Musician of the Year

Following the end of January’s House Music competition, in early February the 17 category winners across grades 1-4 and 5-8 came together to compete in the Musician of the Year contest.

We were delighted to welcome back to the school Mr Stephen Langridge (OL), Artistic Director of Glyndebourne, to judge the competition’s final, which started with performances in the Junior category. With a mix of styles and a vast range of music, all were congratulated for their musicality and wonderful playing – and the title for grades 1-4 deservedly went to Amaroo (8GMM) for his outstanding, expressive performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera”.

With another set of excellent performances of challenging material, it proved no easier for our judge to select a worthy winner in the Senior category. However, the night belonged to Sammy (U6PWM), who performed twice: first, on oboe with the first movement of Bach’s ‘Sonata in G minor’ and second, singing Howell’s ‘King David’. His confident performances led him to victory – and to be crowned John Lyon Musician of the Year 2023.

At the end of the evening, there was rapturous applause as Amaroo and Sammy took to the stage to be presented with their cups by Mr Langridge and Mr Joe De Mello, after whom the cup is named, and the House Music category winners followed to receive their glass trophies.

Mr Langridge was clearly impressed by the high standard of our young musicians, all of whom received invaluable feedback and encouragement for their continued hard work. As for the audience, we are pleased to say they went away smiling and delighted, having witnessed a real treat! n