EVENT DETAILS
YMOG HOST SCHOOL
Mark Leppard Headmaster
Head of Primary Elaine Rawlings
Helen Kerr Director of Music
HOSTED BY The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) YMOG HOST SCHOOL
The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is the Embassy School in the UAE. At the heart of our constitution is our status as a not-for-profit and academically non-selective community school. Our ‘Purpose Statement’ reflects our commitment as a community to inspire our students to create an impactful legacy, both during their time in school and beyond BSAK.
BSAK was founded in 1968 and generously supported by the late President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, through the donation of land and Amiri Decree No 5 of 1971 The School is under the ongoing patronage of the British Ambassador and is sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
We are immensely proud of these historic links, and today our long-standing reputation and heritage continue to shape our ethos, as we celebrate over 50 years of exceeding expectations.
Helen Kerr
We are thrilled to announce that the Young Musician of the Gulf (YMOG) Competition 2025 will be hosted for the first time at BSAK in Abu Dhabi Originally established by St Christopher’s School in 1998 under the auspices of the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), YMOG has evolved into the most prestigious musical competition in the region BSAK is honoured to carry the torch for this event in 2025 and looks forward to showcasing the vibrant musical culture and hospitality of Abu Dhabi.
YMOG is more than a competition; it is a platform for young musicians from across the Gulf to create music, form friendships, and build lifelong memories Our competition transcends the stage, promoting personal and artistic growth, fostering a spirit of camaraderie, and leaving a l ti i t ll h ti i t Director of Music
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday 16 September 2024
Registration Opens
Monday 14 October 2024
Provisional entry numbers submitted to the Organisers.
Monday 4 November 2024
Registration Closes
Monday 18 November 2024
Deadline for Completed Entry Forms, Photos and Documentation.
Monday 9 December 2024
Final Date for Payment and uploaded music scores
Monday 7 January 2025
Finalised Date for Room Sharing Preferences
Monday 13
Flight arrivals and departure times
EVENT DETAILS
Event Particulars
The event commences on Monday 27th January 2025 and concludes with the Grand Final on Thursday 30th January 2025.
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Entry Specifics
Entries will only be accepted from and through schools who are members of BSME.
All communication between the Organisers and participants will be conducted via the participant’s school, not a parent
Every participant must be accompanied by a teacher from their school, not a parent.
The initial Google Entry Form is not a guarantee of entry. The Organisers reserve the right to decline any entry which does not meet the required criteria
Heads of Music are expected to retrieve all fee payments from students who wish to participate and complete a bank transfer to The British School Al Khubairat, BSAK on or before the deadline date – Monday 9th December 2024.
Schools who have not made full payment by the due date will be deemed to have withdrawn from the competition.
In the event of subsequent withdrawal, each person ’ s situation will be dealt with on a case by case basis
EVENT DETAILS
Rules and Regulations
All entrants must be enrolled as a full-time student at a BSME school and will process their entry through that school.
All entrants must be 18 years or under on 31 August 2024.
Entry Procedure
Each school will be responsible for collecting and submitting all participant’s registration documentation.
Each school will be provided with an individual Google Drive shared folder to upload participant’s documents as outlined below:
Participant Entry Form
Participant Passport Copy
Participant Professional School Head Shot in School Uniform Photo Specifics: 300 DPI .png or .jpeg No Passport Photos
Participant Flight and Departure Times
Participant Photo and Social Media Waiver Form
Participant Music Scores for Round One, Round Two, Semi Final and Final ( pdf only
SOLO CATEGORY
Minimum Requirements
Please note that the use of ABRSM/Trinity examination levels are a point of reference
Entrants do not need to have passed any examinations. However, it is recommended that entrants be at or around this level in order to compete on equal terms with their peers.
In the event of entrants offering different instruments from the below list, clarification should be sought from the Organisers.
