Young Instrumentalist Competition

The instrumentalist round of the annual Rotary young musician competition took place in Cowbridge School hall on the evening of Wednesday 2^ndDecember. This was the area final which had 8 competitors sponsored variously by the Rotary clubs of Llantwit Major, Cowbridge and Neath. As usual the event proved to be an excellent showcase of young musical talent. There were 8 competitors each of whom played 2 contrasting pieces taking no longer than 10 minutes. Third prize winner was harpist Linnea Stelund Roderick from Cowbridge School who played Impromptu Caprice by Gabriel Pierné followed the Étude no.1 by Bach. Second prize was awarded to flautist Emily Jenkins, a student at Cowbridge School who played Allegro non Troppo followed by Poulenc's Cantilena.
The judges were unanimous in awarding first place to pianist Rhys Richards from Llantwit Major School, who played his 2 pieces with consummate skill and artistry. He began with a piece by Chinese composer Mingxin Du called Shui Cao Wu or Dance of the Waterweeds in English. This was followed by Rhys's own composition Vagues or Waves in English. Rhys will go on to take part in the District final of the Young Musician competition which will be held in Cowbridge School on Saturday 27^th February. He will be joined by the winner of the previous week's Young Vocalist competition, Charlotte Bonney.
The judging panel was made up of Antony Tarlton, a retired principal player with the orchestra of Welsh National Opera, Mary Noyes, music teacher and retired head of Llangan School and Nic Treharne, a clarinettist, viola player and organist who after a career in music broadcasting is still active in playing music. They offered valuable feedback to the contestants and were very complimentary about the standard of musicianship displayed by the contestants.
Dr David Rogers, president of Llantwit Major Rotary Club, congratulated the contestants and praised Adrian Colborne, the head of the Performing Arts Department of Cowbridge School, for his obvious enthusiasm and support of the students in his care. He also expressed his gratitude to the judges in giving up their time and giving such encouragement to these excellent young musicians.