The Cardiff Music Festival

The Cardiff Music Festival is dedicated to bringing performances of the highest quality to Cardiff through a varied program of concerts and recitals, adding to both the city’s and Wales’ reputation as a centre for musical excellence. Managing and Artistic Director David Mahoney gives us the skinny on the 4-day event.

What is your own ethnic heritage/background?
I grew up in Cardiff and would always say that I am Welsh and proud to be! I do have some German blood in me though as my mother is from the black forest. My surname is originally Irish.

How and when did you get involved with the festival?
I set up the festival in 2011. It was simply an idea that came to me whilst I was out jogging one day! I had been working in the music industry already and wanted to utilize my skills and contacts to good effect.

What is the festival’s core mandate?
To promote you artists by giving them a platform along established names, and to bring high quality live music to Wales’s capital city and raise money for charities.

How has it grown since last year?
The festival has grown substantially in its second year with a co-production with Orchard Entertainment, Wales’s leading concert promoter, who were big fans of the concept last year and came on board to further the scope and allow for bigger venues, larger marketing potential and bigger names to perform.

Who attends the gathering?
A real selection of ages and backgrounds. Due to the variety of music on offer, there really is something for everyone!

What can they expect to experience this year?
A singer-songwriter final, a classical night, a jazz evening and a night at the musicals!

Why is it an important event for the community there?
It gives the local community an opportunity to see some real stars of the music word on their doorstep in a variety of musical styles, and it also helps to support local up and coming talent by giving them a public platform.

What are the plans for the festival in the years ahead?
Bigger and better year by year!

www.cardiffmusicfestival.co.uk