Final call for entries to Pendine Young Musician of Wales
Open to instrumentalists and singers, the competition will be held during the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral, from September 11 to 20.
Mr Mealor emphasised the potential impact on participants' careers, saying: "It's a very special competition that can launch a career and we're indebted to Pendine Park for sponsoring it."
The competition, funded by the Pendine Park care organisation, offers a generous prize pool for the top four finalists.
The overall winner will receive the silver Pendine Trophy and £2,000 in cash.
The second prize winner will secure £1,000, and two runners-up will be awarded £500 each.
The performances of all four finalists will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Cymru.
A panel of judges, including Professor Helena Gaunt, Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; Rebecca Evans CBE, a world-renowned operatic soprano; and Alun Jones, the festival's executive vice-chair and former principal of Chetham's School of Music, Manchester, will select the winners.
While the judges deliberate, last year's winner, Cardiff-based harpist Heledd Wynn Newton, will entertain the audience.
The competition is open to all young musicians, either born or residing in Wales, or Welsh nationals living abroad, who were under 21 on January 1, 2025.
Applicants under 18 will need the permission of their teacher or parent to enter.
Mr Mealor added: "If there's any young instrumentalists or vocalists who want to have a chance to win thousands of pounds in prize money and to perform live on BBC Radio Cymru, they need to get their skates on."
Entrants must upload their performance via a link on the festival's website to be judged anonymously.
Selected participants will advance to the semi-final to perform a 10-minute programme, with four finalists competing the following night.
Festival founder Mario Kreft said: "Our aim is to encourage and foster young, emerging talent and the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition has all the makings of a very prestigious event.
"I think in years to come it will be one of the premier competitions for young musicians and will hopefully assist them and propel them in their careers."
He added: "Like Paul, I would urge young musicians right across Wales to submit their entries now.
"We can't wait to hear them perform, and to follow their futures in the world of music."
The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, July 4.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the festival's website.
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