The Vale of Glamorgan Festival was formed in 1969 by its present Artistic Director, John Metcalf and takes place during September every year with performances given in a variety of venues situated in the Vale and within easy reach of Cardiff. In 1992, the Vale of Glamorgan Festival redefined its position and artistic policy as a "festival of living composers." Since then the Festival has gained a reputation as one of the most adventurous and unique in Britain; a position endorsed by receiving the Prudential Award in 1994. Highlights during that time include a festival devoted to the music of the Baltic States in 1996, a concentration on contemporary Austrian music in 1998 and a whole festival devoted to the music of Australia in 2001. The 2002 festival ‘Northern Lights’ featured a critically-acclaimed tour to Britain by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir. 2005 brought an enticing mix of music, visual art, storytelling and food, in a festival with interwoven themes of Japan and the work of women composers. At the centre of the Festival’s aims is the development of new audiences for contemporary music in which its programme of outreach work plays an important part. This year’s outreach programme will reach young people from across the region in two ambitious and rewarding projects: Different Trains and Endless Song.