Hengoed musician wins prestigious Bryn Terfel Scholarship

A former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni has won the Bryn Terfel Scholarship at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru youth competition in Aberystwyth.

Flautist Chloe Angharad-Bradshaw, from Hengoed, won the prize, worth £4,000, after a live performance on Sunday night.

The Oxford University music student said: “I really enjoyed performing tonight, even though I was very nervous before performing my first piece. The other competitors were very professional, friendly and it was great to get a chance to share a stage with them.”

“When they announced my name as the winner, I could not believe my ears and I just couldn’t stop smiling! With the scholarship money, I am going to use it towards a masters degree. I’ve seen a few courses that appeal in Europe and the USA, and this money will enable me to pay for flights to auditions abroad.”

Chloe’s repertoire included her interpretation of Kokopeli by Katherine Hoover a Sonatina by Edlin Burton. In the lead-up to the scholarship concert, she had a master class with professional flautist, Matthew Featherstone.

Eirian Owen, who was one of the judges, said: “The competitors tonight were all quite young and it was the first time for the six of them to compete for the scholarship.

“They were all experienced in their field and mature performers but the winner did stand out. Even though it was close, we were unanimous that Chloe was the winner.
Chloe’s technique on the flute is excellent. She is obviously a master at creating the fine sound of the flute and I’m sure that she will go far.”

Aled Sion, Director of the Eisteddfod, added: “We were treated to a brilliant concert tonight, and the standard we saw reflects the talent that we see every year at the Urdd National Eisteddfod stage. I am confident that winning this scholarship will be a big boost to Chloe’s performing career and I look forward to following her success in the future.”

Chloe is at Oxford University doing a degree in Music and she is the President of the University’s Music Society.

She is a prominent member of the University’s orchestra and sinfonietta and among her previous successes is winning the Instrumental Blue Ribbon in the National Eisteddfod and the Gregynnog most promising Young Musician.

The scholarship was established in 1999 by opera singer Bryn Terfel with the aim of nurturing the talent of Wales’ most prominent young performers.