Katherine Jenkins appeared as a virtual unknown at the 2003 Tenby Arts Festival alongside Aled Jones.
Now the Welsh mezzo-soprano is the UK's top- selling classical artist. Who will be the relatively unheralded artiste appearing at this year's festival to make it to the top? Could it be Rahki Singh who won the Bryn Terfel scholarship last year and will take part in the Festival's Gala Evening?
In the current classical albums chart Katherine takes first and second place, but in third place and rising is her namesake Karl Jenkins. In its attempt to bring audiences the best of everything, the festival features a major work of his performed by the Tempus Vocal Group on the opening night.
As in previous years, music tends to be the dominant element of the festival, which runs between September 17 and 24, although there is much more on offer. However, so far as musical talent is concerned, another outstanding attraction will be the piano recital by the distinguished Noriko Ogawa on Wednesday, September 21. Her elegant and sensitive interpretations of works by Mozart, Debussy and Chopin will confirm her status as a truly skilful artist of the younger school. Noriko has gained a devoted following in this country and considerable renown in Europe, America and her native Japan where she is a national celebrity.
An earlier entry at the feast will be the Mezin String Quartet who provide an evening of chamber music on Tuesday, September 20. Their programme will include Beethoven and Ravel and the quartet will be joined by international tenor John Mitchinson and pianist Sharron Lusher for a world premiere of a work by Mervyn Burtch. The composer will give a short introduction to his new work before it is performed.
On a different note, Ember should continue to capture the hearts here, as they have all over the world, with their acoustic magic. Modern-day troubadours Emily Williams, of Machynlleth, and Rebecca Sullivan, of Utah, will create stunning vocal harmonies in their original songs of love and longing on September 21.
The festival would not be complete without choral music and this year is a rich feast with four separate concerts, as in addition to Tempus, the Quaynotes, Tenby Male and Pembroke Male choirs will all lift their voices. So take your pick, or better still, why not attend all of those concerts and compare styles?
One of the many highlights is sure to be the Gala Concert on Friday, September 23, compered by Chris Dungey, and featuring Anthony Stuart Lloyd (baritone), Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano), Rahki Singh (violin) and Jonathon Powlson (piano). An evening offering a wide-ranging repertoire, packed with accomplished performers with burgeoning talent, any or all of whom could achieve the success of Katherine Jenkins.
In an exciting new initiative this year, the festival will climax with a presentation of Abba Magic, the renowned tribute band, in a spectacular concert at Folly Farm Theatre on Saturday, September 24. Tickets for this event are currently available at Swales in Haverfordwest, the Queens Hall in Narberth and Dales in Tenby. This will be followed by late-night trad jazz played by the Memphis Seven at the Royal Gatehouse in Tenby at 10 pm. Don't forget that there is a lot more than music of all descriptions offered at the Tenby Arts Festival, including drama, film, comedy and talks as well as fringe family fun at the seaside on the opening weekend.
For full details, pick up a programme now from information centres, libraries and other outlets throughout Pembrokeshire. Further details can be obtained by ringing (01834) 843839/845277 or visiting the website at http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk">www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk