Gwenno, Charlotte Church, Bat For Lashes, The Staves And More Confirmed For Cardiff's Llais 2023
Friday, 07 July 2023
Written by Jon Stickler
The first wave of acts have been revealed for the 2023 edition of Llais international arts festival.
The fifth iteration of the event, formerly known as the Festival Of Voice, will return to Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff between October 11 to 15, with an eclectic line-up of local and international acts.
On the Friday, October 13, Llais will present Both Sides Now: Celebrating Joni Mitchell, commemorating the icon's 'Both Sides Now' and 'Travelogue' LPs, featuring Welsh Music Prize-winner Gwenno, ESKA, Charlotte Church and Laura Mvula. All four artists will be accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for an orchestral performance of 'Both Sides Now' in its entirety.
Other acts set to appear as part of this year's programme include Bat For Lashes, festival co-curator Gwenno and folk sibling trio The Staves. The Unthanks will also host an all-day event, including performances of songs from their albums 'The Bairns', 'Here's The Tender Coming' and 'Last'.
Highlights on Saturday, October 14, will be Portuguese fado singer Mariza, and Welsh trumpeter Tomos Williams performing his second showing of Riot!, featuring musicians Soweto Kinch and Orphy Robinson, Welsh vocalist Eädyth Crawford and a rhythm section of Aidan Thorne and Mark O’Connor, complete with live visuals from Simon Proffitt. Other unmissable acts on the bill include Qawwali Flamenco, Faiz Ali Faiz and Chicuelo, and multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Angeline Morrison.
Llais will also host a variety of free workshops and other events at the Wales Millennium Centre, including a screening of Mark Jenkin's psychological chiller, Enys Men, and the coming-of-age virtual reality film Battlescar: Punk was Invented by Girls. Gwenno Saunders commented:
"It has been such a joy to curate this year's Llais. I'm a proud Cardiffian and that was always in the back of my mind when thinking of performers and artists to join us. Cardiff is made up of a rich tapestry of cultures and languages that makes the city unique and truly part of the world, and particularly the Docks where Wales Millennium Centre is situated, defines so much of our identity as people of this city, and it was a celebration of this that I was aiming for.
"My personal take on 'the voice' is that I define it as contributing to the conversation in the most radical way possible, in whichever way is best to the person who has something to say. When I think of artists who have inspired me, they have been radical thinkers who have left no stone unturned to reveal something new to us about ourselves. I hope this year’s Llais will inspire lasting conversations and most of all, be an utter pleasure for all who attend."
Further details are to be announced in the coming months.
What? A multi-day arts festival presenting a programme of both free and ticketed events, live music, digital experiences, free workshops, and playful experiences for everyone to explore.
Where? Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay.
When? October 11 - 15.
Who? The first acts to be announced for the event include Gwenno, ESKA, Charlotte Church and Laura Mvula, who will perform a special orchestral show celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Other acts confirmed include Bat For Lashes, The Unthanks, The Staves, Mariza, Tomos Williams, Qawwali Flamenco, Faiz Ali Faiz, Chicuelo and Angeline Morrison.
The festival will also host a packed schedule of free workshops and events, including film screenings and digital events. Further acts along with more information will be revealed in due course.
Tickets? Tickets are on sale now. For the first time, Llais are offering a limited number a Pay What You Can tickets, where festivalgoers can apply for a pair of events of their choice and pay what they can on a first come, first served basis.
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