Piano Grade 7
Flute Grade 7
Cello Grade 7
Violin Grade 7
Vocal Grade 7
Brass Grade 7
Oboe Grade 7
Guitar Grade 7
Clarinet Grade 7
Bassoon Grade 7
Saxophone Grade 7
Recorder Grade 7
Double Bass Grade 7
Viola Grade 7
Orchestra Percussion Grade 7
Initial Rounds
SOLO CATEGORY
All entrants should choose repertoire which reflects the high level of performance expected during this competition. Entrants who wish to improvise may do so provided the stimulus is submitted for the benefit of the judges General criteria of the type used to assess GCSE/GCE performances which feature improvisation will be applied. Categories which may include improvisation include ethnic instruments where improvisation is intrinsic in the nature of the instrument, and any other instrument Backing tracks are not permitted
Initial Heats
● The Instrumental participants will compete against other instrumental competitors from across the musical spectrum.
● The Vocal participants will compete exclusively against other vocalists.
Participants from both the Instrumental and Vocal category will be selected to advance to the Second Round, Semi-Final and Grand Final within their respective categories at the Adjudicator's discretion.
The following table outlines the approximate percentage of entrants from each category who will advance through each round
Dependent upon numbers of entries in the various categories, it is anticipated that the Semi-Final will comprise of: 10/11 Instrumental Soloists; 6/7 Vocal Soloists; 2 Small Ensembles; 2 Small Vocal Ensembles; 2 Vocal Ensembles; and 2 Large Ensembles
* Please note that this is a guide and subject to alteration at the discretion of the adjudicators
Round 1
INSTRUMENTALVOCAL CATEGORY
Round One pieces will be of the performer’s choice and should be one piece lasting no longer than 6 minutes
The Organisers advise that any performance may be terminated if it runs any longer than 6 minutes.
Round 2 Semi-Final
Round Two pieces will be taken from the YMOG Instrumental Test Piece 2025 list that has been selected by the Host School
Entrants selected to advance to the Semi-Final must choose a different piece to that performed in Round One and Round Two. This will be one piece of the performer’s choice and should last no longer than 7 minutes.
The Organisers advise that any performance may be terminated if it runs any longer than 7 minutes
Final
Entrants selected to advance to the Grand Final may include any works previously performed in the Competition or choose new repertoire. Grand Final repertoire should consist of at least two contrasting works. Grand Final repertoire should last for a total of up to 12 minutes.
The Organisers advise that any performance may be terminated if it runs any longer than 12 minutes
MUSIC SELECTION
Test Pieces
The Organisers have decided that the repertoire that will be performed during Round Two of the BSME Young Musicians of the Gulf 2025 will be test pieces.
The selected piece for each instrument and vocal section can be found below.
Instrument
Alto Saxophone
Bass Trombone
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Cornet/Flugelhorn
Descant Recorder
Double Bass
Eb Horn
Euphonium
Test Piece 2025
‘Grace’, 1st Movt, Light of Sothis; Amy Quate
Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso; Trombone and Piano; Jean Baptiste Senaillé
‘Eo Rossa’, 3rd Movt, Five Sacred Trees; John Williams
‘Lieder ohne Worte’, (Song without words) op. 109 in D major; Felix Mendelssohn
Elegie, BV 286; Furruccio Busoni
‘Rondo Burlesca’; Concertino for Flugel Horn and Brass Band; William Himes
The Kid from Venezuela; Peter Rose
2nd movt; A Little Concerto for Double Bass; Jacob Largo
‘A Time for Peace’; Essence of time; Peter Graham
Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso; Euphonium and Piano; Jean Baptiste Senaillé
