Welsh Young Musicians through to finals in prestigious Gregynog competition

Pianist, Vanessa Latarche

The Gregynog Young Musician Competition has recently announced the 14 players selected to compete in finals day on Saturday, April 24; eight of which are from Wales: harpist Rhianwen Pugh (Dolgellau), pianist Michael Vasmer (Ruthin), violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones (Llanishen), pianist Jams Coleman (Anglesey), harpist Tomos Xerri (Pentrepoeth), flautist Chloe-Angharad Bradshaw (Hengoed), pianist Heledd Mair Griffiths (Aberaeron) and baritone horn player Jack Lapthorn (Newport).

Now recognised as one of the key competitions of its type in the UK, young musicians submitted their entries to the judging panel via CD back in February. Of those, 14 have been chosen to perform on April 24^th live in front of three renowned adjudicators: pianist Vanessa Latarche, cellist Louise Hopkins and oboeist David Theodore. The top-ranking four young musicians will then go on to perform and compete in the evening concert, to be followed by presentation of the Awards.

The Gregynog Young Musicians is a major UK competition for instrumentalists under the age of 18. Previous winners include Steffan Morris (cello) in 2009, Julia Hwang (violin) in 2008, Glain Dafydd (harp) in 2007, Helen Pugh (piano) in 2006 and Cai Isfryn (trumpet) in 2005. This year’s finalists again represent a diverse range of instruments: violin, cello, oboe, clarinet, flute, baritone horn, harp, piano and guitar and they come from all over the UK: London, Berkshire, Lancashire, Hereford, Shropshire and many areas of Wales.

The Award will no doubt be fiercely contested with a considerable prize of £1,000 and the Peter Garbett-Edwards trophy on offer. The runner-up will receive £500, third place £250 and the fourth finalist £100.

The stunning mansion house of Gregynog Hall near Newtown, Mid Wales will be playing host to the proceedings. At the heart of Welsh history, the arts and politics, Gregynog was once a landed estate with a strong tradition of high-quality music making. Now an historic house conference centre and events venue managed by the University of Wales, beautiful music continues to echo through the Great Hall.

The concert at 7pm is open to the public and tickets priced £12.50, to include wine and light refreshments, are available from Gregynog’s box office on 01686 650224. Supper @ £15 is also available, booked in advance and prepared by Gregynog’s internationally trained Head Chef.

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For further details about the Competition please contact Julie Turner: 01686 610554 / julie@turners4.freeserve.co.uk.

For more information about Gregynog Hall and the University of Wales please visit: www.wales.ac.uk/gregynog