The Medal y Cyfansoddwr theme this year is Cymru Fydd. The closing date is 10:00, Tuesday 7 January
In recognition of the centenary of the birth of Islwyn Ffowc Elis, one of Wrecsam’s finest writers, we are inviting music-creators to respond to his epic novel Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (there’s more about the novel at the bottom of this call).
Medal y Cyfansoddwr – Cymru Fydd is a pathway offering three composers a paid opportunity to write for a chamber ensemble from Sinfonia Cymru. Three composers will be selected to work with three extraordinarily versatile string players Simmy Singh (violin), David Shaw (violin/viola) and Garwyn Linnell (cello). Simmy, David and Garwyn play strings with a difference: they are comfortable stretching into the widest range of genres, using loop pedal, shruti box, hand percussion and their own voices. Take a look at some of their work here, here and here.
The three selected composers will work with Simmy, Dave and Garwyn in workshops over six months, leading up to the National Eisteddfod in Wrecsam, where their resulting works will be performed at the final day of the National Eisteddfod in the Pavilion on Saturday 9 August 2025. One of the three composers will be awarded the Medal y Cyfansoddwr and a £750 prize.
Each will receive £500 for their participation in a combination of in-person workshops and online contact. Applications are welcomed from music-creators from across Wales, cross-genre, and travel expenses (within Wales) will be covered for any artists needing to travel to the workshops (Cardiff) and performance (Wrexham).
The project is a partnership between the Eisteddfod, Tŷ Cerdd, Sinfonia Cymru and the Welsh Music Guild, and the composer-mentor this year is Professor Pwyll ap Siôn.
Click on the box below for more information and details on how to apply.