Eisteddfod T Composition Prize winner revealed by renowned harpist Catrin Finch

The winner of the 2021 Eisteddfod T Composition Prize has been announced by renowned harpist Catrin Finch.

In a special ceremony broadcast live today from the Urdd Residential Centre in Llangrannog, it was revealed that Alaw Grug Evans from Pontyberem for composing a piece of music of no longer than 3 minutes in duration on any theme.

Catrin Finch, who judged the competition, said she was impressed by the top three compositions and described the ensemble, which was submitted under the pseudonym ‘Siarad Mân’ as “inspirational”, “intelligent” and “beautiful”.

A former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Alaw is 19 years old and is in her first year studying Music at The Queen’s College, University of Oxford.

Although she has successfully competed in many stage competitions at the Urdd Eisteddfod, this was the first time she entered the composition competition.

She composed ‘Pwyll a Rhiannon’ as part of a series of four pieces based on the Four Branches of the mythological prose stories Mabinogi and hopes to compose the third branch in the next year.

‘Talented’ 

In her adjudication, Catrin Finch said: “I had great pleasure in judging the Composition Prize this year and realising how many talented young composers we have here in Wales.

“It was encouraging to see the standard of the compositions and realise that the inspirational music of our young people is ‘alive and well’ all around us.

“‘Siarad Mân’ chose a slightly different ensemble – violin, viola, cello, trumpet and harp… that managed to paint a picture with the use of beautiful and interesting harmonies and melodies… I just wanted to listen to more!”

The competition is sponsored by the James Pantyfedwen Foundation and the winner will receive a specially created trophy by sculptor Ann Catrin Evans.

The runners up in the competition were Ioan Rees from Cyffylliog near Ruthin who came in second place and Celt John from Dolgellau in third place.