Cerys Matthews, Bronwen Lewis and Catrin Finch announced for Côr World Choir

Three leading Welsh artists have been confirmed for The Land of Of Song Festival, which is set to bring more than 20,000 singers together at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium next May.

Cerys Matthews OBE, Bronwen Lewis and internationally renowned harpist Catrin Finch are the first guest artists announced for the event, taking place on Sunday 9 May 2027 as part of Cardiff’s Land of Song Festival.

They will perform alongside a massed choir of singers from Wales, the UK and around the world, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Organisers hope the event will bring together the largest choir ever assembled in Wales, with music ranging from Welsh and classical pieces to contemporary and international songs.

Côr World Choir also revives a Cardiff tradition dating back more than three decades, following World Choir concerts held in the city in 1992 and 1993.

Former Catatonia lead singer Cerys Matthews is among the first names confirmed. After finding success with the band during the Cool Cymru era, she has gone on to build a career as a solo musician, author and broadcaster.

Cerys Matthews OBE said: “Can’t wait to hear the power of the Cor in the stadium, it will set Cardiff alight!’

Singer-songwriter and broadcaster Bronwen Lewis will also take part. Originally from Blaendulais, Lewis performs in both Welsh and English and first gained wider recognition singing Bread and Roses, the title track for the 2014 film Pride.

More recently, she has become known for Welsh-language versions of popular songs and is a familiar voice on BBC Radio Wales, as well as a coach on S4C singing competition Y Llais.

Bronwen Lewis said: “I’m so excited to be a part of The Côr World Choir concert in May 2027. Most of my family are choristers, so I was brought up around the music of choirs - there’s simply no other sound like it. It will be so special to feel the power of our voices together at this special event in one of the best stadiums in the world.

“I wrote a song in my teens called ‘Gwlad y Gân’ all about my love of Wales and its music, and as I’m now a part of the ‘Land of Song’ festival - it feels like a lovely, full circle moment for me.”

The line-up will also feature harpist and composer Catrin Finch, who has a particular connection with the World Choir concerts, having performed as a featured soloist at the Cardiff event in 1993.

Finch served as Royal Harpist to the then Prince of Wales between 2000 and 2004 and has performed with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Catrin Finch said: “I have very fond memories of the original World Choir concert in Cardiff. It was an extraordinary experience to be part of something that brought so many voices together, and it is wonderful to see that spirit returning. Wales has a very special relationship with singing, and I’m delighted to be part of an event that celebrates that tradition.”

Ben Lewis, CEO of Young Voices and Côr World Choir, said: “Cerys, Bronwen and Catrin are three of Wales’s most iconic artists, and we’re thrilled to have them join us for Côr World Choir 2027. It’s especially wonderful to welcome Catrin back after she performed at the 1993 concert, the last time it was held in Cardiff.

“Each brings their own unique musical journey, so to witness them perform alongside this choir will make for a truly unforgettable evening.”

Côr World Choir is part of the wider Land of Song Festival taking place in Cardiff in May 2027. Andrea Bocelli is due to headline Principality Stadium on Saturday 8 May, with the choir event following on Sunday 9 May.

Further guest artists are expected to be announced ahead of the event.