A RISING star of opera is to join forces with the flagship orchestra of North Wales to welcome in 2019 in rousing musical style in St Asaph.

Up-and-coming Llandudno-born tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas, 28, is thrilled to at last be taking centre stage as a soloist with the NEW Sinfonia Orchestra, the resident orchestra of the North Wales International Music Festival, which he has admired from afar for several years.

Despite having performed all around the globe from China to the Isle of Man, this is the first time he has had chance to work with the vibrant and acclaimed orchestra of his North Wales homeland.

It’s a dream come true for NEW Sinfonia co-founders, Wrexham-born brothers Robert and Jonathan Guy.

Robert said: “Elgan has had a longstanding invitation to sing with NEW Sinfonia. We would have moved mountains to get him here if we could and the audience will understand why once they hear first-hand how fantastic a singer he is.”

Elgan said: “My increasingly busy diary has always made it un-doable until now.

“But finally our dates have coincided and I can’t wait to be at the annual NEW Sinfonia New Year gala concerts.

"These occasions have become an annual tradition, I’ve heard such great things about them.”

Tickets are selling fast for both New Year Gala concerts, at St Asaph Cathedral on Friday, January 4, at 7.30pm, followed by a matinee at the historic St Giles Parish Church, Wrexham, on Saturday, January 5, at 3pm.

Both venues are renowned for magnificent acoustics and the concerts are being sponsored by Mold-based property development company, Tesni Homes.

A similar event held by NEW Sinfonia to ring in 2018 attracted a bumper crowd of 700 over the two days, filling up both venues.

Tickets can be obtained via the NEW Sinfonia website at newsinfonia.org.uk, or from Wrexham Tourist Information Centre on 01978 292015.

Alternatively, contact Cathedral Frames, St Asaph, on 01745 582929.