SOME of Wales’s finest voices rocked the rafters at St Katharine’s Church as Milford Haven Music Festival launched this year’s event in its new springtime slot.

One of the nation’s premier male voice choirs, Côr Godre’r Aran, was joined by two up-and-coming opera talents.

Australian soprano Lauren Fagan has performed in opera houses across the world but one of her most recent highlights include her tour de force debut as Musetta in ‘La Bohème’ with Welsh National Opera.

One of this year’s festival highlights will be the Douglas Rees Memorial Young Opera Singer of the Year this coming Saturday at St Katharine’s Church, at 7pm.

The prize was created in 2017 and recognises the life and achievements of the late Milford Haven businessman, Douglas Rees, husband of festival director and founder, Mrs June Rees MBE.

Last year’s winner of the prize, baritone Emyr Wyn Jones, appeared at the opening concert and paid special tribute to the boost the prize had given his career.

And there was more evidence of the support the festival provides to young talent when a special bursary was awarded to pianist Siriol Jenkins from Wiseman’s Bridge, currently studying music at Oxford University.

Tonight’s concert (Thursday) will feature another pianist, Robin Green, who has performed recitals in many of the world’s most important concert venues including the Wigmore Hall and the Vienna Musikverein.

On Sunday patron of the festival Sir Karl Jenkins and Lady Jenkins will be in conversation with Beverley Humphreys at 5pm.

Following the huge success of his Milford Haven Music Festival debut concert at St David’s Cathedral last year, the audience will receive a fascinating insight into the world of the one of the most celebrated living composers.

Beverley Humphreys of BBC Radio Wales will present an afternoon in conversation with Sir Karl and his wife, pianist Carol Barratt. Sir Karl will be signing CDs after the event.