Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust's Music Prize 2024

Hannah Copner, a postgraduate music student, has been awarded the prestigious Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Music Prize 2024 for achieving the highest grade for their final recital. This award, sponsored by the Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust in collaboration with the School of Arts, Culture, and Language, was presented as part of a recital by postgraduate students in Performance.

Held in Pontio’s Theatr Bryn Terfel, the recital also showcased the University’s Steinway grand piano, generously donated by the Trust. Dr Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, pianist and senior lecturer in the Department of Arts, accompanied the performers and served as compère.

The prize was awarded by Jan Lea, Chair of the Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust, and Professor Sue Niebrzydowski, Dean of Postgraduate Research in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. In addition to Hannah, three other postgraduate students performed, showcasing talents in baritone, flute and violin.

Jan Lea, from the Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust, commented,

It was lovely to be there to listen and to meet the finalists. What talent!

Professor Sue Niebrzydowski, said,

This lunchtime recital was a wonderful start to the new academic year. The performers were able to showcase their considerable talent to a highly appreciative audience. The University is indebted to the Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust for its generous support of the study and performance of music at 58�Թ�.

Reflecting on the award, Hannah said,

Studying music at Bangor has allowed me to develop as a performer and musician. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the University symphony chorus and orchestra, and at Bangor Cathedral. These experiences came together as I prepared for my final master's recital, which was a special way to finish off my time at 58�Թ�. Winning this prize was an honour, and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I am grateful to the Music Department and the support of the Trust.

Persida Chung, Development Officer, added,

The Development and Alumni Relations Office are grateful to the Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust, for their continued support. Their support enables the University to recognise and reward students for showcasing their outstanding talents.

Miss Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones, born in London to Sir Wynne and Muriel Cemlyn-Jones, later relocated to North Wales. In the 1950s, she built a home in Menai Bridge and served as Anglesey’s High Sheriff in 1968. Through the Pen y Clip Trust, she mainly supported the University's marine sciences from 1920 until the early 2000s.The Gaynor Cemlyn-Jones Trust, founded in the 1990s, has consistently provided generous support to initiatives within the School of Ocean Sciences and the Department of Music. One of its most significant contributions is the purchase of the Steinway grand piano, now housed in Pontio’s Theatr Bryn Terfel.