Maestro to rescue of eisteddfod (From This Is Wiltshire)

Maestro to rescue of eisteddfod

The future of Devizes Junior Eisteddfod has been secured as renowned international conductor Frank Shipway has agreed to become its director from 2010.

Frank Shipway

The existing director Ken Morrison, of Easterton, stands down after this year’s Eisteddfod, which takes place on November 28.

The annual arts and music festival was in danger of folding had a successor not come forward.

Mr Shipway and his wife, Carmen, who are both accomplished pianists, recently moved to Conock near Chirton and volunteered their services to take over from Mr Morrison.

Mr Shipway, who has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to take on this exciting role. We realise how important it is to Devizes and what a wonderful opportunity it is for children of all ages and with so many talents.

“We have a number of new ideas, including the possibility of adult classes, and we look forward to developing and building on its success in the forthcoming years.”

Mr Morrison said: “I could not be happier that Frank and Carmen Shipway have offered to take on the Eisteddfod. It would have been a tragedy if it had been allowed to fade away.”

For entry forms for this year’s Eisteddfod visit the website at www.devizes-eisteddfod.org.uk