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We are delighted to announce that we are the proud possessors of a new Steinway piano purchased with the help of a grant from the Lottery Fund. This piano will remain in All Saints' Church, Oystermouth where, in addition to the Festival performances, it will be used by many pianists and groups to promote and encourage musical development and initiative in the City and County of Swansea. Come and hear it in action on the 17th, 19th and 23rd July.
1999 marks the centenary of the birth of Francis Poulenc and the death of another French composer, Ernest Chausson, so there is a strong French flavour to the Festival. Also reflected in the programme is the 70th birthday of Alan Hoddinott, the centenary of the death of Johan Strauss II and the bicentenary of the death of Dittersdorf.
This year, our programme features several young gifted musicians and the concert on July 21st is presented in association with the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. An unusual addition to the Festival will be Evensong at All Saints' Church, with the Church Choir under the direction of Christopher Waring Davies.
Once again, the Swansea Bach Choir will open the Festival. We welcome back the Delme Quartet on July 20th and also Cantabile, who will bring the Festival to a fitting conclusion on Friday July 30th.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have given so generously of their time and expertise throughout the year in organising the Festival, and also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of our sponsors and the Arts Council of Wales. Most importantly of all we thank you, the audience, for your loyal support and hope that you will enjoy a truly superb Festival.