Opera Gala

Spanish tenor José Carreras and child vocalist Hayley Westenra perform with Bryn Terfel at Sunday night's Opera Gala.

As an opera singer of world class stature, Bryn Terfel can attract some big names to join him on stage for the festival's Opera Gala night. But this year he's hit the jackpot with José Carreras.

One of the great Three Tenors, along with Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, the 56-year-old Spanish star was booked about two years in advance and will perform solo and in duet with Bryn.

The normal running order of the festival's concerts was adjusted to accommodate the tenor's schedule - at the the previous three events the Opera Gala has been on Friday evening.

Advance publicity suggests this year's repertoire will be chosen to suit opera lovers and fans of lighter music alike.

Also on the bill is 16-year-old Hayley Westenra from New Zealand, a child prodigy who has already performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Russell Watson.

Born into her family of singers, soprano Hayley has released Pure, her first international CD, which has been produced by Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

She has already sung at the Royal Albert Hall this year and is due to perform at the last night of the Kenwood House Proms on August 30.

The Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera will be conducted by David Gimenez for the Opera Gala and, if past festival's are anything to go on, will perform some purely orchestral pieces, as well as accompanying the soloists.

Previous stars at the Opera Gala have included Lesley Garrett and Renée Fleming.

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