Musician’s Medal for PhD graduate

The prestigious Musician’s Medal at this year’s National Eisteddfod has been won by Cardiff University PhD graduate Gareth Olubunmi Hughes.

Pianist and composer Gareth was honoured at a ceremony on the Pavilion stage at the Welsh cultural festival on Wednesday evening.

Over the past year Gareth has been completing his doctorate in contemporary composition at the University under the supervision of American composer Dr Arlene Sierra.

During his PhD, his work has been performed by a variety of professional musicians and ensembles including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and harpist Catrin Finch.

This is the second time that Gareth has won the main musicians’ medal (‘Tlws y Cerddor’) following his success in the Vale of Glamorgan in 2012.

This year’s Eisteddfod is being held at Abergavenny in Monmouthshire.