chamber Orchestra of Wales, there’s a popular new addition to this year’s line up - Abbamagic, one of Britain’s best Abba tribute bands.

The superb Pendyrus Male Voice choir will open the festival on Saturday 21 June. As well as their memorable and rousing music, they have the dubious distinction of being the only Welsh choir to have performed in the White House and the Kremlin.

Officially the best brass band in Britain, the Cory Band take centre stage on Wednesday, 25 June with their unmistakable and innovative brand of brass. Their numerous CD recordings and live concert performances have received worldwide acclaim.

On Friday, The Chamber Orchestra of Wales are back by popular demand after last year’s concert by candlelight. Sit down, grab your Chianti and enjoy the Chamber Orchestra of Wales’ Italian night this year.

If you want a break from the classical treats on offer, the take a trip back to the seventies and eighties on Saturday, 28 June, and enjoy ABBAMAGIC, one of the first tributes to ABBA ever formed.

One of the most popular fixtures of the whole week is the Sunday lunchtime jazz gig. This year Phil Dando and his musicians will be the star performers.

Bethesda Community Choir will bring the curtain down on the 2008 festival with a very special guest! Look out for posters around the village in the next few months.

The Children’s concert and senior citizens concerts are also back this year. Children from Vale schools will be able to brush up their skills in a Schools wind workshop led by members of the Cory Band on Wednesday, 25 June. While children from St Andrew’s School in the village will provide the entertainment for the senior citizens concert (Friday, 27 June).

The relaxed ambiance, friendly company, food and wine and great music have quickly established the festival’s popularity, and many concerts now sell out in advance, so it’s advisable to book early.