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BBC Young Musician of the Year 2008 to take place in Wales (BK)

Wales has cemented its position as the home of major music competitions with the search for the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2008.

The renowned event, which has uncovered talented up-and-coming stars such as violinist Nicola Benedetti, is being produced by BBC Wales for the first time in its 30-year history. It is the second high-profile music contest to be organised by BBC Wales, which is responsible for the international biennial competition BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.

BBC Wales Acting Controller Clare Hudson said, "Wales has long been recognised as the Land of Song but BBC Wales is cementing its place as a centre of musical excellence. "Building on the reputation of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Wales is now home to two of the most high-profile music competitions in the UK. Not only is BBC Wales responsible for the Cardiff Singer of the World competition, it is now the home of the Young Musician of the Year. These two prestigious competitions complement each other perfectly in supporting emerging talent, and are helping to turn BBC Wales into a centre of musical excellence."

BBC Young Musician of the Year was established in 1978, and from the beginning it attracted outstanding musical talents.

Three years ago, violinist Nicola Benedetti won over the judges with Szymanowski's Violin Concert No 1, taking the title and launching her on the road to a successful career in live performance and recordings. Celebrated violinist Tasmin Little was a category finalist in 1982. Some 360 musicians have been auditioned during the past four months for this year's competition.
Category finalists have already been selected by judges in Cardiff and in February (19-23)  they will compete for a coveted place in the final.

The final is being held on May 10 and 11 at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, where the young musicians will perform with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Thierry Fischer.

Details of competition broadcasts are yet to be confirmed but will include coverage on BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Wales, Radio 3, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and online.

For details of the category finals contact the RWCMD box office on 029 2039 1391. All concerts start at 7.30pm

Bill Kenny

More information is available from:


Mike Smith
07795 325161
029 2046 2686
mike@mediasmith.co.uk