Cerys Matthews, Bronwen Lewis + Catrin Finch announced for Côr World Choir – Cardiff Principality Stadium – 9 May 2027

The Land of Song Festival has announced its first guest artists for Côr World Choir. Cerys Matthews OBE, former lead singer of Welsh band Catatonia, singer-songwriter and BBC Radio Wales presenter Bronwen Lewis, and international harpist and composer Catrin Finch will appear at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday 9 May 2027.

The three artists will join more than 20,000 singers from Wales, across the UK and around the world, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of song. Further guest artists to be announced in the following weeks and months.

Côr World Choir continues Cardiff’s tradition of hosting the World Choir concerts, which first took place in 1992 and 1993. In 2027, the ambition is to bring together the largest choir ever assembled in Wales, with a programme spanning Welsh, classical, contemporary and international music.

Cerys Matthews OBE rose to prominence as the lead singer of Welsh rock band Catatonia, whose hits included Mulder and Scully and Road Rage. One of the defining bands of the Cool Cymru era, Catatonia helped put Welsh music firmly on the map. Cerys has since built a career as a broadcaster, author and solo musician, with a passion for sharing the music, language and culture of Wales.

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 writes and performs in both Welsh and English. Originally from Blaendulais, she first came to wider public attention singing Bread and Roses, the title track of the 2014 film Pride.

She has since become known for her Welsh-language versions of well-known songs. Her take on Dolly Parton’s Jolene led to a collaboration with Dolly and her niece, Jada Star, with the bilingual recording released in October 2026. She is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio Wales and one of the coaches on S4C’s 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.”

One of Wales’s most celebrated musicians, Catrin Finch is an internationally acclaimed harpist and composer. She was one of the featured soloists at the 1993 World Choir concert in Cardiff, making her involvement in the 2027 event a particularly fitting return.

Catrin was Royal Harpist to the then Prince of Wales from 2000 to 2004, re-establishing a position that had not been held since 1873. She has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and is known for her work across classical music and collaborations with artists from other musical traditions.

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 forms part of the Land of Song Festival, a celebration of music and Welsh culture taking place in Cardiff in May 2027. Andrea Bocelli will perform at Principality Stadium on Saturday 8 May, marking his first headline concert in Wales, ahead of Côr World Choir the following day.Choir registrations for Côr World Choir are open, with choirs invited to be part in this major event. It costs £150 to register a choir, with no additional choir member registration fees. Find out more and sign up here.