Music Wales at Womex 2010

14th October 2010

For the first time ever musicians from Wales will have the opportunity to perform at WOMEX - the world’s biggest world music trade event taking place in Copenhagen from 27-31 October 2010. 

The Music Wales showcase on Saturday 30th October will feature Mabon, 9Bach and Calan and will be hosted by Music Wales Ambassador Catrin Finch, who will perform and introduce the international audience to the music of Wales.

 Alun Ffred Jones, Minister for Heritage said:
 
“It’s important that Wales’ talent is to be taken to prestigious international stages such as WOMEX. The world music trade fair is an important platform to promote and develop new international leads, contacts and opportunities for musicians and the music sector from Wales. For the artists selected to represent, this is a unique opportunity to perform before this specialist audience and take advantage of all the opportunities it brings to their career. I am very supportive of the bid for Wales to host a future WOMEX.”
 
Jamie Smith from the band Mabon said:
 
“We’re delighted and very excited to have been selected to play at WOMEX in Copenhagen this year. Showcase slots at WOMEX are extremely difficult to secure, but with the support and backing of Music Wales we now have a fantastic opportunity to play for music industry professionals from around the world and show them what Wales can do!”
 
The Music Wales showcase is part of a campaign to raise the profile of music from Wales in the world.  One element is a bid to bring WOMEX to Cardiff in 2013. 
 
Attracting 2700 delegates and 650 companies from over 90 countries - it plays an integral part in developing a platform for UK artists looking to break into international markets. As well as the Music Wales showcase, a delegation of Welsh music companies and organisations will be exhibiting in the WOMEX trade conference.
 
The Welsh showcase will be hosted by ‘queen of harps’ Catrin Finch who is also ambassador for Cardiff as an official candidate for WOMEX 2013.
 
Catrin Finch said:
 
“The Music Wales night will celebrate the confidence and ambition of our nation. I’m really looking forward to be part of an evening of such great talent. It will also be an opportunity to show WOMEX what Wales could have to offer in 2013.” 
 
Eluned Haf, Director of Wales Arts International added:

“Supporting musicians from Wales to make an impression and an impact on international markets is critical at the moment. The international market is an essential part of Wales’ creative economy – a priority sector for the Welsh Assembly Government. Working with the key international trade fairs is essential for this development.

“During these economic challenges we need to be creative and ambitious about how we can ensure that the best international events are attracted to Wales in the future. Hosting WOMEX in Cardiff would have a significant impact on the economy of Cardiff and Wales as a whole.”

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