It is an enormous pleasure and privilege once again to be able to introduce a new International Eisteddfod Syllabus; the last two years of the festival have seen groups and soloists applying from even greater numbers of countries and regions; and it is good to have had so much positive feedback from them after the festival; the unique spirit of peace and goodwill which is the acknowledged ‘Essence of Llangollen’ is as integral and essential to the Eisteddfod as ever. To find more of this spirit, do visit www.llangollen.tv where competitors and their supporters have used the message-boards following performances in the festival itself.
The 2009 Syllabus is quite similar to that of 2008, with the 28 competitions again grouped in Choral, Dance, Folk and Celtic categories; though some of the maximum and minimum numbers of competitors allowed in individual competitions have been revised. 2009 is the centenary of the birth of Arwel Hughes, Music Director of the Eisteddfod from 1978 to 1986, and we are delighted to mark this with the inclusion of his Nefoedd as one of the possible choices in the Junior Children’s Choirs category (Competition 8).
To find all the information needed to make applications in any competition, please read the Syllabus carefully, noting details regarding closing dates for application (which are different for groups and soloists), submission of recordings and other important details.
We are of course looking first and foremost for artistic quality in our selection procedure. Inevitably – and regrettably – we are unable to accept all groups and soloists who apply, as our stage time is limited; but we will also endeavour to include as many countries and regions as possible in each Eisteddfod.
Should you have any queries at all regarding the application procedure, please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my colleagues in the Eisteddfod Office directly.
Finally, I am sure that the syllabus will play its part in producing yet another exciting and colourful event, in the proud tradition of the Eisteddfod’s motto:
“Byd gwyn fydd byd a gano;
Gwaraidd fydd ei gerddi fo”
“Blessed is a world that sings;
Gentle are its songs”
We hope to see you in Llangollen soon!
Mervyn Cousins - Music Director
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, February 2008
