Aberystwyth Arts Centre was full this evening as the audience enjoyed an evening of breath-taking performances as six young performers competed for the prestigious title. The Urdd’s Bryn Terfel Scholarship competition has been an influential platform for some of Wales’s most successful artists. As well as named the Urdd’s 2022 Bryn Terfel Scholarship winner, Mali Elwy was also presented a scholarship of £4,000.

Sioned Terry, Gwennan Gibbard, Barri Gwilliam, Bethan Williams–Jones and Huw Garmon were the judging panel who had the difficult task of choosing the winner.

Gwenno Davies, the Urdd’s Chair of the Board of the Eisteddfod and the Arts said:

“The judges all agreed that tonight’s competition was extremely close as each competitor was exceptional within their field on the stage tonight. Without a doubt, there is a bright future ahead for each of the artists and we look forward to following each of their success.

“However, tonight, one performance really resonated and touched all the judges. On behalf of the Urdd and all the judges, I’d like to congratulate Mali Elwy on winning the Urdd’s 2022 Bryn Terfel Scholarship competition.”

Competing tonight for the Urdd’s Bryn Terfel Scholarship title were Fflur Davies (Arfon), Gwenno Morgan (London), Ioan Williams (Bro Taf), Mali Elwy (Bro Aled), Owain Rowlands (Blaenau Tywi) and Rhydian Tiddy (Blaenau Tywi). All six were chosen to compete for the scholarship by a panel of judges following their success at the Denbighshire 2022 Urdd Eisteddfod.

In January, the Urdd arranged master classes for each of the competitors with mentors to help prepare for the competition. West End star Steffan Harri was Fflur Davies’ mentor, the talented pianist Iwan Llywelyn Jones trained Gwenno Morgan whilst dancer Osian Meilir worked with Ioan Williams. Actor Ffion Dafis shared her experience with Mali Elwy, trombone master Dafydd Thomas helped musician Rhydian Tiddy, whilst past winner Rhian Lois shared her advice with Owain Rowlands ahead of the competition.

The six also received practice session with Stifyn Parri and Director Angharad Lee ahead of the competition.

Highlights of the Urdd’s 2022 Bryn Terfel Scholarship competition can be seen in special TV program next Sunday, 12 March at 8pm on S4C.