One more step for duo (From Penarth Times)

One more step for duo

TWO TALENTED musicians from Penarth are one step closer to winning the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2005 title, and a first prize of 1,000 after competing in the regional finals.

They are now waiting to hear if they have been selected for the competition's final to be held in Cardiff, in April 2005.

Nicholas Burke, a 17-year-old tuba player and harpist Mali Llywelyn, aged 18, impressed the panel of judges at the preliminary round in October, to be selected as two of just 24 young musicians across Wales to be given the opportunity to perform at the regional rounds.

The instrumentalists played in front of a panel of judges on November 14 at the Monmouth Glover School of Music.

Once all three regional finals - organised by Cr Meibion De Cymru - have taken place, the panel of judges will choose the five best performers to go through to the prestigious competition final at Cardiff's Sherman Theatre.

Nicholas, from Plymouth Road, has been playing the tuba for nine years and has weekly private lessons. He is currently studying for three A-Levels and one AS-Level at Stanwell Comprehensive.

A member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and county youth orchestras, the instrumentalist enjoys performing and he also plays the double bass, bass guitar and piano.

Mali Lewis, from Victoria Road, is currently on a gap year after completing three A-Levels at Coleg Glan Hafran in Cardiff. She has played the harp for nine years and is a member of the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Youth Orchestra.

Des King, general manager of Texaco's Pembroke refinery, said: "The Texaco Young Musician of Wales competition has been running since 1988, and provides a platform for talented young Welsh musicians to achieve their full potential."

Competition winner will receive 1,000 and the Texaco Young Musician of Wales trophy. Second and third placed finalists will receive 750 and 500 respectively, and the two other finalists 250 each.