Paul Mealor appointed artistic director of North Wales International Music Festival
Florence Lockheart
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
The composer will succeed mezzo soprano Ann Atkinson who is stepping down after 20 years at the helm
North Wales International Music Festival has announced the appointment of composer Paul Mealor to the role of artistic director. Mealor will take over from mezzo soprano Ann Atkinson who steps down from the role after 20 years at the helm.
Born in St Asaph, the home of the North Wales International Music Festival, Mealor shares a personal connection with the festival which was established by his mentor, Professor William Mathias. Mealor will move into the artistic director role from his current position as vice-president, a role he has shared with William’s daughter Rhiannon Mathias since 2013.
Mealor said: ‘When I was growing up, the festival was the only place you could hear world-class classical musicians. That was the first place that I ever heard a professional orchestra live… It was indeed the inspiration for my own musical career and I hope in future years it can help similarly inspire other young musicians locally and further afield.’
Having written music for the Royal Wedding Ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011, Mealor made history earlier this year with his song Coronation Kyrie which became the first-ever Welsh language song at a royal coronation when it was performed by Sir Bryn Terfel at the coronation of King Charles in May.
Mealor’s plans for the festival’s future include the creation of a ‘festival fringe’ alongside the main concerts to support the evolution of the festival into a ‘multi-arts hub’. He said: ‘Along with our important explorations into the very best in classical music performance and creation, let’s see what other art-forms offer to music and the human condition. I’d love to see a multi-arts event bringing dance, painting, sculpture, sound design, maths, physics and music all working together in a single unity expressing the 21st century’s many diversities.’
Festival vice-chair Alun Jones, who led the recruitment process, said: ‘There’s no doubt that [Mealor’s] long association with the festival, and personal knowledge of its history will stand him in good stead. He is well aware of the great work which has already been done and the challenges to be faced as he takes this wonderful event forward.’
