District Young Musician 2024/2025

Twelve very talented young people competed in Porthcawl for the title of Instrumentalist and Vocalist with the winner from each section to go forward and represent the District at the South Wales and South West England Cluster Finals in Bristol on 16th March.

The six  Instrumentalists,  Eleanor from Ardal Aberystwyth playing the violin, Alaw sponsored by Narbeth and Whitland, harp, Bailey from RC Cardiff West, Kiera playing Cello from Crickhowell, Isobel, representing Cowbridge, violin and finally Monty playing Cello coming from Abergavenny. A superb array of classical music including pieces from Brahms, Beethoven, Bach and Ravel. Traditional and some innovative arrangements played by the entrants.

The winner going forward was Bailey Buckley, 13 years of age, with the runner up Monty Short.

Following the Instrumental session the audience  were the entertained by six exceptional vocalists, singing classical, opera, musical and modern pieces.

Entrants were Reuban representing Cardiff Breakfast Rotar Club, Vivienne from RC Rhondda,  Max from Narbeth and Whitland, Ela Mablen, coming from Ardal Aberystwyth, Isobel sponsored by Cowbridge Rotary Club, and Ethan from RC Abergavenny. All the vocalists had voices that had the audience held through the competition and applause and cheers for all was very special.

The District Winner was Isobel McMeechan, from Cowbridge who sang Ach ich fuhls, Mozart, If I Loved You, Written by Rogers and Hammerstein and Loves Philosophy by Roger Quilter.

Presentations were made by District Governor Malcolm Hallewell who thanked everyone for attending the afternoons competition, various accompanists, the three adjudicators who had given their time, the event organiser Judith Shawe and members of Porthcawl Rotary Club. He also thanked every entrant and their sponsoring clubs for making the day possible.