S4C launches 2009 Cân i Gymru

Nov 26 2008

THE official launch of S4C’s 2009 Cân i Gymru songwriting competition has taken place with the event’s music coordinator, Owen Powell, formerly of Catatonia, calling on composers from across Wales and beyond to enter their songs.

At the launch, X Factor finalist, Rhydian Roberts, will be announced as the competition’s guest judge.

Rhydian, who will join a panel of experts to select a shortlist of eight songs for the public vote, will also perform at the 2009 St David’s Day final.

Owen Powell will be inviting a member of the public to bid to be on the competition’s adjudication panel, while finalists in the 2008 competition, Lowri Evans and Lee Mason, will perform their song, Ti a Fi at the launch.

As well as £10,000 and a special competition trophy, the winner will go on to represent Wales at the Pan Celtic Music Festival held in Ireland.

Sarra Elgan will co- present the Cân i Gymru final with Rhodri Owen at Venue Cymru on St David’s Day, Sunday, March 1 2009.

Entries by composers can be on CD, cassette or via mp3, but must be accompanied by an entry form, which is available, along with full competition details, at the Cân i Gymru website. www.s4c.co.uk/canigymru

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, December 31, 2008, and the minimum age for entry is 16. The Cân i Gymru competition is produced for S4C by Avanti, and for further information on the competition, contact Avanti on (01443) 688530 or canigymru2009@thepopfactory.com