On Sunday, March 3, at St Joseph’s College in Reading, an audience was captivated by the inspirational performances of young instrumentalists and vocalists in the 2019 Rotary Young Musician competition.
Supported by the Rotary Clubs of Loddon Vale and Reading Maiden Erlegh, this annual event was the first stage in the Young Musician competition which progresses through district and regional competitions, culminating in a national final.
The seven instrumentalists impressed the audience with their performances on clarinet, piano and cello, the seven vocalists all sang beautifully with a range of songs from classical and modern composers.
All performances were judged separately in the instrumental and vocal groups by a team of three musical experts, Chris Walker, Gillian Fullbrook and Louise Rapple Moore.
Before announcing the winners in each group, the chairman of judges, Chris Walker, gave some advice to the musicians on how to enhance their performances. He covered aspects such as positioning and posture, emotion and engagement with the audience.
The Chairman of the Judges announced the winners and runners up in both categories.
In the instrumental competition the winner was Oliver Simpson
on the cello who played pieces by Faure and Shostakovich.
The winner of the vocalist section was Florence Cain.
Florence sang pieces by Mozart, Quilter and Noel Coward.
Sarah Shears, President of Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh and Bill Soane, President of Rotary Club of Loddon Vale presented certificates to each participant and prizes to the winners.
The winners and runners-up will go on to compete in the Thames Valley Rotary District Final, which will take place on Sunday, at St Joseph’s College.
The successful performers at that stage will go forward to the South East Regional Final on Sunday, April 7, at St Hilary’s School, Holloway Hill, Godalming. The National final will be held on Sunday, May 4, at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus, Chelmsford.
Pat Holloway
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