YOUNG actor and musician Osian Griffiths weill be the star of a special concert at the Forest Church in Drybrook on May 5 after winning the 2011 Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary.

Osian, who lives in Newnham, is currently head boy at Wyedean School and is about to take A-levels in Drama, Music and English.

He has made his name in Forest music making as a percussionist with Lydbrook Band but his real passion is musical theatre.

Having studied classical singing with Elisabetta Battersby in Chepstow from the age of 7 he achieved ABRSM Grade 7. Around 18 months ago he began having lessons with Mary Brigg in Ross on Wye and last summer achieved a distinction in his LCM Grade 7 Musical Theatre exam. He plans to take Grade 8 this summer.

He continues to play with Lydbrook Band and Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band (appearing with them at Music for Youth in the Royal Albert Hall last November) as well as singing with the Phoenix Singers in Ross.

After childhood pantomimes with Lydney Dramatic Society he has performed with Newnham Players in Dylan Thomas' 'Under Milk Wood' and with his father in Noel Coward's 'Present Laughter.'

At Wyedean Osian has been Sir Evelyn Oakley in 'Anything Goes', Francis Fryer in 'Calamity Jane', Roger in 'Grease' and most recently Captain Tempest in 'Return to the Forbidden Planet.'

Since winning the Bursary Osian has performed as a soloist with the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir, Lydbrook Band and most recently Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band in Youth Makes Music at Cheltenham Town Hall.

Osian is using his Bursary win to fund lessons with vocal coaches and teachers at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

He hopes this will help him fulfil his ambition to win a place at one of the London stage schools and from there to a starring role on the West End stage!

He said: "I would just like to add that my success to date would not have been possible without the constant support from my family.

"I would like to thank the hard work of my singing teachers and am extremely grateful to all at the Yvonne Walkedine Bursary for the opportunity they have given me."

The Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary is presenting its second annual winner's concert at The Forest Church in Drybrook on Saturday May 5 and also taking part in this year's event will be Cinderford Academy Band under their musical director, Clive Lewis and the Coalway Ladies' Choir with their conductor, Becky Morgan, who will both perform popular programmes of music.

The concert will start at 7pm and tickets will be available on the door. Primary school children can get in free of charge. Refreshments will be available.

Fiona Crawley, chairperson of The Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary, said: "The committee was delighted that Osian won the bursary last year; he is really passionate and professional about his music but he's also a great deal of fun and anyone coming along on May 5 will be wowed by his mastery and maturity. I would like to encourage people of all ages to come – after all music is for everyone!"

The YWMB was set up as a lasting tribute to an outstanding teacher and community musician and is awarded annually to a young person of secondary school age who displays great enthusiasm, energy and commitment to music. For further information about the bursary contact Fiona Crawley on 01594 563079.