Glasgow takes part in their local final for Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year

Glasgow. City Halls. Glasgow heat of Scottish Young Muscians. City Halls, Glasgow, young musicians from across Glasgow took part in their local final for Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year. Today (Thurs 2 Feb) in City Halls, Glasgow, young musicians from across Glasgow took part in their local final for Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year. Scottish Young Musicians is Scotland's leading festival of music competitions, which seeks to find Scotland’s best solo performer and ensemble. Young musicians from around the country compete to win career-enhancing prizes and perform live on a national stage in front of internationally renowned judges. In 2023, local authorities covering 99% of Scotland’s population are taking part, giving opportunities to more young people who would like to compete. Each area will select their best local soloist to compete at the National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 21 May 2023. The competition is open to all young musicians who go to school in Scotland, whatever age or standard. Solo musicians can enter through their school music teachers and the deadline for entries for the 2023 solo competition is 31st March 2023. Scottish Young Musicians was launched by The Music Education Partnership Group in 2021 and aims to have a music competition in every school in the country, and to have as many students participate in the life-skills benefits that this brings. All schools in Glasgow were invited to take part in their local final and 25 out of 30 secondary schools took part. 5 primary schools took part. The winners of the Solo Performer of the Year and Brass Ensemble of the Year will receive a stunning trophy designed and donated by Alexander Stoddart, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland. The aluminium figure depicts the Maid of Morven, a figure from Ossianic poetry that has inspired composers throughout history. Finalists will also have a chance to win amazing career-changing prizes including cash to spend on developing music skills, a hand-crafted trophy, coaching, recording sessions, meet-and-greets with Scotland’s top music institutions and more. Last year’s competitors reported increased confidence, musical skill, and new connections with other young people after taking part in the final, and one finalist even decided to change their career path and is now looking to study Musical Theatre at university after their success in Scottish Young Musicians and the increased confidence it gave them. Music Educators also noticed increased confidence, musical skill and mental wellbeing in their pupils who took part. First place Caleb Reid 16/S5 Hillpark Secondary School Flute Played: Sonata first movement - Poulenc Runner up Shubbe Kabanda 17/year Holyrood Secondary School Classical Guitar Tarantelle – Johann Kasper Mertz Runner Up Name Sasha Lau 17/S6 King’s Park Secondary School Piano Noct