TALENTED young musicians are being urged to enter a competition which will give them the chance to perform with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra.

The closing date for the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2005 competition is tomorrow. Young musicians will have to enter quickly to be in with a chance of winning the title, £1,000 and a performance with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra.

Organisers will close their books and begin preparing for the preliminary rounds which will be held at various locations across Wales during October.

Michael Bell, who formed Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982 and has since conducted all the orchestra's concerts, said: "We have supported the Texaco Young Musician of Wales competition since 1997.

"We are proud to be working hand in hand with other organisations as it is vital to encourage and nurture young musical talent.

"Children as young as four come along to our children's proms and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

"As they develop and shine in the musical field, it is essential that these talented youngsters receive the support and recognition that they deserve."

Violinist Rakhi Singh, who won in 1997, was a soloist in their tour of France in 1998 and he returned to perform with them in Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto at St David's Hall, Cardiff in December 2003.

He said: "There are also a number of other previous winners we have worked with, including bassoonist Oliver Galletta. He won in 1999 and performed with us at Llandaff Cathedral within weeks of winning the competition.

"So, competitions like this are extremely important and shouldn't be ignored by potential competitors."

The competition is open to Welsh instrumentalists up to the age of 20. The winner will received the Texaco Young Musician of Wales trophy and an additional prize of £1,000.

The second and third placed finalists will receive £750 and £500 respectively and the two other finalists £250 each.

Application forms have been distributed to Welsh schools and youth orchestras and are available online at www.texaco.co.uk/youngmusician Or contact Ken Crowle on 029 20 843631.