The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World is regarded as the most important operatic singing competition in the world. Twenty five contestants from all over the world, who have qualified in a series of auditions, compete for either or both the song and opera prizes. They sing in front of a distinguished jury and a discerning audience. The audience has an opportunity to express their own views in the award of a separate audience prize. There are five competition recitals and five of the best singers overall are chosen for the final. Many of the winners and contestants have gone on to great things. The most famous contest year was 1989, when in the legendary Battle of the Baritones, Bryn Terfel won the Lieder prize and Dmitri Hvorostovsky took the overall title. Our tickets cover all the events of both the song and opera competition, including the master classes and finals. Our hotel arrangements cover the events from Concert 4 until the morning after the Opera Competition final. Arrangements can be made for the earlier part of the competition.
The waterfront at Cardiff has been regenerated with the building of the Millennium Centre, the new home of the Welsh National Opera, and an extensive area of shops and apartments. Cardiff is also home to one of the finest Impressionist Art collections, formed by the Davies sisters in the early 1900s. The Marquis of Bute, whose family became wealthy from their interests in coal and its shipment through the docks, employed the great Victorian designer William Burges to reinterpret Cardiff Castle in the fashionable styles of Mediterranean and Oriental decoration. Within a Gothic exterior he created a fantasy of marble, stained glass and gilded wood. Out of town, Burges rebuilt Castell Coch as a romantic version of a Welsh chieftain’s stronghold.
Hotel: This year we are offering a choice of two Hotels – The Park Plaza, a sophisticated 4-star de-luxe hotel located in the heart of the city centre, or the 4-star Angel Hotel, a Victorian landmark close to Cardiff Castle. Both hotels are within easy walking distance of St David’s Hall.
Programme details:
Wednesday 10 June
St David's Hall, 7.30pm
Main Competition, Concert 4
Thursday 11 June
St David's Hall, 7.30pm
Main Competition, Concert 5
Friday 12 June
St David's Hall, 7.30pm
Song Prize Final
Saturday 13 June
New Theatre, 11.00 am and 3.00 pm
Masterclasses
Sunday 14 June
St David's Hall, 6.00pm
Main Competition, Final
Cardiff - BBC Singer of the Year 2009
Departure: 10 Jun – 15 Jun 2009
Tour Code: YMF600
Price - Angel Hotel: £795 per person
Twin for Sole Use Supplement: £325
Price - Park Plaza Hotel: £845 per person
Twin for Sole Use Supplement: £325
Deposit: £400 per person
Price Includes: Five nights bed and breakfast at the Park Plaza Hotel or the Angel Hotel in Cardiff, drinks reception, best seats for all performances.
Travel: Travel to and from Cardiff is not included.
We can arrange for you to visit the earlier part of the competition if you wish. Please call us on 01227 743307 to discuss your requirements.