MUSIC SELECTION
Test Pieces
Instrument
Test Piece 2025
Flute Moonlit Blue, Blaž Pucihar
French Horn
Guitar
Canto Serioso for Horn and Piano; Carl Neilsen
Un Dia de Noviembre; Leo Brouwer
Oboe Elegia; Nino Rota
Piano Nocturne, No.20 in C-Sharp Minor, Frédéric Chopin
Tenor Saxophone Laguna Madre (With printed Cadenza); Amy Quate
Treble Recorder Concerto; RV 444, Largo; Vivaldi
Trombone Adam-Blues for Trombone and Piano; Joseph Horovitz
Trumpet
Badinage; Eugène Bozza
Tuba Concerto for Tuba; Andante Sostenuto; Alexander Arutiunian
Tuned Percussion ‘Asturias’; Suite Española; Isaac Albéniz
Untuned Percussion Up Sticks; Clive Malabar
Viola 1st Movt; Märchenbilder, Op. 113; Robert Schumann
Violin 1st Movt; Sonata in E Minor, K. 304; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
ENSEMBLE CATEGORY
The Ensemble category consists of 4 individual categories:
Small Ensemble
Up to 9 performers , plus a student conductor and/or an accompanist
Large Ensemble
10 or more performers plus a student/adult conductor (if required)
Small Vocal Ensemble
Between 2 and 9 singers, plus a student conductor and/or an accompanist
*Please note if there are 4 entries or less, then the Small Vocal Ensembles will be judged in the Small Ensemble category
Large Vocal Ensemble
10 or more singers plus a piano accompanist and conductor (student or adult). If an ensemble includes both vocalists and instrumentalists, they will compete in this category
Repertoire must reflect the spirit and merit of the event. For this reason, all instruments being played in an Ensemble should be acoustic.
However, for example, a Jazz Ensemble requires amplified or electronic instruments, then a maximum of two will be accepted (please inform the organisers beforehand) Ensemble performances which utilise improvisation are required to be supported with an explanation of the stimulus for that improvisation
The Small Ensemble category does not include Rock or Pop Bands.
Each ensemble performance should last no longer than 8 minutes. This should be one piece only
*Please note - The Organisers advise that any performance may be terminated if it runs any longer than 8 minutes.
ENSEMBLE CATEGORY
*Please note that any performance entries that require the use of 2 pianos will not be accepted
** Any additional folk or world acoustic instruments used in non traditional ways may be considered.**
The format of the Ensemble competition will be as follows:
Initial Round Semi Final Final
Small Ensemble All Entrants 2 Ensembles 1 Ensemble
Large Ensemble All Entrants 2 Ensembles 1 Ensemble
Small Vocal Ensemble All Entrants 2 Ensembles 1 Ensemble
Large Vocal Ensemble All Entrants 2 Ensembles 1 Ensemble
Those Ensembles selected to advance to the Final will be the winners of their Ensemble category.
In the Final, they will compete to win the Overall Ensemble Award in the competition.
Compositions COMPOSITION CATEGORY
Entrants are required to submit one piece of original music that they have composed in any style (minimum duration 2 minutes)
Entrants are required to be enrolled in either the Soloist or Ensemble Category.
Entrants to submit their work to the Organisers no later than Thursday 9th January 2024.
*Please note - The submission should include both an audio recording and PDF of either a notated score or a detailed lead sheet in the case of DAW, realised compositions
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY 2024
Compositions will be judged on:
Technical control of the elements
Development of ideas within a clear structural framework
Creative and imaginative use of musical ideas as well as a sense of style and fluency
Entrants may also wish to include a detailed preface or brief, outlining their intentions, clarifying any directions within their score.
