The Colin Vyvyan Fund for Young Musicians of the RSO

Colin Vyvyan was a dedicated member of the Rhondda Symphony Orchestra for many years. As well as belonging to the percussion section, he also served as committee member and Chair and, under his guidance, the orchestra performed in numerous concerts in the Valleys and enjoyed foreign tours to France and the Netherlands. Colin was always an advocate for young musicians and when he sadly passed away in 2009, he left a legacy and substantial fund for the orchestra to support musicians aged 21 or under who were from the Four Counties areas of Rhondda Cynon Taff, Bridgend, Merthyr & Caerphilly.

 

For many years, the orchestra ran a very successful competition called the RSO Young Musician of the Valleys and it provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the musical talent that we have in the area. Winners of the competition were:

 

2013 – Jack Mainwaring

2015 – Heledd Gwynant

2016 – Peter Greenwood

2017 – Alisha Palmer

2018 – Isabelle Harris

2019 – Juraj Revay

 

Since returning to action post-pandemic, the orchestra have taken a new direction with Colin’s funds and are now awarding a financial gift to young members of the RSO who have made a significant contribution to the orchestra or have shown sustained loyalty. Recipients are nominated by their section principal or the RSO’s conductor. The following young musicians have been confirmed as the first recipients in July 2022, in memory of Colin Vyvyan:

 

Jocelyn Churchill - Double Bass

Fay Jones - Clarinet

Branwen Thistlewood - French Horn

Dylan John - Trumpet

Dafydd Owen - Tuba

 

We thank them for what they have brought to the RSO and in turn, hope the orchestra has provided them with a positive musical training ground. We wish them well in their musical futures.