Highgate Senior School and Sixth Form pupils have taken part in the annual Young Musician of the Year competition, in partnership with London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET).
The much-loved event, organised by Highgate School’s Music department, showcased an evening of outstanding performances, with 13 finalists presenting an exhilarating programme of both classical and contemporary music, from ABBA to Schubert, with one Highgate pupil performing their own compositions.
More than 80 pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 in the Senior School, Sixth Form and LAET entered the competition, taking part in the first round heats across the vocal and instrumental categories. The competition is designed to develop individual skills for high-level performance and supports pupils with classes in practice, stagecraft and combating nerves.
This year’s final was adjudicated by professional musicians Katherine Spencer, the newly appointed principal clarinet of the Handel and Haydn Society and principal of The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Mary King, an operatic and concert mezzo soprano, who has performed with the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. Both gave detailed feedback to each of the participants and had the difficult decision of awarding the top prizes.
Sir John Rutter Young Singer of the Year went to Louna in Y13 for her performances of O del mio dolce ardor by Cristoforo Gluck and Gretchen am Spinnrade by Franz Schubert.
Louna said of her award: “Participating in the competition was an amazing opportunity to practice my performance and communication skills. I feel grateful for the support given by the Music department in preparation, helping me to improve my delivery of both the music and the text I was singing. It was extremely satisfying to have the work I put into both pieces recognised in this way. The judges’ feedback and the performance opportunity have added to my understanding of the music I make.”
The Runners Up in the category were Hannah in Y12 at LAET who sang Monde by Luidgi (accompanied by LAET student Zara) and Bless the Telephone by Labi Siffre (accompanied by LAET student Ben), and Ella in Y10 who chose songs from film soundtracks, Pulled from ‘The Addams Family’ and The Fools Who Dream from ‘La La Land’.
Young Instrumentalist of the Year went to Samson in Y13 on Double Bass, for his performance of Kicho by Astor Piazzolla.
A level Music student Samson added: “It feels rewarding to see so many hours of hard work pay off, especially since every performer in the final was at such a high standard. Alongside academics, music is a key co-curricular interest with school ensembles and outside of school, the Haringey Music Service has helped me since I started the double bass over 10 years ago. Music will always be an important part of my life no matter the path I take. It is so useful for meeting new, like-minded people and is such a fun experience!”
The Runners Up in the category were Chris in Y12 on flute who played Concertino for Flute and Piano, Op.107 by Cecile Chaminade, and Francesca in Y9 on violin played Subito for Violin and Piano by Witold Lutostawski.
Highgate’s Director of Music, Jonathan Murphy concluded: “Many congratulations to the finalists and all pupils who entered. Every year, the Music teachers here at Highgate and LAET are amazed with the talent and hard work shown by these young musicians. Their performances brought so much joy, and we hope each of them feels proud and confident to continue their craft and keep music alive, whatever they decide to do in the future.”
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