At a Glance
- Tasks: Showcase your musical talent in a prestigious competition and compete for cash prizes.
- Company: Join the North Wales International Music Festival, celebrating young musicians in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Win up to £4,000 in prizes and gain exposure by performing live on BBC Radio Cymru.
- Why this job: This is a unique opportunity to launch your music career and connect with industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Open to musicians under 21 from Wales or Welsh nationals abroad; parental permission required for under 18s.
- Other info: Submit a video/audio clip by July 4 to enter; finalists will perform at St Asaph Cathedral.
A final call out has gone out to talented young musicians in Wales to bid for a prestigious title and cash prizes of £4,000. Royal composer Paul Mealor says the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition at the North Wales International Music Festival could provide a big boost to their fledgling careers.
The competition is now in its second year following a successful launch last year. Entries are being sought from instrumentalists and singers to take part in the 2025 competition during the festival at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20.
Anybody wanting to compete needs to upload a video or audio clip and complete an application form before the final deadline at 5pm on Friday, July 4. More details on how to enter are available on the festival's website, https://nwimf.com.
The competition is being funded by the festival's headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which supports community and arts activities. The winner will lift the silver Pendine Trophy along with a cash prize of £2,000. There is a second prize of £1,000 and two runners up will each receive £500.
The performances of all four finalists will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Cymru. The competition judges are:
- Professor Helena Gaunt, Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama;
- Rebecca Evans CBE, world-renowned operatic soprano;
- Alun Jones, the festival's Executive Vice-Chair and former Principal of Chetham's School of Music, Manchester.
While the judges are making their deliberations, the audience will be entertained by last year's winner, harp virtuoso Heledd Wynn Newton, from Cardiff.
The competition was devised by Prof Mealor in association with Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, the arts loving owners of Pendine Park. Prof Mealor said: “It’s not too late for young musicians to enter the competition – there’s still 10 days left.”
“We’ve already had a load of entries but we want to make sure we reach out to rising stars in every corner of Wales. If there are any young instrumentalists or vocalists who want to have a chance to win thousands of pounds in prize money and to perform live on BBC Radio Cymru, they need to get their skates on. It’s a very special competition that can launch a career.”
The competition is open to young musicians either born or living in Wales or who are Welsh nationals living abroad. Entrants must have been aged under 21 on January 1, 2025, to be eligible to compete. If you’re under 18 you will need the permission of your teacher or parent to enter.
They will need to upload their performance via a link on the festival's website and it will be judged anonymously. A group of them will be chosen to compete in the semi-final to perform a 10-minute programme, with four going forward to the final the following night.
Mario Kreft said: “After the success of the inaugural competition last year we’re really excited about the prospects for the 2025 contest. Like Paul, I would urge young musicians right across Wales to submit their entries now. We can’t wait to hear them perform, and to follow their futures in the world of music.”
Tickets and further details about the festival programme and the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition are available online at https://nwimf.com. Tickets are also available from Cathedral Frames, St Asaph - 07471 318723 (Weds - Fri, 10 - 4) and Theatr Clwyd by phone - 01352 344101 (Mon - Sun, 10 - 8).
Final call to talented young musicians to bid for top title employer: arts.wales
Contact Detail:
arts.wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Final call to talented young musicians to bid for top title
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure your video or audio clip showcases your best performance. Choose a piece that highlights your strengths and fits within the competition's guidelines. Practise thoroughly to ensure you deliver a polished rendition.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the judges' backgrounds and preferences. Understanding their musical tastes can help you tailor your performance to resonate with them, increasing your chances of making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the music community in Wales. Networking with fellow musicians and attending local events can provide valuable insights and support as you prepare for the competition. Plus, it’s a great way to gain exposure!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check the festival's website regularly for updates and tips on the competition. Staying informed about any changes or additional resources can give you an edge over other competitors.
We think you need these skills to ace Final call to talented young musicians to bid for top title
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Requirements: Make sure to read the competition details thoroughly. Note the eligibility criteria, such as age limits and residency requirements, to ensure you qualify before applying.
Prepare Your Performance Clip: Record a high-quality video or audio clip of your performance. Ensure it showcases your talent effectively, as this will be a crucial part of your application.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately. Provide all necessary information and double-check for any errors before submission to avoid disqualification.
Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure that you upload your performance clip and submit your application form by the deadline of 5pm on Friday, July 4. Late submissions will not be considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales
✨Showcase Your Passion
When preparing for the interview, make sure to express your genuine passion for music. Share your journey as a musician and what drives you to compete in this prestigious competition. This will help the judges see your dedication and enthusiasm.
✨Prepare Your Performance
Since the competition involves a performance, ensure that you practice thoroughly. Choose a piece that showcases your strengths and fits within the 10-minute time limit. A well-rehearsed performance can leave a lasting impression on the judges.
✨Know Your Judges
Familiarise yourself with the judges' backgrounds and musical styles. Understanding their preferences can help you tailor your performance and responses during the interview, making it more relevant and engaging for them.
✨Be Ready for Questions
Anticipate questions about your musical influences, experiences, and aspirations. Prepare thoughtful answers that reflect your personality and artistic vision. This will demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts and connect with the audience.