A Llangynwyd teenage tenor who has ambitions of becoming a professional singer has won the Under 18’s vocal solo International Medal at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod.
Rhydian Jenkins, 17, a student of Ysgol Gyfun Cymraeg Llangynwyd, Maesteg, took the gold medal ahead of two female singers, Lee Hau Lam, 17, of Hong Kong and Ceri Haf Roberts, 17, of Denbigh, North Wales.
With just fractions of a mark separating the three finalists at the end of what was a tense final, Rhydian, says he was delighted and overwhelmed to have taken the Eisteddfod title.
He said: “I was really nervous but thought I performed quite well. However, you just never know what the adjudicators are thinking or what they picked up on.
“I’m just so pleased to have won and to have had my parents, Mike and Menna, in the audience supporting me.”
Rhydian says he hopes to become a professional singer but is taking one step at a time.
He said: “Hopefully, I can have a career as a singer, only time will tell. I’m just working hard and taking things slowly. I know I have a lot to learn but winning, what was a really tough competition at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod is certainly a step in the right direction.”
