ONE of the most successful all-male vocal ensembles is returning to a St Asaph music festival next month.

A cappella group The King’s Singers will share their eclectic vocal artistry at St Asaph Cathedral on September 19 as part of the North Wales International Music Festival 2024, which runs from September 12-21.

The concert is one of just three remaining UK tour dates for the group in 2024, and marks a welcomed return for the sextet, who performed at the festival in 2012.

They bring their recital programme, Legacies, which celebrates epic contributions to music in the last 500 years, from the magic of Disney through to the works of two of the world’s greatest composers, William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes.

The concert will also feature St Asaph Cathedral Choir.

READ MORE:

‘Tangible and positive’ progress at Glan Clwyd’s emergency department

Flat in Rhyl ‘locked down’ after two years of ‘constant reports’

Pigeon racing in Rhyl the focus of new episode of BBC series

Bass vocalist Jonathan Howard, the longest-serving member of the current line-up, is preparing to depart his role at the end of December after more than 14 seasons with the ensemble.

“The singing tradition in Wales is incredibly strong and what we do resonates well with Welsh audiences,” said Jonathan, 37.

“It’s an exceptionally beautiful part of the world, the cathedral is gorgeous, and the North Wales coastline is wildly beautiful.

“Across Wales, the tradition of music is so strong. For me personally, it has great significance to be returning.”

This year’s North Wales International Music Festival is in the capable hands of royal composer Paul Mealor, who has been appointed as the new artistic director.

The theme of this year’s festival is “transformations”, and Paul said the performances will explore everything this encompasses, from the physical and natural world to the poetic, spiritual and metaphysical.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome The King’s Singers back to the festival after 12 years,” he said.

“As one of the world’s most successful and talented vocal ensembles, The King’s Singers embody the highest standard of a cappella singing.

“With a demanding and prolific concert schedule across the world, we are honoured to be able to share their glorious harmonies in the majestic setting of St Asaph Cathedral.”