Cardiff’s international arts festival, Festival of Voice, first wave of artists announcements includes legendary American musician, poet and activist Patti Smith (11 June). She will give a concert a Words and Music event with in St John’s Church, Canton. The following day, Patti takes to the stage at Wales Millennium Centre for An Evening with Patti Smith, with Lenny Kaye and Tony Shanahan (12 June).
Festival-goers will also be able to experience a world premiere, Gruff Rhys performing with BBC National Orchestra of Wales (10 June), who celebrate their 90th birthday this year.
Gruff Rhys
The Tiger Lillies
Patti Smith
Other headline artists appearing at Wales Millennium Centre are Ivor Novello award-winning singer-songwriter, Passenger (14 June), plus Nadine Shah opens for Billy Bragg on the first night of the festival (7 June) with a special Voices of Protest evening.
Festival of Voice is also inviting women and girls to raise their voices on the first Sunday of the 11-day festival (10 June) with a large-scale collaboration with public art specialists, Artichoke and 14-18 NOW, a major cultural programme which marks the centenary of the First World War.
PROCESSIONS is an opportunity to take part in a mass participation artwork to celebrate 100 years of votes for women. Women and girls can register now (processions.co.uk) to take part in the procession through the streets of Cardiff, creating a living portrait of women in the 21st century. Processions will take place on the same day in four major cities around the UK – London, Belfast, Glasgow, and Cardiff (the only procession which falls within a festival).
Graeme Farrow, Artistic Director, Wales Millennium Centre and Festival of Voice said, “We are delighted to announce the first wave of world-class artists who will be performing at the second Festival of Voice. This gives just a taste of what’s to come. As well as other exciting events which embrace theatre, art and all musical genres throughout the city, this year’s festival will also include opportunities to get involved, protest or just hang out in specially designed spaces from daytime into the early hours of the morning.
“I hope that those who came to the first Festival of Voice in 2016 will return for the next step in our journey, and that we will attract even more people to experience the festival which is centred around this incredible instrument that we all share – the voice.”
Festival of Voice celebrates a spirit of discovery, and on 6 March will release a full programme of more performances at various venues across Cardiff, the UK’s first Music City, spanning contemporary and classical music, opera, theatre, talks, visual arts and venue takeovers, with the welcoming city of Cardiff as the host.
Sarah Dennehy, Executive Creative Producer said, “This first announcement is just a snippet of what’s to come. We’re stoked that Patti Smith will be joining us with her words and music in a small intimate show. I hope the festival brings a burst of energy that will help raise the profile of Cardiff as an international arts and music city.”
Other shows across the city include: American singer-songwriter Laura Veirs (9 June) at St John’s Church, Canton, performing songs from her newly released tenth album, The Lookout; Karine Polwart: Wind Resistance (15 – 17 June) at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, story and song from the Edinburgh folk artist and The Tiger Lillies: The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (15 & 16 June), a multi-arts experience that sees the cult British trio alongside images by Nan Goldin.
The full Festival of Voice programme will be announced on 6 March. There will also be free events and opportunities for participation and volunteering, making this a festival for many voices to hear and be heard. For updates and further information, visit festivalofvoice.wales.
Festival of Voice
Multiple venues across Cardiff
7 – 17 June 2018
Tickets for first wave of announced shows now on sale. Details below.
Full programme announced 6 March 2018.
A variety of pricing and payment options, including discounts for under 26s and spread payment options are available. For prices and more information, please visit festivalofvoice.wales
Individual Show Listings
Billy Bragg
+ Nadine Shah
Voices of Protest
Venue: Donald Gordon Theatre – Wales Millennium Centre
Date: Thursday 7 June 2018
Time: 19:00
Price: £16 – £26.50
Laura Veirs
+ Support
Venue: St John’s Church, Canton
Time: 20:00
Date: Saturday 9 June 2018
Price: £17.50
Gruff Rhys and BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Venue: Donald Gordon Theatre – Wales Millennium Centre
Time: 19:30
Date: Monday 10 June 2018
Price: £17.50 – £29.50
Words and Music with Patti Smith
Venue: St John’s Church, Canton
Time: 21:00
Date: Monday 11 June 2018
Price: £20
An Evening with Patti Smith
With Lenny Kaye and Tony Shanahan
Venue: Donald Gordon Theatre – Wales Millennium Centre
Time: 19:30
Date: Tuesday 12 June 2018
Price: £25 – £40
Passenger
+ Support
Venue: Donald Gordon Theatre – Wales Millennium Centre
Time: 19:30
Date: Thursday 14 June 2018
Price: £17.50 – £29.50
The Tiger Lillies: The Ballad of Sexual Dependency
Venue: Sherman Theatre
Time: 18:30
Date: Friday 15 & Saturday 16 June 2018
Price: £20
Karine Polwart: Wind Resistance
Venue: Richard Burton Theatre – Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Time: 18:30 (15 & 16 June), 13:30 (16 & 17 June)
Date: Friday 15 – Sunday 17 June 2018
Price: £20