On Bank Holiday Monday, Steffan Ciccotti, the Young Musician of Dyfed 2007, gave a recital in St. David's Cathedral as one of their two 'Young Musicians' Platform' concerts. Steffan, who comes from Begelly, is clearly one of the rising percussion stars of the future. His mastery of his marimba is quite extraordinary for a lad of 15, and his self-confident delivery, both on the instrument and when talking to the audience, has the latter in the palm of his hand. That he was admitted to Chethams School of Music last year is testimony to the regard in which he is held by music professionals. Steffan performed works by, among others, the French composer Eric Sammut, the Serbian Nebojsa Zivkovic, the Japanese Abe Kiko and the Brazilian Ney Rosauro. These major works from the marimba repertoire all require virtuosity and real musicality, and Steffan demonstrated both in abundance. In addition, Steffan performed the world premiere of 'Rhythm on White', commissioned by the Young Composer of Dyfed from their winner in 2005, Emma Downer from St Clears. Emma is now studying nursing at the Heath in Cardiff. Her playful composition was so named because there are very few 'black notes' in the work. This was a concert which clearly shows that the festival organisers have been correct in this year moving the Young Musicians' Platform from the transept to the nave in the cathedral. The large size of the audience is testimony to the growing appreciation of our talented young musicians in West Wales. Anyone interested in supporting or participating in one or more of the Young Composer, Young Ensemble or Young Musician competitions should contact Antony Griew on 01267 237261.
