The Scholarship not only provides a financial prize of £4,000 to further talented young performers’ academic studies, but the prestige of being linked with the world’s foremost bass-baritone also holds considerable weight.

This year, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Scholarship in partnership with Wales Arts International and supported by Welsh Government, the Urdd is announcing a new international element. For St Davids Day 2020, the winner of the Urdd Bryn Terfel Scholarship 2019 will perform in one of a worldwide celebration event.

Wales Arts International, the Arts Council of Wales’ international agency, supports Welsh Government’s international ambitions to nurture cultural and business relations. This year, artists and cultural companies performed on key stages in China, Ireland, France, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.  The 2019 Bryn Terfel Scholarship winner will perform in one of the 2020 events, to be announced in the autumn.

Every year, candidates for the scholarship are chosen by a panel of independent judges at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. Up to eight young people can compete for the scholarship, which is broadcast on S4C. The panel this year includes Jeremy Huw Williams, Ffion Dafis, Einir Wyn Jones, Cerian Mai Phillips and Glain Dafydd.

Over the last 20 years, the Urdd has invested more than £60,000 nurturing new talent through the Scholarship.

Announcing the partnership with the Welsh Government and Wales Arts International at the Urdd Eisteddfod Cardiff and the Vale 2019, Urdd Gobaith Cymru Chief Executive Sian Lewis said:

“The Urdd is the biggest youth organisation in Wales and this year, through partnerships and collaboration, we have been widening our horizons to include opportunities beyond Wales. The main aim of the organisation is to strive for the best opportunities and experiences for our members, giving them confidence and ambition. By providing exciting and dynamic experiences of other countries, communities and cultures we are enriching our members’ knowledge and learning.

“I’m immensely proud of our collaboration with Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government in creating such a fantastic additional element to the Bryn Terfel Scholarship. It is already a highly regarded and sought-after Scholarship, and this will elevate it even higher.”

Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International said:

“I’m thrilled that this year to mark the 20th Anniversary of this important scholarship, we will be offering a top emerging artist in Wales a springboard to an international career. The need to develop cultural relations has never been greater, and talented young and established artists in Wales have a critical role to play. Bryn Terfel is such a big name all over the world. In places like Shanghai and New York, an association with him will stand the winner in great stead to break into a new international market.”

The competition will be held on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Barry Memorial Hall and broadcast on S4C.