Musical Festivals in Great Britain. Lyssova H. Kveliashvili M. School 326.

The Edinburgh Festival of Music and Drama. The Edinburgh International Festival presents a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance in six major theatres and concert halls and a number of smaller venues, over a three- week period in late summer each year. In addition to mounting the annual three week programme of events, the Festival has a year-round programme of education and outreach work, aimed at all ages from primary school pupils to adults.

The Festival began in 1947, with the aim of providing 'a platform for the flowering of the human spirit'. Right from the start it inspired people to put on shows of their own out with the official Festival, and soon these grew into the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since then half a dozen or so more festivals have grown up around it in August and early September, and collectively these are often known as 'the Edinburgh Festival'. The Festival has gained international status and has won a reputation for its inclusion of experimental or “avant-garde” events. The Festival has had the aim of bringing to Scotland’s capital the finest performers and productions from all over the world. The popularity of the Festival is great; it attracts large crowds of visitors each year as well as distinguished actors and musicians, orchestras, soloists, dancers, and theatres.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. For one week in July each year, the small Welsh town is descended upon by the world. During the day, International musicians and dancers compete in over 20 high quality competitions. Each evening the best and most colourful competitors share the stage in renowned concerts given by professional artists, many of whom started their careers in Llangollen. Placido Domingo acknowledges that his first professional experience in the United Kingdom was at the 1968 International Eisteddfod, and in 1955 Luciano Pavarotti competed with his father in the male voice choir competition with others from their home town of Modena. The choir won their section, and Pavarotti returned for a spectacular concert in Dennis O'Neil, James Galway and Montserrat Caballe are among the musical stars that have appeared in the final Sunday Evening Gala Concert.

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