A 17-YEAR-OLD percussionist from Kilgetty is hoping this year to bring the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2009 title home to Pembrokeshire
Steffan Ciccotti, a pupil at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, has made it through to this year's final of the biennial competition after impressing the judges in the regional rounds and beating over 70 other entrants.
Steffan, one of five finalists, first started playing percussion aged 10. He also plays jazz and classical piano and organ. He won the Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools Instrumental Festival aged just 12 and is a previous holder of the Young Musician of Dyfed title.
He will now battle it out against four other finalists aged 11-17 at the final, which is being held at the St. David's Hall in Cardiff on March 7. He hopes his success so far in this prestigious competition will continue.
Steffan said: "I love playing music and really hope to make it my career. I am very chuffed to have secured a place in the finals as I know how fierce the competition was in the regional rounds. It would be brilliant if I can impress the judges enough to go on and become the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2009."
Phil Thompson, public affairs manager at Chevron's Pembroke refinery, said: "The standard at the regional final was exceptional and the company is thrilled to offer a platform for youngsters to demonstrate their professionalism and musical talent and we wish all of the finalists the best for the future.
"In addition to the title, the finalists will also have a chance to perform with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, which has been involved with the competition since 1997, and this is a wonderful experience in itself."
The final will be hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones. Tickets are £10 or £8 for concessions and are available from the St. David's Hall Box Office, 029 2087 8444 / http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk">www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk