Club Hosts Competition for Young Singers

The club and area Rotary Young Vocalist competition was held in Cowbridge School on the evening of Thursday 26th November. This annual event, organised by Llantwit Major Rotary club, showcases fabulous young local talent and this year we were joined by competitors sponsored by the Neath and Swansea Valley Rotary clubs in what proved to be a wonderful evening’s entertainment. Third prize winner was Annie Phillips, a student at Cefn Saeson School, Neath, who sang Cry Me a River by Arthur Hamilton, followed by Once Upon a Dream from the musical Jekyll and Hyde. The second prize went to Trystan Watkins who sang Amarillo Mia Bella by Caccini and The Sky Above the Roof by Vaughan Williams. Trystan is a student at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Swansea Valley.

The first prize went to Cowbridge School student Charlotte Bonney who sang 2 jazz standards with great feeling and skill. The 2 songs were My Funny Valentine by Rodgers and Hart, followed by Take the A Train by Billy Strayhorn. 

We were fortunate to have two eminent professional singers as judges. Iona Jones, the well known soprano, is also Honorary President of Cowbridge Male Voice Choir. Dyfed Wyn Evans is an experienced baritone who often sings with the Welsh National Opera. They had the difficult task of choosing the 3 winners and provided valuable feedback for each of the 15 contestants. 

Club president, Dr David Rogers, commended the contestants on their talent and wished first prize winner Charlotte Bonney luck in the District 1150 final, which will be held in Cowbridge School on Saturday  27th February 2016. This District includes clubs from across South and Mid Wales.