91Èȱ¬

The four finalists selected to take part in the Welsh Singers Competition have been announced.

The competition takes place every other year and is open to singers from Wales at the start of their careers. The winner goes on to represent his/her country in 91Èȱ¬ Cardiff Singer of the World in the following year.

The picture above shows soprano Natalya Romaniw winning the 2008 Welsh Singers Competition. Natalya went on to reach the final of the 91Èȱ¬ Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize in 2009.

Taking part in this year's final, at St David's Hall, Cardiff on Monday 28 June 2010, will be:

• Catrin Aur Davies, soprano, aged 31, from Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire
• Rebecca Afonwy-Jones, mezzo soprano, aged 31, from Montgomery, Montgomeryshire
• John Pierce, tenor, aged 27, from Holywell, Flintshire
• Samuel Evans, baritone, aged 30, from Aberaeron, Ceredigion

They will be accompanied by the 91Èȱ¬ National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Grant Llewellyn.

Making the decision will be a high profile jury, made up of baritone Bryn Terfel, soprano Rebecca Evans, tenor Robert Tear, Director of Opera at the Royal Opera House, Elaine Padmore, and conductor and Cardiff Singer Music Advisor Julian Smith.

The winner receives a trophy and £2,000 and represents Wales in Cardiff Singer next year. Each of the other finalists receives £750.

See the for more information, and the for tickets.