Young musicians from across Wales are being urged to apply for a £2,000 prize at a prestigious festival. Royal composer Paul Mealor is backing the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition, calling it a “glorious opportunity” for talented youngsters. The competition returns for a third time at the North Wales International Music Festival, held at St Asaph Cathedral.
Prize Details
The winner will receive a £2,000 cash prize, a silver trophy, and the chance to perform on a world-class stage. The second prize is £1,000, and the two runners-up will each receive £500.
Support from Paul Mealor
Professor Paul Mealor, the festival’s artistic director, said the contest offers a rare platform for under-21s to perform, gain expert feedback, and be broadcast live on BBC Radio Cymru. He emphasized that the competition is inclusive and welcomes applications from musicians with apparent and non-apparent disabilities.
Funding and Future
The competition is made possible by support from Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill, owners of the Pendine Park care organisation, through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust. As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Pendine has committed to backing the competition for the next five years.
Eligibility and Entry
The competition is open to musicians born or living in Wales, or Welsh nationals studying abroad. Entrants must be under 21 on January 1, 2026, with no minimum age. The closing date for applications is 5pm on July 31, 2026. Entrants must submit a video or audio clip of a performance no longer than five minutes. Four finalists will be selected to perform at the Grand Finale on September 16, 2026.
History and Inspiration
Professor Mealor noted that the idea for the competition came from young performers who wanted more opportunities to perform individually in the cathedral’s excellent acoustics. Past winners include harpist Heledd Wynn Newton and pianist Rufus Edwards.
About Paul Mealor
Paul Mealor, born in St Asaph, took over as artistic director in 2024. He gained fame for his composition Ubi Caritas at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and his works featured in services for Queen Elizabeth II. He was commissioned for the Coronation of King Charles III, where his “Coronation Kyrie” was sung by Sir Bryn Terfel, marking the first Welsh language sung at a Coronation. He was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in 2024.
Festival Details
The North Wales International Music Festival 2026 runs from September 10 to 19 at St Asaph Cathedral, founded by William Mathias in 1972. Tickets go on sale from June 24, 2026. For entry, upload a video/audio clip, application form, and proof of age via the festival website.
