The 23rd annual Norfolk Young Musician Competition took place on Sunday 10th January 2016 at the John Innes Conference Centre. The 13 competitors ranged in age from 11 to 19, and have all achieved distinction at Grade 8 or equivalent standard. The adjudicator, former King’s Singer Paul Phoenix, a vocal and performance coach, praised the high standard of all their performances, and offered helpful and positive advice.
First prize went to ‘cellist Andrew Harsley, 19, who is currently studying at the Royal College of Music with Melissa Phelps.
Second prize went to pianist Murray Chapman, 16 from Thorpe St Andrew High School, who also plays percussion in the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra.
Third prize to Norwich School violinist Dylan Latham, aged 15, who attends the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London on Saturdays and previously played in NCYO.
12 year old George Corson, also at Norwich School, won the Mrs E Sturgeon Piano Prize.
The Michael Badminton Prize for the most promising string player was awarded to the youngest competitor, 11 year old violinist Catherine McCardel, a pupil at Norwich High School, and also a member of the NCYO and Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians.
Murray, Catherine and George are all Aldeburgh Young Musicians.
The competition, sponsored by Woodbridge Violins, is run by the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust. Chairman Jonathan Wortley paid tribute to the musical quality of all the competitors, and to the encouraging comments from the adjudicator.
To receive information on next year’s competition please email astsally@lineone.net
Read the full story via EDP here.