Flint Young Musician Competition

When did it start?

The choir conductor in 1986 was John Stone, a music and drama teacher in Flint High School, and it was his idea to instigate this event now in its 22nd year.

How did it start?

John Stone was naturally interested in promoting music to young people and he persuaded the choir committee to organise the first competition. At that time it was only open to young people attending Flint schools, but this was soon seen as too restrictive and it was made open in 1990. It has never looked back.

Development

The first competition was hosted by Flint High School in their drama theatre and was won by a tiny pianist, Ben Saul, (you should see him now). The entry fee was just £1.50, but the conditions and rules were basically the same as today. Of course things have to change, they have to develop so as to keep up. Standards are so much higher today than then and so professional adjudicators have to be brought in to ensure fairness and equality.

Over the years, different venues have been used, schools, churches, clubs, but as the competition increases in stature and audience so the venue must offer wider facilities. It is now held at the Masonic Buildings in Flint who very kindly place their excellent premises at our disposal free of charge. From the beginning the choir members have been actively involved and it is now standard practice for them to give a performance during the adjudication process.

The prizes and the rewards

There are prizes for first second and third as well as trophies plus a cup for the “Most Promising Newcomer”, i.e. a first time competitor in this competition. More importantly, we think, is as a showcase for young talent. Not only do the six finalists perform before the evening audience, but the winner appears with the choir at their Spring Festival Concert. This is a prestigious event, with professional artistes and a large and appreciative audience. The ideal stage to show off a budding talent.

In 2008 a new set of trophies was purchased sponsored by generous choir members, while considerable sponsorship is donated annually by local supporters who wish to remain anonymous

The Rules

The Rules of the Competition can be found here, and the entry form can be found here. We invite entries through music teachers, schools, bands, groups and the forms can be copied direct from this site. We look forward to hearing from you.

2009 Results

The 2009 competition was held in the Armoury Masonic Hall on Saturday 9th May and was once again an outstanding success. The 16 young competitors provided the adjudicators with a very difficult set of problems with a higher standard than ever. This year there were more singers than in previous years, perhaps a fall out from the television talent shows, but they all gave a good account of themselves and one won through to the final.

The competition goes on throughout the day to choose 6 finalists who perform in the evening and what a show they produced. 3 pianists showed extraordinary dexterity on the keys and real maturity in their interpretation of the music, while Zara's rendering of an unaccompanied Irish melody was positively mesmerising. Her brother Andrew was equally assured on the flute as was Lowri on her clarinet.

Eventually the judges had to make their decision for the 4 prizes giving the "Most Promising Newcomer" to Bethan Louise Griffiths on piano. Third prize of £75.00 and the Joan Bevan cup went to soprano Zara Fyffe. The first and second prizes were very closely contested between last year's winner Selim Ungot and last year's runner up Bryony Keyes both on the piano. The chief adjudicator, Chris Swann said they had had great difficulty separating them, but that Bryony had just shaded it with her more personal input to the music. Bryony takes home £200.00 and the Ceinwen & Noel Parry Cup, while Selim has £125.00 and the Lily Stenhouse Cup.

2009 Winners (Roll of Honour)

The Flint Young Musician Competition once again showed the wealth of musical talent we have right on our doorstep. 16 young players endured a rigorous examination last weekend by the judges with the 6 finalists appearing at an evening concert at the Armoury in Flint.

The organising secretary, on behalf of Flint Male Voice Choir echoed the voice of the adjudicators when he said, "The standard this year was outstanding, better even than last year." The final was fought out between 6 outstanding musicians, while the final placings were separated by a mere hairsbreadth.

The eventual winner, shown here above, receiving her cup and £200.00 prize, was Bryony Keyse from Tregarth nr. Bangor playing the piano. She was second in 2008 while the winner then, Selim Ungot from Little Sutton, was second this year. Third prize, £75.00 went to Zara Fyfe, a very promising soprano, while the award for the "Most Promising Newcomer" to the competition was Bethan Griffith from Treuddyn.

Past Winners (Roll of Honour)

6 Finalists and their Judges at the 2008 Flint Young Musician Competition, held at the Armoury in March. The winner was Selin Üngüt on the piano who received the First Prize of £200.00. Second was Bryony Keyes from Bangor, also on the piano, with Gwenno Roberts from Abergwyngregin on violin, third. Awen Blandford from Gwernymynydd was adjudged the "Most Promising Newcomer".

Each received generous prize money and one of the new trophies sponsored by choir members. The cups were presented by Mrs. Ceinwen Parry, the wife of one of the sponsors.