ONCE again the Young Musician of Dyfed Trustees are promoting this competition, which will be held on Saturday, November 17, in Queen Elizabeth Cambria School, Johnstown, Carmarthen, between 10 am and 5 pm with a finalists concert at 7 pm.
This year's event is the 12th to be held. It began in 1990 as part of the Carmarthen Festival, who asked Celfyddyddau Caerfyrddin and Carmarthen Arts to take over its management in 1994. In 1999, to allow the competition to move around the three counties of former Dyfed, it became a charity in its own right. This year the competition returns from its travels to its original home, and Carmarthen Arts is once again its host organisation.
Since 1990, the competition has acted as a springboard for young musicians to consider entering a career in music. The first significant prize won by Catrin Flinch, of Llannon, now the Prince of Wales' official harpist, and certainly one of the dozen finest in the world, was when she won the Young Musician in 1993. Rakhi Singh, from Llandybie, now making a real name for herself as a violinist of the highest quality, was a finalist in 1995.
Application forms will be sent out to all secondary schools and to a significant list of others, such as music teachers and former entrants, in time for the start of term in September. The competition attracts significant prize monies.
Entry to the rounds is free and an audience is most welcome. Tickets for the concert final will be available at the door (£5 and £1 for students).
"This year the trustees had some difficulty finding adequate sponsorship to enable the competition to proceed," said a spokesperson. "Barclays Plc. generously contributed their usual significant sum, but other sponsors have been more coy, despite the opportunity for publicity sponsorship offers. However, a letter to people we felt might wish to support the competition succeeded in bringing in enough money to make the event viable. The Young Musician Trust wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to its supporters for their generosity."
All enquiries may be addressed to: The Young Musician of Dyfed Competition, Greenhill, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8EL (tel: 01267 237261, fax: 01267 229252, e-mail antony. [email protected]">[email protected]