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- Tasks: Compose two choral pieces inspired by the poetry of Waldo Williams.
- Company: Collaborative project with Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Tŷ Cerdd, and the Welsh Music Guild.
- Benefits: Receive £600 for participation, plus travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Showcase your talent at the National Eisteddfod and compete for the prestigious Composer’s Medal.
- Qualifications: Open to music creators from all genres across Wales.
- Other info: Gain mentorship from industry professionals and have your work published.
The predicted salary is between 600 - 600 £ per month.
Medal y Cyfansoddwr is a collaboration between Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Tŷ Cerdd and the Welsh Music Guild. It’s an artist development pathway in which three selected composers will create new work for performance at the National Eisteddfod. One of the composers will be awarded Medal y Cyfansoddwr (Composer’s Medal) at the final ceremony of the event in August.
THEME
The Medal y Cyfansoddwr theme this year is the poetry of Waldo Williams, one of Wales’s most celebrated poets of the 20th Century – and a son of the Garreg Las, the home of the 2026 Eisteddfod. Medal y Cyfansoddwr – Lleisiau Waldo is a pathway offering three composers a paid opportunity to write two short choral pieces, one for SATB and one for youth/children’s choir (SA), both setting text by Waldo Williams.
The three selected composers will work with composer mentor Nathan James Dearden, choral director Caleb Mock and an SATB choir brought together specially for this pathway. Applications are welcomed from music-creators from across Wales and across genres.
PROCESS
Workshops and one-to-one mentoring will take place in the months leading up to the Garreg Las National Eisteddfod, where their resulting works will be performed at the final day of the National Eisteddfod on Saturday 8 August 2025. One of the three composers will be awarded the Medal y Cyfansoddwr and a £750 prize.
The process for the two pieces will be distinct:
- For the SATB setting, the three composers will workshop with composer mentor Nathan James Dearden, choral director Caleb Mock, and an SATB choir brought together specially for this pathway. The SATB work will set Waldo Williams’s seminal poem ‘Plentyn y Ddaear’.
- For the children’s choir (SA) piece, composers will work independently, with some online mentoring/contact-time from Nathan James Dearden. The poem to set for the children’s choir will be ‘Y Ci Coch’.
Each artist will receive £600 for their participation in a combination of in-person workshops and online contact. Travel expenses (within Wales) will be covered for any artists needing to travel to the workshops (Cardiff) and performance (Pembrokeshire).
The judging panel for this year’s Medal y Cyfansoddwr consists of Tim Rhys-Evans, head judge (conductor), Robert Fokkens (composer), and Branwen Haf (artist). All three artists will also be offered the opportunity for their completed works to be published by Tŷ Cerdd.
Deadline for applications: 10:00 on Wednesday 7 January 2025.
Medal y Cyfansoddwr (Composer’s Medal) 2026 ‘Lleisiau Waldo’ in Cardiff employer: arts.wales
Contact Detail:
arts.wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Medal y Cyfansoddwr (Composer’s Medal) 2026 ‘Lleisiau Waldo’ in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow composers, mentors, and anyone involved in the Eisteddfod scene. Attend workshops and events to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create a portfolio of your compositions and share it online. Use social media to promote your pieces and engage with the music community. We love seeing what you create!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your ideas and how they connect to Waldo Williams’s poetry. A strong, passionate presentation can make all the difference when you're vying for that Composer’s Medal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Medal y Cyfansoddwr (Composer’s Medal) 2026 ‘Lleisiau Waldo’ in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Theme: Make sure you dive deep into the poetry of Waldo Williams. Understanding his themes and style will help you create pieces that truly resonate with his work. We want to see your unique take on his poetry!
Showcase Your Style: Don’t be afraid to let your musical voice shine through! Whether you’re from a classical background or something more contemporary, we’re excited to see how you interpret the choral pieces. Be bold and creative!
Follow the Guidelines: Pay close attention to the application requirements. Make sure you’re submitting everything we ask for, including the specific pieces for SATB and children’s choir. We want to see your best work, so don’t skip any details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all the amazing talent out there. Plus, it ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales
✨Know Your Waldo
Familiarise yourself with the poetry of Waldo Williams, especially 'Plentyn y Ddaear' and 'Y Ci Coch'. Understanding the themes and emotions in his work will help you connect your compositions to the essence of the project.
✨Showcase Your Unique Style
Prepare to discuss your musical style and how it aligns with the vision of the Medal y Cyfansoddwr. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your creativity and ability to set text to music, particularly in choral settings.
✨Engage with the Mentors
Be ready to ask insightful questions during the interview about the mentoring process with Nathan James Dearden and Caleb Mock. Showing your eagerness to learn and collaborate will demonstrate your commitment to growth as a composer.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Craft a concise pitch about your proposed pieces for the SATB and children’s choir. Be clear about your artistic vision and how you plan to bring Waldo's poetry to life through your music. Practising this will help you communicate confidently during the interview.
