Welsh bands showcased at Danish event
- Published
Emerging band Calan are among the three bands representing Wales
Three bands from Wales are in Denmark to take part in the world's biggest music trade event in the capital, Copenhagen.
Harpist Catrin Finch will accompany folk trio Mabon, 9bach and Calan as an ambassador for Cardiff at Womex 2010.
On Saturday, the bands perform a showcase at the event, which attracts 2,700 delegates and 650 companies from over 90 countries.
Wales is bidding to host the fair in Cardiff in 2013.
"Queen of Harps" Catrin Finch is acting as an ambassador for Wales
Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said Womex is an "important platform to promote and develop new international leads, contacts and opportunities for musicians and the music sector from Wales".
Mr Jones said he was "very supportive" of the bid to host the event in the future.
"For the artists selected to represent, this is a unique opportunity to perform before this specialist audience and take advantage of all the opportunities it brings to their career," he said.
Finch, a former royal harpist to Prince Charles, will host the Welsh evening in Copenhagen.
She said: "The Music Wales night will celebrate the confidence and ambition of our nation. I'm really looking forward to being part of an evening of such great talent.
"It will also be an opportunity to show Womex what Wales could have to offer in 2013."
The bid for Cardiff to be host city for the fair in 2013 has been developed by a partnership between Welsh Music Foundation and Wales Arts International.
Eluned Haf, Wales Arts International director, explained: "Supporting musicians from Wales to make an impression and an impact on international markets is critical at the moment.
Fantastic opportunity
"During these economic challenges we need to be creative and ambitious about how we can ensure that the best international events are attracted to Wales in the future.
"Hosting Womex in Cardiff would have a significant impact on the economy of Cardiff and Wales as a whole."
If Wales were to win Womex in 2013 - the winner will be announced next month - it would be seen as a catalyst to develop the sector infrastructure similar to that of Ireland and Scotland.
There would be a showcase festival with 57 concerts open for the public that would work with partners like Green Man and Swn and incorporate Cardiff Council half-term events.
Jamie Smith from Mabon said the band was "very excited" to have been selected to play at Copenhagen.
He said: "We now have a fantastic opportunity to play for music industry professionals from around the world and show them what Wales can do."