Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas was one of the prominent guest speakers at the Festival of Voice launch at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre in March.
Speaking of the Festival of Voice Lord Elis-Thomas said
“It’s wonderful to see home- grown, ‘Made in Wales’ events flourish, which is why the Welsh Government is proud to support events like Festival of Voice – and see them grow.
“They showcase Wales as a vibrant, dynamic and outward looking nation. Festival of Voice builds on the unique heritage of Wales as the ‘land of song’ while also focusing on nurturing future talent. This is a very exciting time for Music in Wales – and an opportunity to celebrate.”
Following the event, Andy Howells spoke with Lord Elis-Thomas about the festival and his own artistic inspirations.
Your career has been in culture for a good number of years?
I used to teach drama, I’ve been involved in a good number of things including the Eisteddfod. I’ve never been a good performer myself, but I’ve tried to teach other people how to perform.
Camille O’Sullivan, Gareth Bonello aka The Gentle Good and actress Carys Eleri are some of the artists taking part in 2018’s Festival of Voice,
What’s it like to see such an event as The Festival of Voice come to fruition?
I think its brilliant, I’ve always wanted Wales to celebrate our particular background and tradition of bilingualism in all our cultures and I’ve always want to see that internationally. I think that is what we are developing now. attracting people worldwide who are impressed by how we carry on.
What triggered off your passion for the arts and culture?
I was brought up into it but mainly the literature rather than the music. I’ve always had a passion for following music but never been able to play an instrument sufficiently good quality to play it in public.
If you could play an instrument for a day what would it be?
I wish I had learned to play the classical harp properly. Then I could play Dafydd y garreg wen!
- For tickets and further information of The Festival of Voice , visit festivalofvoice.wales or call 029 2063 6464.