| After an online competition that attracted entries from across the country, East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service Senior String Ensemble have been announced as the 2023 winners of Scottish Young Musicians Ensemble of the Year, which for the first time was open to ensembles playing any genre or grouping of instruments. Ensemble of the Year was open to ensembles of 3 to 12 players of any genre or grouping of instruments where members played together regularly in a formal group from a school or recognised music organisation. All members had to be school students in Scotland but there was no minimum age or standard. One ensemble was selected to represent each local authority, recognised music organisation and Scotland’s independent schools. The chosen entries then submitted videos of their performances to a panel of esteemed adjudicators, made up of John Wallace, Convenor of MEPG, Arlene Macfarlane, Director of Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust, Laura Gardiner, Foundation Director of The Benedetti Foundation, and the award-winning Scottish marimbist and percussionist, Calum Huggan. Thanks to a donation from Dr Ursula Jones OBE, there was also a special prize for one exceptional brass ensemble donated in honour of her late husband Philip Jones CBE, who founded one of the world’s most celebrated brass ensembles, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. This year’s prize was won by Stranraer Brass Ensemble, who won the first ever Scottish Young Musicians Ensemble of the Year in 2022. Both ensembles will now receive a cash prize to further their musical experiences, a Maid of Morven Trophy designed by Alexander Stoddart, The King’s Sculptor in Ordinary and an all-expenses paid trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the Year National Final at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 21st May. In 2023, local authorities covering 99% of Scotland’s population are taking part in Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year, giving opportunities to more young people who would like to compete in Scotland’s only music competition where funding and expertise is offered to every school and Local Authority. The final will be hosted by Jamie MacDougall and prizes and internationally-renowned judges are due to be announced soon. Conductor of Stranraer Brass Ensemble, Angela Miller, said “I am continually amazed by the progress and success of these young musicians. Each rehearsal is filled with hard work, fun and laughter making it a privilege to work with them. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Stranraer Brass Ensemble.” For more information go to www.scottishyoungmusicians.com |
| Irene Brown |
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