The voice of the future belongs to a talented singer from Caernarfon, according to adjudicators at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Meinir Wyn Roberts, 24, landed the title and the £1,500 first prize after beating all comers from a hugely talented pool of singers on the main pavilion stage.
Soprano Meinir, who is studying for a Master’s degree in Music at London’s Royal Academy of Music under tutor Lillian Watson, was overwhelmed after hearing she had won International Voice of the Future competition.
The emotional former Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen pupil said: “It was so tough and the standard was just incredibly high. I knew all but one of the competitors and we all get along really well.
“I was so nervous waiting for the marks, it was horrible but the adjudicator’s comments were just overwhelming.”
Speaking of her future plans Meinir, the daughter of financial advisor Dylan Roberts and teacher Eleri Wyn Roberts, said: “It has to be opera, opera and opera – that’s all I want to do. I dream of performing at Covent Garden and all the other great opera venues around the world.
“I am off to Columbus, Ohio, shortly to perform for the North American Welsh Society, part of my prize after winning the National Eisteddfod and then it’s back to studying with Lillian Watson at the Royal Academy of Music.
“I am just so thrilled and excited to have won at Llangollen it means so much and is a huge stepping stone in my career.”
Adjudicators, Leah-Marian Jones and Brian Hughes said Meinir drew them into her performance.
Leah-Marian Jones said: “Sher gave an outstanding performance and is without doubt a real artist and future opera star.”
Brain Hughes added: “Meinir lives every note and she doesn’t let her voice get in the way of the music. She gave a very accomplished performance and deserves her s Plans are in hand for next year’s event with classical singing sensation Katherine Jenkins OBE already signed up to star at the opening concert at the 2016 event.
The talented mezzo soprano will be treating the audience to a concert version of Georges Bizet’s opera, Carmen, the tale of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier seduced by the fiery Gypsy.
It will be the first opportunity fans of Jenkins will have to hear her sing all of Carmen’s operatic arias in one performance.
Tickets went on sale at noon on Monday (July 13).
Chairman Gethin Davies, who announced during the week he was stepping down from the role he has carried out with great distinction, says things look set for a successful 70th Eisteddfod next year.
“We have had some extremely appreciative audiences who have been most enthusiastic throughout the week,” he said.
“During the course of the festival we have been treated to a feast of music – choral, individual and instrumental – and some colourful and spectacular dancing.
“With the way things have gone this year I think we are fair set for a successful festival next year.”
To book tickets for the Katherine Jenkins concert next year go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
