Welsh harpist Catrin Finch is hoping to hit the right notes and encourage talented youngsters to enter the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2007 competition which was launched today (26 April).

The tenth biennial competition, sponsored by Texaco and organised in partnership with Côr Meibion De Cymru (the South Wales male voice choir) was officially launched at Haberdashers School for Girls in Monmouth, home to 2005 winner Stella Cho. Open to young Welsh instrumentalists aged up to 20 years old, the competition is being supported by Catrin.

The young musicians will compete in a series of preliminary rounds and regional finals later this year. The top five competitors from the regional selection process will take part in the final at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, in March 2007.

In addition to the Texaco Young Musician of Wales trophy, the winner will receive £1,000 prize money, second and third placed finalists will receive £750 and £500 respectively with the two other finalists taking away £250 each.

Paul Bray, Manager Public and Government Affairs, at Texaco said: "The competition has built up an excellent reputation since it began in 1989. Many past winners have travelled the world performing and this prestigious title is a fantastic stepping stone for future success.

“I’m pleased that this year, we have attracted the support of Catrin Finch. She is a famous musician whom younger people look up to and I hope her enthusiasm and passion for music will once again attract a high standard of entries to the event."

Catrin said she believed that experiencing live music at an early age helped to shape her musical career. “I would like all children across Wales to be given the same opportunity to hear classical music and competitions such as these are essential to help support and nurture young talent,” she said.

“I encourage everyone to enter the Texaco Young Musician of Wales competition just for the experience. All opportunities should be grabbed with both hands and you never know where it might lead.”

If they are based in Wales, the music departments at each of the finalists' schools will receive a donation equal to that won by the individual. The finalists will also have the opportunity to play with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra as part of their prize.

Application forms are being distributed to Welsh schools and youth orchestras and are available to download from www.texaco.co.uk/youngmusician. Alternatively, contact Ken Crowle of Côr Meibion De Cymru on 029 20 843631.