WREXHAM musicians are being invited to pit their talents against the best Wales can offer.
Texaco has launched the search for Wales's finest young musicians to compete for the title of Young Musician of Wales 2005 - with total prize money of £5,500 to be won.
The ninth biennial competition, sponsored by Texaco and organised in partnership with Côr Meibion De Cymru (the South Wales male voice choir), is open to Welsh instrumentalists aged from 14-20 years old.
In addition to the Texaco Young Musician of Wales trophy, the winner will receive £1,000 prize money. Second and third-placed finalists will receive £750 and £500 respectively, and the two other finalists will each take away £250.
Provided they are in Wales, the music departments at each of the finalists' schools will also receive a donation equal to that won by the individual.
The finalists will also have the opportunity to play with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra as part of their prize.
The young musicians will compete in a series of preliminary rounds and regional finals during October and November this year.
The five competitors receiving the highest marks in the regional selection process will take part in the final at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, in April 2005.
Application forms are being distributed to Welsh schools and youth orchestras and are available to download from www.texaco.co.uk/youngmusician. Alternatively, contact Ken Crowle of Côr Meibion De Cymru on 02920 843631.
