Lecturer in Music Composition, Dr Nathan James Dearden, has been awarded Wales' most prestigious prize for composers at this year's National Eisteddfod

Nathan receiving the prize live on BBC and S4C

He received his award in a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod Pavilion at Ynysangharad Park, broadcast live on BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Radio Wales, and S4C. The Trophy, the most prestigious medal awarded to composers in Wales, is presented to the most promising composer for a composition for a chamber ensemble using images from Rhondda Cynon Taf as inspiration.

Lowri Mair Jones, winner of last year's Trophy at the Llyn and Eifionydd Eisteddfod and Tomos Williams as well as Nathan were chosen to work together with the composer John Rea and a quartet from Sinfonia Cymru to create new compositions since the beginning of the year.

Nathan comments: “Like many, the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol has played a big part in my life since I was a child. Having it hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taf has been fantastic to showcase not only the very best of Welsh cultural life, but the best of the Valleys. To win the prestigious Tlws y Cyfansoddwr on 'home turf is such an honour, and I can't thank the Eisteddfod enough for giving me the opportunity to work with Sinfonia Cymru, my amazing colleagues Lowri and Tomos, and for showcasing this Valley's boy.“

The piece was played during the ceremony before the winner was named. The competition is held in collaboration with Tŷ Cerdd, Sinfonia Cymru and the Welsh Music Association. The financial prize was donated by John and Janice Samuel, Sidcup, Kent, in memory of John’s parents, David Hopkin and Gwenllian Samuel, Abernant, Aberdare.