Young Highland Musicians Compete For Top Title

18th June 2009

Thirteen of the Highland's most talented young musicians will gather at Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on Monday 22 June as they complete for the title 'Highland Young Musician of the Year 2009'

The competition is open to all those who are currently members of any of the Highland Regional Music Groups. The competitors come from Thurso High School, Portree High School, Tain Royal Academy, Dingwall Academy and Millburn, Culloden and Charleston Academies.

The winner receives a monetary award and the Richardson Trophy for Musical Excellence - generously gifted by Mr. & Mrs H.C. Richardson. Two additional monetary awards are also awarded by the judges - one for the Runner-up and one for the Most Promising Talent.

The first round of the competition requires one piece from each entrants programme to be performed to the judges in the afternoon and successful competitors will be invited to perform their complete programme in the public final which begins at 7.30pm.

Whilst the judges deliberate at the end of the evening, last years winner, Robin Nelson, cellist from Fortrose Academy, will entertain the audience before receiving his winners quaich as he hands over the beautiful crystal trophy to this years overall winner.

"The competition provides and ideal opportunity for some of our most talented young musicians to compete at an extremely high level." said Norman Bolton, The Highland Council's Music Development Officer. "Entrants this year cover a wide range of ages and instrumental disciplines, with representatives from all over the region. Whilst this is a competition, the atmosphere is positive and supportive. Even if entrants do not make it into the final, the courage they have shown to compete at this level is a credit to their dedication, hard work and support of teachers and parents."

The judges this year are: Dr. Pete Stollery, Head of Music, University of Aberdeen; Jennifer Martin, composer & freelance music educator and Jay Allen, Orchestra & Concerts Director, Scottish Opera.

The competition is generously supported by The Highland Council; The Drumossie Hotel and Friends of Highland Young Musicians.