WHETHER AT a family wedding or the Glastonbury festival, the modern mantra, 'It's such a shame about the weather,' is muttered all summer long.

The expectation that an outdoor event held in Britain during what are nominally the summer months will be rain-free is a testimony to the triumph of hope over experience.

Thankfully there's one major event which won't be ruined by the inevitable black clouds - the 2004 Welsh Proms.

Held indoors at St David's Hall, Cardiff, this year event is as star-studded as ever - beginning with back-to-back performances by the resident orchestra of one of Cardiff's twin cities.

The Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes, will be joined by pianist John Lill to open the season with the International Premier Prom on July 15, and return the next day for the Romantic International Prom.

The Grand Prom, on Saturday July 17, goes all-out to impress with a programme of large choral work including Walton's Belshazzar's Feast.

Owain Arwel Hughes, well known for his skilled performances of choral work, will conduct and Jeremy Huw Williams is the soloist.

The Jazz Prom, on July 18, features trumpeter Guy Barker and his Septet playing compositions from his latest album and some new arrangements of jazz standards.

They'll be joined by award-winning vocalist Claire Martin, rated as one of the best new British voices of the decade.

Cuba's leading son group Sierra Maestra, replacing the previously advertised Orchestra Baobab, lead the World Music Prom on July 19, and on July 20 one of the most successful sopranos of all time, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, makes her first ever appearance in the Welsh Proms.

The diva, who famously sang at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, will perform work by Handel, Vivaldi, Berlioz, and Guastavino with the Manchester Camerata.

And there will also be appearances from Aled Jones, Helen Field, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Guy Barker, Emma Johnson and many more.

For more information or to book call 02920 878444.