World famous tenor Jose Carreras will headline at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year, it was revealed today.

Following in footsteps of his Three Tenor colleagues Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, Mr Carreras will make his first visit to Llangollen on July 15 to perform at the festival’s gala evening concert on July 15.

Other top stars appearing at the 61st International Eisteddfod will include Joan Baez, the legendary American folk singer/songwriter and international peace activist and New Zealand singing sensation Hayley Westernra.

Llangollen is becoming used to welcoming big names to its eisteddfod and today Carreras said he was looking forward to the festival.

“I’ve been aware of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod for many years and the fantastic work it does to bring the people of the world together through the mediums of song and dance,” he said.

“I always feel very honoured to be invited to return to the land of song, and look forward to making my first appearance at this wonderful event.”

Currently thrilling audiences on a sell-out tour of Europe, he will perform his critically acclaimed work Missa Criolla, written by Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez and set to the haunting music of the Andes.

Joan Baez, renowned for her anti-Vietnam War battle-cry We Shall Overcome, will launch the festival with an appearance at the opening concert on July 10. She will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at next month’s Grammy Awards.

Hayley Westernra is the fastest selling classical artist of all time and was performing at the Eisteddfod launch in Cardiff today.

A spokesman for the event said organisers were delighted to have attracted such big names in the world of music to Llangollen.

“The week long International Eisteddfod provides a platform for people of all nations to meet and communicate through the international languages of music and dance, thereby promoting peace, harmony and a greater understanding of world culture,” he said.

By Sue Austin