Clarinetist From Thurso Second In Highland Young Musicians Competition

17th June 2013

Pianist Molly McGregor is the Highland Young Musician of the Year after winning the 2013 title.

Yesterday eight of the Highland’s most talented young musicians gathered in Inverness to perform to a panel of judges. After the judges had spent time with each musician individually they invited five young people to perform their complete programmes in the evening’s public finals.

After the five finalists had performed the audience was treated to a recital by last year’s winner, Cellist Findlay Spence from Fortrose Academy while the judges deliberated.

Molly, a pupil at Resolis Primary School on the Black Isle was crowned Highland Young Musician of the Year and Findlay presented her with the crystal Richardson Trophy for Musical Excellence. The runner up prize went to Belinda Gordon (Clarinet) from Thurso High School and Finn Smith (Trombone) from Grantown Grammar School won the prize for the most promising talent.

In their closing remarks, the judges commented on how impressed they had been at the high standard of musicianship shown by all the participants throughout the day.

The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said: “The standard of performance during the competition was extremely high and the judges had a genuinely difficult time in making their decisions.

“Over the whole day and the evening the atmosphere was very positive and supportive. Putting themselves forward to compete at this level is a credit to the dedication of all the entrants. Music making in all its forms continues to go from strength to strength in Highland schools thanks to the support of staff and the enthusiasm, talent and hard work from pupils.”