‘An impressive range of musical talents’ – Recap of the ISA Young Musician Finals 2023

The finals of the ISA Young Musician Competition 2023 were held at Warwick Arts Centre on 8 February 2023. 39 students from schools across the country performed in three age categories (KS2, KS3, and KS4-5), and displayed an impressive range of musical talents in a variety of styles.

It was a delight to listen to the wide selection of repertoire chosen by the contestants, from dramatic classical piano scores to samba, folk, jazz and even film soundtracks. Over half the contestants were pianists, with other instruments including the flute, violin, clarinet, drums, xylophone and marimba also taking centre stage.

Millie from Loreto Prep School was awarded first place in the Junior category for her playing of Improvisations for Harp by William Mathias. From St David’s College, Oliver won the Middle category with his rendition of Mark Summer’s Julie-O on cello. To finish the day, Isaac took home Senior first place for Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate with his highly skilled performance of Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu.

Our judges were conductor and musician Christopher Hoggarth, and former Director of Music at Warwick School, Simon Hogg. They were very impressed by the high standard of performance shown by competitors, and awarded several highly commended medals and judges’ awards. They reiterated how difficult it was to choose the winners, and on the exciting potential the students showed for the future.

Well done to everyone who took part in the ISA Young Musician Competition, and congratulations to the award winners:

Junior category

First Place: Millie H, Loreto Preparatory School
Second Place: Benjamin J, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Highly Commended: Summer S, Holland House School

Judges’ Award: Kitty A, Seaton House School
Award for Exciting Potential: Elizabeth X, Bournemouth Collegiate Prep School

Middle category

First Place: Oliver P, St David’s College
Second Place: James S, Lichfield Cathedral School
Highly Commended: Anna S, St Michael’s School

Judges’ Award: Henry M, Ditcham Park School

Senior category

First Place: Isaac T, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Second Place: Asher A, Huddersfield Grammar School
Highly Commended: Christian A, Worksop College

Judges’ Award: Priscilla H, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Judges’ Award: Henry L, New Hall School

If you would like to know more about the competition please visit the ISA Young Musician Competition page on our website, or contact us [email protected].