NWIMF
Composer PAUL MEALOR will become Artistic Director of North Wales International Music Festival.
Mealor succeeds mezzo-soprano ANN ATKINSON who is stepping down after 20 years.
A Professor of Composition at the University of Aberdeen, Mealor has served as the festival’s co-Vice-President for a decade.
His music received international attention after featuring at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding. He also composed works for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and the first-ever Welsh language coronation song for King Charles.
Speaking about his appointment, Mealor said: “When I was growing up, the festival was the only place you could hear world-class classical musicians. That was the first place that I ever heard a professional orchestra live.
“It was the inspiration for my own musical career, and I hope in future years it can help similarly inspire other young musicians locally and further afield.”
He added: “I am keen to extend the reach of the festival to include people who have never been before or may not have thought it was/is for them. "
Mealor's plans include the introduction of a fringe festival with “the very best in Welsh pop and folk music and comedy” to support the festival's evolution into a “multi-arts hub”.
Vice-Chair ALUN JONES said he was "thrilled" to have Mealor at the festival's helm. “There’s no doubt that his long association with the festival and personal knowledge of its history will stand him in good stead.
"He is well aware of the great work which has already been done and the challenges to be faced as he takes this wonderful event forward.”