This week, eight students competed in the semi-final of the Trinity Musician of the Year competition. It was an ‘unforgettable celebration of talent, artistry, and the extraordinary efforts of our young musicians.’
During the Recital Class, the audience was treated to performances of such quality and depth that they sat in rapt silence—a rare and remarkable feat! As the adjudicator, Tim Redmond, so aptly put it, “Your performances were utterly compelling—truly compelling.”
The students involved are our most talented musicians, having won the sectional competitions, with the addition of three wild-card entries. They were tasked with curating 20 minutes of repertoire designed to challenge and showcase their abilities while keeping the audience enthralled. Whether selecting and refining a pianist’s expansive repertoire, crafting a vocalist’s or wind player’s programme to highlight their strengths, or showcasing the intricate artistry of string performance, every student rose to the occasion with creativity and poise.
The adjudicator praised their success in crafting performances that told compelling stories. He said, “There were moments where the virtuosity melted away, and all we heard was the music itself, like the fluttering of wings. It was beautiful.” Their ability to weave narratives through their music is a testament not only to their talent but to their dedication and passion.
After much deliberation, three students were chosen to progress to the concerto final: Tom (cello), Ben (piano), and Brayden (alto saxophone). They will now prepare to perform concerto movements alongside a combined orchestra of the London Mozart Players and our own musicians in the Trinity Musician of the Year final.
In addition to the three finalists being selected, Gabriel (trumpet/flugelhorn) was highly commended for his exceptional playing.
In reflecting on the evening, the adjudicator shared a sentiment that encapsulated the significance of the event, “We are constantly cautioned about the state of education and the future of the arts and music. After what we’ve seen tonight, I’ve got to say: the future feels fairly safe.”
Thank you for reminding us of the power of music to inspire, connect, and elevate. To Tom, Ben, and Brayden, we eagerly anticipate the concerto final, where we are certain you will once again astonish us with your performances.
…
With thanks to the Music Department for this report.
Scroll right to see more stories