AWARDS
Young Musician of the Gulf 2025 Winner (Trophy and Shield)
Young Musician of the Gulf 2025 Runner Up
Knights Bequest (Most Promising Musician under 15 years of age)
Young Musician of the Gulf Overall Ensemble Winner 2025
Large Ensemble Award
Small Ensemble Award
Large Vocal Ensemble Award
Small Vocal Ensemble Award
Finalist Award
Piano Award
Brass Award
Woodwind Award
Bowed String Award
Plucked String Award
Female Vocalist
Male Vocalist
Percussion Award
Composition Award
Owerkowicz Bequest’ (Best Bahrain Based Musician)
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2025
ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS, VOCALISTS AND STAFF
*TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
14:00
EVENT OUTLINE
International Flight Arrives Begin
Transportation provided from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dusit Thani Hotel
Students and Teachers Check in
Use of Hotel Amenities
Dinner Provided * if Hotel Package Purchased
SOLO CATEGORY INSTRUMENTALISTS & VOCALISTS - ROUND 1
*TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
08:30 09:00 09:15 11:15 11:30 13:00 14:00 16:00 16:15 17:30 18:00 18:15 18:30
Arrival at BSAK School - Auditorium
Welcome and Introduction
Round 1 Begins
Solo-Instrumentalists & Vocalists - Theatre
Solo Pianists - Primary Hall
Morning Break
Round 1 Continues
LUNCH
Round 1 Continues
Afternoon Break
Round 1 Continues
End of Round 1
Announcement of Qualifying Round Instrumentalist - Soloists
Transportation to Hotel
Dinner served at Hotel
TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY 2025
SOLO CATEGORY
INSTRUMENTALISTS & VOCALISTS - ROUND 2
*TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 08:15 09:00 11:15 11:30 13:30 14:00 16:00 16:15 17:30 18:00 18:15 19:00
Arrival at BSAK School
Round 2 Begins
Solo-Instrumentalists - Primary Hall
Solo - Vocalists - Theatre
Morning Break
Round 2 Continues
Solo-Instrumentalists - Primary Hall
Solo - Vocalists - Theatre
LUNCH
Round 2 Continues
Afternoon Break
Round 2 Continues
End of Round 2
Announcement of Qualifying Semi F Instrumentalist - Soloists
Transportation to Hotel
Gala Dinner served at Hotel
WEDNESDAY
ENSEMBLE CATEGORY
SEMI FINAL - INSTRUMENTALISTS & VOCALISTS
*TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Arrival at BSAK School
08:15 09:00 11:15 11:30 13:00 14:00 16:00 16:15 16:30 17:30 18:00 19:00
Large Ensemble Category Commences
Large Ensemble and Large Vocal Ensemble
Morning Break
Large Ensemble Competition Continues
LUNCH
Small Ensemble Catergory
Small Vocal Ensemble and Small Ensemble
End of Ensemble Competition
Transportation to Hotel Announcement of Qualifying Competitors
Short Rehearsal for Semi Final
Dinner Served at Hotel
Semi Final at Dusit Thani Hotel
THURSDAY 30TH
GRAND FINAL
*TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Breakfast - Dusit Thani Hotel
Lunch Provided *if Hotel Package Purchased 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:30 14:00 19:00
Combined Orchestral & Vocal Item
All Instrumental and Vocal Competitors
Adjudicator Workshops
Finalist Soloists, Ensembles and Vocal Ensembles
Grand Final Sound Check and Rehearsals
Entry Package Fee Hotel Package
PACKAGE DETAILS
HOTEL PACKAGE DETAILS
5 nights stay at 5-Star Hotel - Dusit Thani
Access to hotel amenities
Daily breakfast
Buffet style Dinner
Transportation Costs
ENTRY PACKAGE DETAILS
Morning and afternoon snacks and drinks
Daily lunch
Gala Dinner
Administration Costs
Adjudicators Fees
Professional Masterclasses conducted by our Overseas Adjudicators
Entrance Into the Semi Final and Grand Final Evenings
*ALL FLIGHTS AND VISA COSTS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Bank Transfer Details PAYMENT
We look forward to welcoming colleagues and competitors from the British Schools of the Middle East to this prestigious event
To register your school’s initial interest, please see the link here
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
+971 2 2040200 Music Department Ext 435
YMOG2025@britishschool sch ae
Britishschool sch ae / YMOG 2025
The British School - Al Khubairat - Al Mushrif - W24-02Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
