Polish teenager wins Lead Composer Award on final day of Urdd Eisteddfod

Lina PortmanJune 1, 2024

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A Polish teenager won the Lead Composer Prize on the final day of the Urdd Eisteddfod today. Gérard Coutain, who lives in Rhydaman, was announced as the winner.

The medal was presented this year by William and Ffion Hague, Plas Cyfronydd, and the ceremony was sponsored by the James Pantyfedwen Foundation.

Originally from Poland, Gérard has lived in Wales for eight years and is learning Welsh. He won the title for composing a rhythmic and energetic piece called “Triawd o Llannerch y goedwig” (A trio of Llannerch y goedwig) for flute, viola and harp. 14 entries were received, with judges Gareth Glyn and Guto Pryderi Puw having “great satisfaction browsing the variety of entertaining pieces”.

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Gérard said: “After learning to play the piano at the age of 6, I began composing at 14, without receiving any formal training in composition from the beginning. I have been inspired and influenced by various composers, including Bach, Stravinsky, Debussy, Lili Boulanger and more recently Walter Leigh. Before entering the Urdd Eisteddfod this year, I received a commission to write a solo harp piece (“Barbarica”) for young Dyfed musicians in 2023, and last November I was accepted to the Purcell School for Young Musicians to study composition, piano and violin, starting in September.

“The piece I wrote is written for a trio of flute, viola and harp, based on Debussy's sonata for the same ensemble. It explores the whimsical elements of nature and folklore, as well as the different sounds one might expect from a hidden glade.

The judges said: “The winner demonstrates assured technical skill and a natural talent for writing for the ensemble's instruments. It's an exuberant and energetic piece that kept us in suspense from the first measure to the last.