Churchill Music Young Musician Competition

On Monday, we celebrated the 13^th Churchill Music Young Musician of the Year competition - just one example of the valuable partnership between Churchill Music and the Academy.

The audience was treated to a varied programme by eight of the Academy's most promising musicians, with pieces from the classical repertoire by Bach, Brahms, and Mozart performed alongside more contemporary folk and jazz influenced compositions.

The overall winner, accepting the prize for Young Musician of the Year, was Maisie Slingsby. Maisie, who joined Churchill in Year 12, performed two pieces on the flute. First, Movement One from Concerto in A minor by Michel Blavet, followed by Kerry by Hilary Taggart which demonstrated Maisie’s versatility and musicianship..

The Ursual Dornton Vocal Prize - sponsored by the Trinity Singers in memory of the much-missed Churchill Music trustee - was awarded to Naomi Blowers who performed Mozart, Bach, and ‘I could have danced all night’ from My Fair Lady.

John Skeen, who played the piano, won the audience prize voted for by the full house at St. John's Church.

The Raymond Hayter Song Prize was won by Bella Dorrington, whilst the Churchill Music Junior Trophy was awarded to Chloe Phipps for her performance on the clarinet.  The other competitors – Bori Gunyits (Guitar), Molly Johnson (Voice), Mimi Mendl (Violin), and Ella Hutchinson (Cello) - also received awards for their participation in the finals.

Chris Hildrew, Headteacher, commented “I am bursting with pride at the talent, dedication and skill of our young performers tonight, but I am also overwhelmed with gratitude to Churchill Music for the support that they offer to us. Our students have had the opportunity to perform to a wonderful audience, and perhaps equally importantly, to receive feedback from a panel of leading experts in the field of musical performance. It’s these relationships and experiences that have helped grow our music department’s formidable reputation.”