Llanelli Rotary Club Young Musician competition hits the right note

 THE annual Llanelli Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year competition saw singers and instrumentalists battle it out at Greenfield Chapel in the town centre.

The competition was the first stage in a national competition to find the Young Musician of the Year in both vocal and instrumental categories.

Llanelli Rotary Club President Cerith Owens said: “Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland believes it is highly important to encourage and develop creativity in young people and the young musician competition is one of a number of ways in which we can nurture talent.

“The young musician competition in Llanelli has been running for nearly 10 years, with a short break for the coronavirus pandemic. During that time, we have been hugely entertained and impressed by the young talent on display in the two categories of the competition.

“This year’s competition was of a very high standard and we would urge schools and music teachers across the area to pencil next autumn into their diaries as we want to make sure as many youngsters as possible get their chance to take part in this prestigious Rotary competition in 2025.”

The winner of the vocal competition was Jasper Caradog-Hollett, aged 14, of Bishopston Comprehensive School. His piano accompanist was Piet Zorn.

The runner-up was Elsie Evans, aged eight, of Halfway School, Llanelli. Elsie had been entered for the competition by Music Factory Wales. She is the youngest contestant to have ever taken part in Llanelli Rotary’s competition. Elsie’s piano accompanist was Melody Shads.

Jasper’s programme included Panis Angelicus (Franck), Af i draw gyda ‘nhad i arhedig (Jeffreys) and Apres un reve (Faure)

The instrumental category winner was violinist Evalina-Yeva Mukulska, aged 12, of Bishop Vaughan School, Swansea. The runner-up was her sister, guitarist Marria-Anastasia Mukulska, aged 16, of Bishop Vaughan School.

Evalina-Yeva’s programme included Buruhmtes Menuett ( Mozart) and a variation on the theme of an Ukrainian folk song.

Evalina-Yeva and Marria-Anastasia are both former pupils of Lviv State Children’s Music School in Ukraine.

The trophies and certificates were presented by Llanelli Rotary Club President Mr Owens. The judges were D Eifion Thomas, musical director of Meibion Elli male voice choir, and Susan Roberts, trustee of Loud Applause Rising Stars. The MC was Robert Lloyd.

Mr Owens added: “A big thank-you goes to the Deacons at Greenfield Chapel for allowing the use of the chapel for the competition and for the many members of Llanelli Rotary Club who worked hard behind the scenes to make sure the competition ran as smoothly as possible.”

The winners now go forward to district finals which will be held in the new year.

 

Photos show (left to right) -

* Susan Roberts, Elsie Evans, Marria-Anastasia Mukulska, Jasper Caradog-Hollet, Cerith Owens, Evalina-Yeva Mukulska, D Eifion Thomas.

* Elsie Evans, Marria-Anastasia Mukulska, Jasper Caradog-Hollet, Cerith Owens, Evalina-Yeva Mukulska.

* Jasper Caradog-Hollet, Cerith Owens, Evalina-Yeva Mukulska.