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The Important Thing is to Take Part.
A supportive, non-threatening environment where young people can gain their first experience of musical competition and find it pleasurable.
The aim of the Young Musicians of Dyfed is to nurture young musical talent in South West Wales.
Each year, usually in November, young people under 19 years old are invited to play a varied 15 minute programme of music on the instrument of their choice. There are no restrictions on the type of instrument or the genre of music, but only one instrument is allowed each competitor.
The late Michael Dobson, oboist, musicologist and conductor, first organised a 'Young Musician of Dyfed' competition in 1990. The event took much the same form as it still does.
The aim of the competition is to provide a non-threatening environment in which young people can gain their first experience of musical competition. One of the most pleasant aspects of the event is the camaraderie among contestants. These young people are often nervous but never overawed.
The whole competition which rotates around the three counties, is open to the public. It comprises an initial round which lasts most of the day and a final in the evening. The five finalists are chosen by three adjudicators, at least two of whom have long experience of judging music competitions. All finalists receive cash prizes and in addition, there are opportunities for many of the finalists to make concert appearances at local festivals. These include that at St David's Cathedral, the Drovers Festival organised by Lampeter Music Club, Newport Music Club and the Aberystwyth Musicfest.
The competitions run thanks to the tireless efforts of a small group of trustees and volunteers and is generously supporter by the Arts Council of Wales, the three county councils, formerly Barclays Bank and many individual patrons.
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