An Afternoon at the Opera

Sunday 7th July 1.30pm - Llandaff Cathedral - Free

Founded over 80 years ago, the Llandaff Cathedral Choral Society is one of the oldest choirs and the only Cathedral-based choral society in Wales. The Society performs in the glorious setting of the Cathedral on four occasions each year and is pleased to enjoy a special relationship with one of our most historic religious buildings. Over the years and under a succession of outstanding conductors, the choir has performed virtually all of the great choral works. It has also commissioned and performed new works by Wales’ leading composers and has a thriving membership.

Experience the thrill of opera choruses from the glorious triumphal march of Verdi's Aida through to the heart-rending blessings from Gluck's Orpheo. Some of the most exciting and moving music from classic opera features the chorus - when everyone joins in and sends the audience away on a high of emotion. This concert sees one of Cardiff's oldest choirs performing with one of its newest bands, promising something for everyone as we take you on a tour of fantastic music, from Handel to Wagner, taking in many amazing composers on the way.

The Capital Youth Concert Band is a symphonic concert band of teenagers and young adults, led with young people and coached by professional musicians.  It is part of Capital Youth Music, a new Cardiff charity formed by a cooperative of young people, musicians, and teachers. Funded entirely by its popular concert programme, donations and charitable trusts, Capital opens up free tuition, instruments, ensembles and leadership experiences to children and teenagers in Cardiff and its surrounding communities.

The Capital Youth Concert Band plays flexibly as a big band, brass and wind chamber ensembles, and full symphonic wind band in the model of the Guards and Royal Marines bands.  The young players work with the musician coaches to pick programmes ranging from classical opera and baroque, through Sousa marches and the standard repertoire of the forces bands, to the music of the big bands, Broadway and the cinema screen. Its 2024 concert programme includes performances in Llandaff Cathedral, the Dora Stouzker Hall of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and the Temple of Peace in Cathays Park.