Nathan wins the prestigious Tlws y Cyfansoddwr at Eisteddfod 2024
Sgroliwch lawr ar gyfer Cymraeg
The winner of the Composer's Trophy at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod is Nathan James Dearden
He received his award in a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod Pavilion at Ynysangharad Park on Saturday night. The Trophy, the most prestigious medal awarded to composers in Wales, is presented to the most promising composer for a composition for a chamber ensemble using images from Rhondda Cynon Taf as inspiration.
Nathan, from Tonyrefail in the Rhondda, was one of three composers who had worked with professional musicians for a first performance of his winning piece - (ail-)atgofion.
Lowri Mair Jones, winner of last year's Trophy at the Llyn and Eifionydd Eisteddfod and Tomos Williams as well as Nathan were chosen to work together with the composer John Rea and a quartet from Sinfonia Cymru to create new compositions since the beginning of the year, and their works will be performed for the first time tonight.
Nathan comments: “Like many, the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol has played a big part in my life since I was a child. Having it hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taf has been fantastic to showcase not only the very best of Welsh cultural life, but the best of the Valleys. To win the prestigious Tlws y Cyfansoddwr on 'home turf is such an honour, and I can't thank the Eisteddfod enough for giving me the opportunity to work with Sinfonia Cymru, my amazing colleagues Lowri and Tomos, and for showcasing this Valley's boy.“
The piece was played during the ceremony before the winner was named. The competition is held in collaboration with Tŷ Cerdd, Sinfonia Cymru and the Welsh Music Association. The financial prize was donated by John and Janice Samuel, Sidcup, Kent, in memory of John’s parents, David Hopkin and Gwenllian Samuel, Abernant, Aberdare.
Enillydd Tlws y Cerddor yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Rhondda Cynon Taf yw Nathan James Dearden. Llongyfarchiadau mawr!
— S4C 🏴 (@S4C) August 10, 2024
The winner of the Tlws y Cerddor at the 2024 National Eisteddfod is Nathan James Dearden. Congratulations! #Steddfod2024 pic.twitter.com/K5nuIWj6qQ
Nathan James Dearden sydd wedi ennill Tlws y Cyfansoddwr yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024.
Cyflwynir y Tlws i’r cyfansoddwr mwyaf addawol ar gyfer cyfansoddiad i ensemble siambr, gan ddefnyddio delweddau o Rondda Cynon Taf fel ysbrydoliaeth.
Roedd trefn y gystadleuaeth yn wahanol eleni, gyda'r beirniaid wedi llunio rhestr fer o dri chyfansoddwr o'r 37 ymgeisiodd ar gyfer y wobr. Y tri hynny oedd Tomos Williams o Aberystwyth, Lowri Mair Jones o Bontypridd, a Nathan James Dearden o Donyrefail.
Fe fuon nhw yna yn cydweithio gyda John Rea a phedwarawd o Sinfonia Cymru i greu cyfansoddiadau newydd.
Bu'r tri yn ymarfer gyda cherddorion proffesiynol, ac fe berfformiwyd y darnau a gyfansoddwyd ganddynt ar lwyfan y Pafiliwn fel rhan o'r seremoni.
Cafodd y gystadleuaeth ei chynnal mewn cydweithrediad â Tŷ Cerdd, Sinfonia Cymru a Chymdeithas Cerddoriaeth Cymru. Cyflwynir y wobr o £750 gan John a Janice Samuel, Sidcup, Sir Caint, er cof am rieni John - David Hopkin a Gwenllian Samuel, Abernant, Aberdâr.