Llandudno Junction violinist hoping to win Young Musician of Wales title

Feb 26 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

MUSICAL maestro David Shaw from Llandudno Junction is hoping to bring home the Texaco Young Musician of Wales title next month.

Violinist David, 12, is one of the youngest ever competitors to make it through to the final.

A pupil at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, the youngster made it through after impressing the judges in the regional rounds after beating over 70 entrants.

David, who first started playing the violin aged just four, is one of five finalists and will now battle it out against four others aged between 11 and 17 at the final, being held at St David’s Hall in Cardiff on March 7.

“I really enjoy playing the violin. My elder brother William is very musical too and also attendedChetham’s,” said an enthusiastic David, who can also play piano.

“I’ve been at music school since I was nine years old after auditioning to get in and although I mainly study music my other favourite subjects are art and English.”

David is no stranger to competition after coming second in the Urdd National Eisteddfod at the age of eight. He hopes his success will continue by winning the Texaco Young Musician of Wales trophy and £1,000 prize money next month.

“I am not that nervous about the competition because I have been working hard towards it,” added David.

“My nerves usually depend of how much practice I have put in before the competition. This is quite a big event, but I think I’ve got a good chance. If you work hard enough at something it can happen.”

David will be cheered on by his 16-year-old brother William and mum Janeen, a piano teacher, and his dad Nigel, a singing teacher, when he competes in Cardiff.

David has already experienced the impact of the competition after S4C staff saw him compete in the regional finals back in October and invited him to perform at the Llangollen Christmas concert in December.

David said: “I put a lot of energy into my music and I hope that all the hard work will pay off. I am delighted to have secured a spot in the final and hope I can impress the judges enough to go on and win the title.”

The final, hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones, takes place on March 7 at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Visit stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or call the box office on 02920 878444 for tickets, which cost £10 (£8 concessions).