A vocalist, violinist and composer is bringing traditional Welsh and Argentinian folk music to The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, as part of the Mid Border Arts line-up.

Described as ‘one of Wales’s leading composers’ by Wales Arts Review, Claire Victoria Roberts is a vocalist, violinist and composer taking traditional Welsh song in a new direction. She will be performing on the 10th October from 8pm.

In collaboration with virtuosic strings, she performs folk songs and traditional music from both Wales and Argentina, where, in Patagonia, there is a Welsh-speaking community. The music blends lush harmonies with vocal improvisation and lilting melodies.

Speaking to The Brecon and Radnor Express, Victoria talked about her inspirations: “I have loved delving into the archives, discovering songs from Argentinian activists and folk song collectors, as well as getting material from the national library in Wales. I will also sing thing commissioned by the Eisteddfod for me to write, and I will be in good company on stage with my friends and colleagues the Treske quartet.”

Victoria now lives in Spain, but keeps her Welsh connection alive. “I went to Spain to study jazz singing. Whilst there, being away from home made me feel more connected to my Welshness when I was away from home. I started to sing Welsh songs and people love to hear them in Spain! Spain has provided a lot of opportunities to perform and to enjoy some local culture and cuisine.”

Claire Victoria Roberts was born in West Wales, where she made a name for herself as a contemporary composer, before going on to study jazz singing in Spain. Last year, she performed at Llais Festival, The Crescent in Belfast, and Glasgow Jazz, as well as performing her unique arrangements of Welsh songs at the Barbican in London as part of Poesis for London Jazz Festival. She has previously sung at the Albert Hall for London jazz in 2024, and at Manchester Jazz Festival. As a composer, her music has been performed by BBC NOW and she has been commissioned by Oliver Coates, The Wigmore Hall, and the National Youth Choir.