Streaming live on Tuesday 22 June, the Young Musician of the Year 2021 competition returned to the RGC YouTube channel for an evening of classical and contemporary music.

Each year the College hosts the competition for Senior School pupils to enter and display their musical talents in the S1-S3 and S4-S6 competition categories.

Fourteen pupils entered prior to the competition and after review by an external judge, three finalists were selected to compete in each category at the competition. The remaining six finalists were then judged by two external judges to award winner and runner-up prizes. The results can be viewed below: 

S1-S3 category

• Winner: Leo M (drum kit)

• Runners-up: Harry W (piano) and Kimberley S (violin)

S4-S6 category

• Winner: Scott M (clarinet)

• Runners-up: Caitlin W (violin) and Henry J (piano)

Winners were awarded a trophy and certificate to mark their accomplishment and runners-up also received a certificate to celebrate their achievement.

Mr Haggart, Head of Music said: “The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for musicians, with public performances cancelled and lessons and rehearsals forced to go online. Under these unprecedented circumstances, all the entrants for the Young Musician of the Year 2021 have shown great determination and resilience as well as an excellent level of musical ability.

 “The six finalists all played incredibly well and are a credit to themselves, their teachers and the College. I am very glad I didn't have to choose between them and thank our two external judges for taking on that responsibility.

“Huge congratulations to Leo and Scott, who are very worthy winners. All the finalists fully deserved their place and I am certain that they will go on to great things as they continue their musical journeys.”

A full recording of the competition can be viewed below.