Young Musician of the Year

Last week the corridors of Castle were filled with the sound of music as we celebrated our annual Young Musician of the Year Festival.

This is an opportunity for pupils across the Schools- from Heatherton and Prep all the way to Sixth- to showcase their musical talent, experience playing in front of audiences and be inspired by others. Along the way, they received valuable guidance on performance, technique and interpretation from expert adjudicators and professionals.

The week began with an Orchestral Workshop, led by Mr Noithip, Head of Solo Music. Young musicians from across the Prep school, Heatherton, Gayhurst, York House and our younger year groups were mentored by more senior musicians during a rehearsal session. Here, they tackled challenging orchestral pieces from scratch. In introducing the performances, Mr Noithip said,

‘The key aim is to have fun whilst we challenge ourselves to play pieces we haven’t seen before. So, if you miss something out, if you can’t play one note, let’s not worry about that this afternoon!’

The orchestra ended the night with a showcase of three tunes for parents: Soul Bossa Nova, the Avengers theme and Radetsky March. These were masterfully played- especially considering the orchestra had only been practising for just over an hour!

On Tuesday came the Competitive Rounds to decide who would be featured in Friday’s Competitive Finals. Over 40 pupils took part in these rounds across two categories, Young Performer of the Year (Year 7-9) and Young Musician of the Year (Year 10-13). Every performer was commended for their incredible confidence, technical ability and a passion for their music.

Wednesday and Thursday were dedicated to Festival Concert performances, providing over 70 pupils with the opportunity to play in front of a supportive audience. Pupils played a wide variety of beautiful pieces, ranging from tuneful renditions of famous showtunes to more technically demanding works.

Friday’s Competitive Final was hotly anticipated, and the quality of the Competitive Rounds meant that the finalist cohorts were the largest the competition had ever seen. All three Finals were adjudicated by Steven Joyce, conductor of major Orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and European Union Youth Orchestra.

First to perform were finalists of the Young Instrumentalist of the Year, for performers in Year 6 and below. Alice W from Heatherton School won the overall prize, with her moving performance of Someday on the cello. Adjudicator’s Awards were also presented to Tabitha L, Poppy K and Ted G.

The 2025 Young Performer of the Year was jointly awarded to Bertie A, who performed India by Bonamassa on the electric guitar, and Emmy L, for her lyrical playing of Il Porco Rosso by Hisaishi on the piano. Adjudicator’s Awards were presented to Micah L and Clara I-R.

The 2025 Overall Winners of the Young Musician of the Year Award were Bea M, who performed the iconic Bruch’s Concerto No. 1 (1^st Mvt) on the violin, and Emma B, who performed Marcello’s Concerto in D Minor (2^nd Mvt) on the oboe. Their skilful and emotive play impressed our adjudicator.

Adjudicator’s awards also went to Gibran P for his performance of Merry Go Round of Life on the piano, and Justin J, who performed Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata (3^rd Mvt) with real understanding and authority on the piano.

Our adjudicator commented that ’It was wonderful to see so many taking part in the event, and with such varied instrumentation and repertoire. The performances, through all ages and abilities, were all very accomplished and confident, and a testament to a strong music department and support staff.  Congratulations again to the overall winners Bea and Emma for their excellent contributions.’

The breadth and depth of musical talent across the Berkhamsted Schools family was showcased in spectacular effect at these events last week. Well done to all of the pupils who were involved, whether honing their skills at Orchestral workshops or learning to perform at competition rounds. A special thank you also goes to the tireless work of the Music department in organising and cultivating such a valuable series of events.

Full list of Finalists for Young Musician of the Year, Young Performer of the Year and Young Instrumentalist of the Year:

Young Musician of the Year Finalists

Maya K (piano): Debussy: Clair de Lune

Charlie M (trumpet): Abreu (arr. John Iveson): Tico Tico

Benjamin E (piano): Liszt: Libestraum 2

Lewis G (drums): Rush: Tom Sawyer

Gibran P (piano): Hisaishi: Merry Go Round of Life

Bea M (violin): Bruch: Concerto No 1 (1^st Mvt)

Alexandra G (piano): Debussy: La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin

Emma B (oboe): Marcello: Concerto in D Minor (2^nd Mvt)

Justin J (piano): Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata (3^rd Mvt)

Winners: Bea M and Emma B

Adjudicator’s Awards: Gibran P and Justin J

Young Performer of the Year Finalists

Josie W (piano): Norton: New Kid

Albert S (trombone): Greenwood: Acrobat

Bertie A (electric guitar): Bonamassa: India

Clara I-R (piano): Albeniz: Rumores de la Caleta (No 6, Op 71)

Ella K (alto sax): Milhaud: Brazileira

Emmy L (piano): Hisaishi: Il Porco Rosso

Micah L (classical guitar): Arcas: Bolero

Arthur M (alto sax): Norton: Black Sheep of the Family

Winners: Bertie A and Emmy L

Adjudicator’s Awards: Micah L and Clara I-R

Young Instrumentalist of the Year Finalists

Zachary S (piano): Kimura: Always With Me

Logan R (trombone): Norman: James Bond Theme

Olivia H (flute): Grieg: Morning

Ted G (piano): Price: They’re Getting Away

Alys W (violin): Howard: Fly Me to the Moon

Penelope R-M (clarinet): Tchaikovsky: Flight of the Swans

Tabitha L (piano): Cimarosa: Sonata

Poppy K (flute): Danglas: Menuet

Alice W (cello): Someday

Logan R (piano): Fuchs: The Proud Horseman

Sophie H (flute): Wedgewood: Catwalk

Ted G (french horn): Goodwin: 533 Squadron

Winner: Alice W

Adjudicator’s Awards: Tabitha L, Poppy K and Ted G