A cellist has been crowned Wales’ top young musician after a standout performance at a competition.
Iván Cherednichenko Carrillo, 20, won the Pendine Young Musician of Wales title at the North Wales International Music Festival, earning the £2,000 first prize and a silver salver trophy.
The from Cardiff musician, who was runner-up in the same competition last year, said: "I was excited to have made it into the competition final again, especially after I was placed second last year.
"To have now gone one better and won the title is an incredible honour."
Second place and £1,000 went to 14-year-old French horn player Ethan Pawley from Welshpool, the youngest instrumentalist in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
Soprano Leisa Mair Lloyd-Edwards from Dyffryn Nantlle, Gwynedd, and 19-year-old organist Llewelyn Biezard-Greenwell Bangor-born each received £500 as runners-up.
The awards were sponsored by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), part of the Pendine Park care organisation.
Mario Kreft MBE, owner of Pendine Park, said: "I think everyone in the audience tonight was entranced by the high standard of playing from all the finalists.
"They are a credit to the way in which music education is valued here in Wales.
"It is important that competitions like this one continue to provide opportunities for the young musical talents or our future."
Mr Kreft said he and his wife Gill were proud to witness the performances at St Asaph Cathedral, known for its exceptional acoustics.
He said: "Iván’s performance was extraordinary.
"He is a worthy winner.
"We wish him and all the other finalists here tonight the very best for their future careers."
Originally from Cardiff, Mr Cherednichenko Carrillo began studying cello at age five and is now midway through a four-year degree at the Royal College of Music in London.
He has performed at the Senedd, Llandaff Cathedral, Gregynog Hall, and with the Cardiff Baroque Orchestra.
He said: "My hope is to learn as much as I can while I am starting my career.
"I want to absorb myself in the music, try different styles and continue to learn from my tutors and my peers."
The competition was judged by oboist and music author Professor Helena Gaunt, concert pianist and Bangor University lecturer Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, and choral scholar and singer Alun Jones.
Professor Gaunt praised Mr Cherednichenko Carrillo’s mastery of the cello duo technique, describing his performance as outstanding.
He was accompanied by pianist Louisa Lam, a full-time accompanist at the Royal College of Music.
Mr Cherednichenko Carrillo said the £2,000 prize would support his studies in London, where living and studying costs are high.
He said: "I am so grateful to have won the £2,000 prize.
"It makes a big difference and I can’t thank the competition sponsors enough for the way they support young musicians like myself and my fellow finalists.
"Living and studying in London means that just affording things like accommodation and daily meals can be a big expense.
"Add to that items like replacement cello strings and being a student musician can get very costly."
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