16c Fair
Faryl Smith at Llangollen International Eisteddfod
MANY teenagers spend their time dreaming of making the big time, alongside internationally-famous stars of the stage and screen.
That dream is coming true for Faryl Smith, who this summer will open Llangollen International Festival - just four years after winning her first prize at it.
The 13-year-old will open the first night at the July festival, along with Denbighshire's Mark Evans, runner-up in the contest to find a singer for Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Eurovision entry.
The concert will showcase rising stars of Llangollen with performances from the award-winning Fron Male Voice Choir, who formed to compete in the first International Eisteddfod of 1947.
It's the latest step along the path to stardom for the youngster, who's been taken under the wing of Katherine Jenkins.
But like any teenager, she still dreams of meeting her idols: though for her it's Beyonce, who tops her wish-list. She was just 10 when she took first prize in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, and went on to win the solo category in 2006.
The teenager was back on the stage with her local choir Masquerade, at last year's Eisteddfod.
"I loved being on stage and performing, it was a big achievement for me and I would definitely like to come back," she said, before this week's announcement.
Faryl, from Kettering, Northamptonshire - who is related to the late Sir Harry Secombe - has signed a record-breaking £2.3m record deal with Universal.
She said: "Singing is my passion and to be given the opportunity to make a career out of it at such a young age is a dream come true."
"The album is all finished and I'm looking forward to the release."
The gifted mezzo-soprano has been recording her tracks in between schoolwork, which she said has been an "easy" task as her family has a close relationship with the school and she has been supported with her work.
"It was a challenge - I had to fit it around my schoolwork and so ended up recording right through my Christmas holidays, but I loved every minute of it."
"My friends think the album is great, but we don't really talk about it much. I like to keep my singing life and school life separate," added Faryl.
When asked about her fondest memory of the festival she said: "My favourite memory (of Llangollen) was the big limo party, it was a big thing for all my family and a lot of fun."
While starring in TV talent show Britain's Got Talent in May, Faryl met Katherine Jenkins. Faryl signed the contract at the Royal Albert Hall before preparing for her debut performance alongside Katherine.
It's all just so overwhelming," said Faryl.
"Katherine has been brilliant, there's so much to learn and she will always take my calls, I feel much better knowing she is around."
She said: "I would most like to meet Beyonce, I listen to her music and I have a lot of pop music on my iPod."
I also listen to a lot of classical music for inspiration."
"I would most like to headline with Andre Pacelli, I know I'm aiming high but it would be a great achievement."
The festival ends with James Bond music performed by the Welsh National
Opera Orchestra, conducted by Carl Davis and starring Bond girl Honor Blackman
The album features a family favourite, Welsh hymn Calon Lan (Pure Heart), taught to Faryl by her grandfather.
Faryl added: "My grandmother was always singing it so when I was going to release an album, my family said it had to be on it."
Eisteddfod tickets on 01978 862001 or www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
