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Karl Jenkins, Llangollen International Eisteddfod
MUSICIAN Karl Jenkins says he is looking forward to crossing cultures next month when he oversees an internationally themed day at one of the region's biggest musical events. He's behind the Adiemus project and is taking on the role of Day President at Llangollen's International Musical Eisteddfod on Friday, July 10.
The composer and multi-instrumentalist says he is looking forward to a crossover of cultures., which will both excite and inspire
"This Eisteddfod is such a big event and brings so many different cultures together, which I'm really looking forward to. From a social point, it's fantastic," he says.
"I've been times before and know it's a beautiful place with a character all its own, but I've never been actively involved before so I'm honoured to be taking part."
Karl, born in Penclawdd, Swansea, says the role will preview him playing a much larger part in the 2010 Eisteddfod, where he promises one of his major works will be played.
"I can't say which piece it will be, because I don't know myself yet which one to choose, but what I can say is it will be one of my major works, and because of the international feel of the Eisteddfod, I'd like to use a choir from across the world, with an ethnic feel."It could be the Adiemus project, which was and still is a major success across the globe, and is extremely well travelled. It's a work I'm very proud of."
Karl, who worked with bands including Soft Machine and Nucleus, and has recorded under his own name, says that although similar events exist elsewhere around the globe, the Llangollen Eisteddfod is unique to the UK and plays an important role.
"It's great to be part of a festival which encourages this sort of cultural collaboration. Music is a huge part of everyone's life and has been ever since the first men learned to make their own sounds," he says.
"It's a universal talent, which is why I like to avoid putting my own music into any category or box. You have to reach out to other cultures to get to the innate spirit of music, and I think Llangollen Eisteddfod does a great job reflecting that."
Karl is now working on a Christmas album, which he says will embrace a new cultural twist. Despite his 40 years of creativity, he shows no signs of retiring from music.
"It's a job and sometimes it isn't always pleasurable, but music is something you don't retire from," he says.
This year ‘s Eisteddfod (July 7-12) also sees shows by Barbara Dickson, Sir Willard White, Natasha Marsh and Blake, while Honor Blackman presents a James Bond night, with the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, conducted by Carl Davis."There are dark days, but I've always enjoyed doing what I do, and it's definitely worth doing."
Tickets to the Friday events at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, held at the town's Royal International Pavilion, start from £9.
For more information contact 01978 862001 or visit www.llangollen2009.com
