The Armidale Eisteddfod is celebrating its 40th year. The committee has been working hard on preparations and solid entry numbers indicate that this year’s Eisteddfod will be a great showcase of talent in Armidale and surrounds.
The Eisteddfod officially commenced on Wednesday with the Music Composition Presentation and Workshop, a prelude to the main program.
The New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) coordinates the workshop which is held at the Old Teachers’ College to a full audience. This is an excellent way for senior students to showcase their works and receive feedback in preparation for their HSC.
The main competition program runs from Friday 15 May through to 5 June this year with the Gala concert being presented on 16 June this year.
Coordinated by a committee of volunteers, the Eisteddfod continues to be supported by sponsors, volunteers and competitors.
Choir Night and Band Night are always popular events and this year will be held on Wednesday, May 22 (Lazenby Hall) and Tuesday, June 4 (Old Teachers’ College Auditorium), respectively.
A variety of ages and abilities is catered for within the sections on offer for speech and drama, voice and music. Within those sections there is also a variety of styles. The Eisteddfod attracts entrants from the local area as well as neighbouring towns.
According to committee president Elizabeth Peach, “The Armidale Eisteddfod continues to be one of the major eisteddfods in the North West and an important performance opportunity for musicians as well as speech and drama students in our community”.
“We are fortunate to live in a city that values and supports the Arts and are grateful for the continued sponsorship by individuals and local businesses, as well as the efforts of our many volunteers who keep the eisteddfod going year after year, without the need for government funding. It is a true community event.”
The majority of the Eisteddfod events are held in the Old Teachers’ College Auditorium.
Session ticket prices are $3 concession and $5 adult with an adult’s season ticket being $40.
Family passes for the duration of the Eisteddfod are $80. A full pricelist and program can be found on the Armidale Eisteddfod website.
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