Talented teen musicians raise roof at awards
APAISLEY teenager has narrowly missed out on becoming the first ever Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year.
Yuan Wong, 16, an accordion player who is a pupil at Castlehead High, shared second place in the prestigious competition with Ben Dickinson, 17, a French horn player from Williamwood High in East Renfrewshire.
Juliet Robertson, 14, from Stirlingshire, won first place after a hardfought contest in front of hundreds of people at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday.
Compered by singer and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall, the event included a special welcome from classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Jamie said: “When you say a whole day of young competitors has absolutely flown by then you’ll know that it has been an exhilarating experience. It has been wonderful to hear the range, the variety, the musicality, the very polished performances of these young players from all over the country.”
The Scotland-wide competition is run by The Music Education Partnership Group who work with every school and local authority to support music education and opportunities.
Juliet received £1000 to spend on furthering her musical career and the Maid of Morven trophy, while Yuan and Ben received £250, plus the chance to benefit from coaching sessions with some of the country’s top musicians.
The other finalists – Barmulloch percussionist Akshar Abdullah, 16, who won the Glasgow heat; Zuzanna Kujawa, 14, a flautist from Hamilton; singer Avril McLaughlin, 17, from Gourock; and pianist Thomas Heaney, of Bearsden – all received prizes to help in their music education.