THE Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2005 competition reaches its climax tomorrow (Saturday) and local double bass player, Edmund Hartzell (pictured below), is hoping to win the prestigious title and £1,000. Five talented young musicians - out of an original line up of more than 80 contestants from across Wales - have been chosen to take part in the final, which will be held at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Edmund is from Saundersfoot and his love of music started at the young age of four when he took up the double bass. Now aged 18 and a music scholar at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, his musical achievements include achieving distinction in grade eight double bass and playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He is a member of the Royal College of Music's junior department symphony orchestra and his ambitions are to be a soloist, orchestral player or to teach music. The biennial competition, which is the largest of its kind in Wales, was last won by trumpeter Daniel de Gruchy-Lambert from Machen in 2003. This year, he will be supporting his sister, Aimee, who is one of the five finalists. The five finalists will be competing for up to £5,500 in prize money. The winner will be chosen by a panel of five distinguished judges will adjudicate. Chairman of the panel, Alun John, a former music producer with the BBC and a distinguished Welsh choirmaster and a fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, said: "The competition final has always provided an enjoyable evening for the audience and a valuable experience for the musicians. The 2005 final will be very exciting because the young musicians will be judged on their performance with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra as well as their solo piece. "However, it will be a difficult decision for the panel of adjudicators because all five competitors are very strong - the extremely high standard of talent in the preliminary and regional heats was very impressive." Des King, general manager of Texaco's Pembroke refinery, said: "Texaco would like to congratulate all the finalists on their success in the competition so far. As part of our commitment to the Welsh community, we are proud to be associated with this event which has made such a positive impact on hundreds of musicians since its foundation." Tickets for the final are available from the Sherman Box Office (telephone 02920646900) priced at £10. Concessions are available.
