A celebration of musical talent took centre stage at St Michael and All Angels Church in Highworth on 22nd March, as young performers competed in the Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown’s prestigious Young Musician of the Year competition.
The event saw 22 gifted musicians, entered by their schools, deliver outstanding performances across a range of instruments and vocals. The audience was treated to an array of talent, including eight vocalists, seven pianists, two drummers, a bass guitarist, a violinist, and a saxophonist.
Competitors were divided into two categories: Juniors (under 14) and Seniors (aged 14 to 16), with both groups showcasing an exceptional standard of musicianship.
The difficult task of adjudicating fell to Thomas Graff, a highly respected musician and Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music. Currently serving as Musical Director of the Wessex Male Voice Choir, Graff brought a wealth of experience to the role.
The standout moment of the afternoon was the announcement of the Swindon Young Musician of the Year 2025. The prestigious title was awarded to pianist Lourdes Ma from the Deanery Academy in Swindon, who captivated the audience with her mesmerising performance of Haydn’s “Sonata in E-flat Major (3rd movement).”
Lourdes also claimed first place in the Senior category, while the Junior title went to Elizabeth Pope, a pianist from St John’s, who had previously secured the Young Musician award in 2024.
Every participant received a certificate of achievement in recognition of their dedication and skill, while those who placed were awarded music vouchers as an additional accolade.
