J. MICHAEL JONES AWARD

J. Michael Jones Award for Young Singers

In memory of the much-loved former accompanist of the Dowlais Male choir, an annual competition is held for young singers in the borough of Merthyr Tydfil with a prize of £100

Rules and Entry Form

The J Michael Jones Bursary Award

After gaining a Bachelor of Music degree in 1987 from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Michael gained a scholarship to study pianoforte accompaniment with Jeanette Massocchi at the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

Following a brief return to Aberystwyth to gain a post graduate certificate in education, Michael secured a teaching post in Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar, a role he loved, in which he excelled, and one that spanned his entire teaching career of some thirty years.

Michael’s unique and exquisite ability as a musical director and accompanist caused him to be in constant demand, and saw him work with numerous operatic groups and choirs, Colstars, Cytgord, Con Voce to name but a few.

In 2011, Michael joined Dowlais Male Choir as their accompanist. His performances with the choir were renowned and just as with Con Voce, many audience members would comment that they had attended concerts just to hear him play! The choir are indebted to Michael for his time with them. His memory is cherished, his presence sorely missed.

The choir is delighted to support the new J. Michael Jones Award, established in 2023 in his memory. The award seeks to recognise and celebrate vocal talent in young people.

Each contestant is allocated a time slot of 10 minutes to perform two contrasting selections of their own choice of music enabling them to demonstrate the full range of their talent to the adjudicators.

The winner is presented with a cheque, a certificate and is invited to perform at the choir’s Annual Concert taking place later in the year.

The choir are appreciative of the support received from the local High School music staff, the students and their parents for making the event so successful.

J.Michael Jones Award Entry Criteria

This year’s competition will be held on Wednesday April 17th 2024 at High Street Baptist Church, Merthyr Tydfil, starting at 7:00pm. Applications close on Friday 29th March 2024.

Each entrant will be allocated a time slot of no more than 10 minutes to perform two contrasting selections of their own choice of music, enabling them to demonstrate the full range of their talent.

Please make certain that you bring two additional copies of music with you which will be handed to the adjudicators and returned at the end of the evening.

There is potential for up to six competitors, which will be allocated in order of submitted application forms.

The recipient of the Bursary Award will receive cheque for £100 and an invitation to join with Dowlais Male Choir in a concert later in the year.

Eligibility Criteria.

1. Each entrant must:-

i) be aged 18 or younger on 31st August 2024

ii) have either achieved or are at the standard required to achieve Grade 5 singing.

2. Only solo classical musicians will be accepted as a nomination i.e. no groups of singers will be eligible for entry.

3. Previous winners of the award are unfortunately not eligible to participate.

4. However, students who have previously taken part but were unsuccessful in gaining the award are encouraged to re-enter the competition.

If you are interested in taking part then please complete the attachment and email to our Concert Secretary

Download an entry form

Choir Registered Charity Number 503685 webmaster: webmaster@dowlaismalechoir.co.uk