'Supremely gifted' pianist triumphs

A “SUPREMELY gifted” 20-year-old pianist has been crowned as the best young musician in Wales.

- 

Rufus Edwards, from Bersham, near Wrexham, was declared the winner of the prestigious Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition at the North Wales International Music Festival.

He came out on top after a spellbinding final at St Asaph Cathedral which was recorded by BBC Radio Cymru.

The rising star was presented with the Pendine Trophy and a cash prize of £2,000 by Mario Kreft MBE, the proprietor of the Wrexham and Caernarfon-based Pendine Park care organisation who sponsored the competition via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust.

Second place went to cellist Ivan Cherednichenko Carrillo, 19, from Cardiff, who received a £1,000 prize.

Third place was shared by Stephanie Jonas, 20, from Northop, Flintshire, and Izzy Hill, 19, from Pontypool, who both received £500.

Fittingly, Rufus closed his programme with a virtuoso performance of Toccata Alla Danza by William Mathias, the late founder of the North Wales International Music Festival.

A delighted Rufus, who was also among the finalists last year, said: “It felt right to include a piece by Mathias at the festival he founded. His grave is just outside the cathedral and it was quite special to play it.