Laura crowned Caerphilly young musician of the year!

    26 March 2012

    winners Laura Bonar and Elizabeth Szymzcak, with Mr Gordon Kilby and Ms Vyvyan Brookes.

    Caerphilly Music Service recently held its annual Young Musician of the Year competition, with over 100 competitors seeking to win the coveted title and trophy.

    The winner, violinist Laura Bonar from St. Martin's Comprehensive School in Caerphilly was praised by the adjudicators for her professional approach, and outstanding performance of the 'Romance in F' by Beethoven.

    Also taking away a trophy was Elizabeth Szymczak, a student at Lewis Pengam. Her composition 'Skydive', was commended for its use of structure and exciting rhythms.

    The competition was held at the Caerphilly Music Service Performing Arts Studio. The preliminary classes took place during the week prior to the Grand Final. Both the finalist adjudicators, Mr Gordon Kilby and Ms Vyvyan Brookes congratulated the musicians on their fine performances, and commented on their great difficulty in choosing an overall winner.

    Caerphilly Youth Big Band has been invited to the very prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland at the end of June this year. They are the first group from Wales to perform at this famous international event. To help raise funds to offset the cost to the students they performed at Newbridge Memo on Saturday 24th March. Along with 'Lewis and the Ukes', 'The Taxmen' and other guests, they played to a packed and appreciative audience.

    Best in Class results

    Piano
    A Connie Francis, YG Cwm Rhymni
    B *Manon Gwynant, YG Cwm Rhymni

    Singing
    A Lucy Percival, YG Cwm Rhymni
    B *Lucy Rees, YG Cwm Rhymni

    Strings
    A Anwen Mai Thomas, YG Cwm Rhymni
    B Eluned Hollyman, YG Cwm Rhymni and Lewis Brace, St. Martins
    C *Laura Bonar, St. Martin's

    Woodwind
    A Kate Mainwaring, Pontllanfraith
    B Peter Griffiths, YG Cwm Rhymni
    C *Tomos Nicholls, Lewis School Pengam

    Brass
    A Cerys Diamond-Smith, St. Martins
    B *Omri Tau, St. Martins
    C Laura Mullins, Lewis Pengam

    Percussion
    A *Heledd Gwynant, YG Cwm Rhymni
    B Omri Tau, St. Martins
    C Richard Morgan, Lewis School Pengam

    Composition
    *Elizabeth Szymczak, Lewis School Pengam

    * Denotes overall class winner and finalist

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