THIS May, the Young Composer of Dyfed will be re-launching its very successful annual competition under the guidance of a new board of trustees, with charitable status and a revised format.
The Young Composer of Dyfed Trustees believe that by introducing a new process, they will be better able to support the educational development of young composers while working more closely with their teachers. The trustees also aim to use the competition to help build on existing partnerships with the music and arts departments of the three Dyfed counties. They also seek to create partnerships with professional ensembles of Welsh musicians.
The new format for the competition will include:
• Workshops for both the young composers and their teachers of composition (mostly secondary school heads of music), held by a resident Welsh composer of note;
• Concerts of contemporary, classical, jazz and world music by the resident ensemble;
• A competition, open to all under 23s, adjudicated by an experienced Welsh composer;
• An open final in the form of a masterclass for six selected finalists, providing the youngsters with a public forum for their works. The masterclass will be followed by a concert of the works and the award of prizes.
The trustees are holding the launch event on Friday, May 7, at Newton House, Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo. Attendance will be by invitation. The competition process will begin this September, with the final taking place in April, 2005.
For more details or to receive a launch invitation, please contact Antony Griew, secretary, Young Composer of Dyfed, Greenhill, Llangunnor, Carmarthen (tel: 01267 237261).