Opera singer will be first knight to perform at Upton House Music Festival

The internationally acclaimed bass-baritone received a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.

The 51-year-old will appear at the festival on Thursday, June 8 in a classical spectacular also featuring the BSO Concert Orchestra, all-girl electric string quartet Escala and Australian soprano Lauren Fagan.

Sir Bryn, who will be performing specially-chosen classical pieces as well as a programme of popular music from the shows, said:

“I’m immensely proud to accept this, and I think of my family, I think of my sons, I think of my fans, I think of the great British public.”

Caernarfon-born Sir Bryn has been singing professionally for 26 years, has appeared in all the world’s major opera houses and has won a series of Grammies and Classical Brits awards.

He added that the knighthood had been the culmination of a rollercoaster period in which he announced his engagement to harpist Hannah Stone, 29, and revealed they were expecting a baby this spring.

Sir Bryn, who received a CBE in 2003, hoped his honour would encourage a new generation of opera singers as he himself had been inspired by the late Welsh singer Sir Geraint Evans.

“This is something I will hopefully carry with pride, and think it might help some young singers to achieve something – and to dream – and that is something very important,” Sir Bryn said.

The three-night Upton House Music Festival held at the idyllic country park also includes an 80s Extravaganza on Friday, 9 June featuring R&B superstar Billy Ocean, singing sensation Kim Wilde and punk princess Toyah.

Saturday, 10 June will feature a major international star whose name is being kept strictly under wraps until a big announcement takes place later this month.

Tickets are available now, with various hospitality packages available. See the website uptonhousemusicfestival.co.uk for details or call 01202 255161.

Saturday tickets for June 10 will go on sale when the headliner is announced.