Music in the Vale (From Barry And District News)

Music in the Vale

LOVERS of solo singers and instrumentalists who have attended previous youth concerts staged by Music in the Vale know that they will experience a musical treat on the weekend of November 14 and 15, when for the thirteenth year the Vale Young Singer and Vale Young Instrumentalist of the Year Competitions will be staged.

The Young Singers perform on Saturday and the Young Instrumentalists on Sunday. Over the years the competitions have become a really important part of the local cultural scene attracting entries from as far afield as Newport, Bridgend and Merthyr.

All grades are encouraged to enter. These are friendly competitions, and although the standard of the finals are high, they are designed to give all entrants, including beginners, the opportunity to experience performing before an audience, perhaps for the first time. Everyone is invited to the preliminaries during the day free of charge. Admission to the evening finals will be £4, £2 concessions and £1 for children payable at the door. Both concerts commence at 7pm. Refreshments will be available.

This year the venue will be Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg, Colcot Road. Music in the Vale thanks Dr Dylan Jones, the headteacher for making his school available for the competitions.

The Young Singer competition is divided into three sections 10 to 13 years, 14 to 17 years and 18 to 22 years. Four finalists from each section will be selected during the day's preliminaries to go forward to the finals concert in the evening.

The junior section winner receives the Walter Parr Memorial Shield and £60 cash. Second placed receives £40 cash. The intermediate section winner receives the Miriam Fairhurst Shield and £125 cash. Second placed receives £75 cash. The senior section winner receives the Brinley Edmunds Shield and £200 cash. Second placed receives £100 cash.

The Young Instrumentalist Competition is also divided into three sections - 10 to 13 years, 14 to 17 years and 18 to 20 years. Four finalists from each section will be selected during the day's preliminaries to go forward to the finals concert in the evening.

The junior section winner receives the Cliff and Mary Wakeham Shield and £60 cash. Second placed receives £40 cash. The intermediate section winner receives the Shaw Duffy Shield and £125 cash. Second placed receives £75 cash. The senior winner is awarded the Leslie Tusler Shield and £100 cash. Second placed receives £80 cash. All twenty four finalists receive a certificate. Runners-up prizes in both competitions are: Seniors - £25, Intermediate - £20, Juniors - £10.

There are two special prizes: The Brinley Edmunds Cup, awarded for the most promising young singer resident in the Vale of Glamorgan and the Hedley Davis Shield awarded for the most promising young instrumentalist resident in the Vale of Glamorgan.

This year the adjudicators will be Stephen Marsden, Alun John and Peter Wilman, and the accompanists Steven Burges and Susan Bird. Music in the Vale has been fortunate to secure their services.

Some come and enjoy a wonderful weekend of music and song. For further information telephone the secretary on 01446 771911.