The annual Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year competition gives opportunities to more young people across Scotland to compete. Each area has selected their best local soloist to compete at the National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 21st May 2023.
Several big names in the world of Scottish music are offering career aiding prizes to the winner such as:
Scottish Opera – the best vocalist and runner up vocalist a day with the company, including a special tour of the rehearsal and production facilities and the chance to meet some of the artists, and support staff who help present SO’s productions.
Royal Scottish National Orchestra – the prize of a bespoke experience that includes a meeting with CEO, Alastair Mackie, and player of the prize-winner’s choice. This prize also includes attending a rehearsal and a pair of concert tickets.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra – a bespoke experience including time to meet with CEO Gavin Reid; a meeting with a player of choice; the opportunity to attend a rehearsal and a pair of concert tickets.
The Dunedin Consort – concert tickets, an invitation to attend a rehearsal and some one-to-one time with a player.
Scottish Ensemble – a competitor the opportunity to attend a rehearsal; get 2 tickets for a performance and the chance to meet Scottish Ensemble staff and/or performers.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – offers a winner a bespoke day that will include a private lesson, a professional studio recording, along with other special events.
The Cumnock Tryst – a finalist gets the opportunity to perform a solo recital in its year-round programme in 2024-25.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – the winner a coaching session with the relevant head of department, participation in a masterclass, and a studio recording session. Two runners-up will get a coaching session with the relevant heads of department and participation in a masterclass.
Add to this prestigious list, Milngavie music store Haydock Music and two of the UK’s leading musical instrument retailers, Band Supplies and The Wind Section, are all offering voucher prizes for some of the finalists while Stringers of Edinburgh, is offering the prize of a BAM Case for the most promising in the competition
The Corner Shop PR agency is offering half a day of media and social media training.
The overall winner of the national competition will also receive a sculpture by Alexander Stoddart, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary, of the Maid of Morven playing the Clarsach. The lucky winner will also get £1,000 to be spent on activities or items to further their musical career. Two runners up will receive a prize of £250 for the same purpose.
Ursula Jones OBE has donated £250 to the most promising solo brass player, to be spent on music related activities and will also present the Brass Ensemble of the Year trophy and cash prize to Stranraer Brass.
Scottish Young Musicians Ensemble of the Year winners, East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service Senior String Ensemble, will also be presented with their cash prize and trophy.
The judging panel will be chaired by RCS Head of Brass, John Logan who will be joined by composer and performer Sarah Ayoub, soprano Judith Howarth, RCS Head of Woodwind, Heather Nicol and Ross Leighton of Fatherson.
2022 Winner Juliet Robertson said “Winning the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year was incredible and led on to so many amazing opportunities including being on Penny Smith’s show on Scala Radio, visiting 10 Downing Street for Burns Night, playing in several concerts and I am attending an international piano summer school soon. It has been an absolutely incredible journey and a life-changing experience. The finals day was great and inspiring so I really hope that all of this year’s performers enjoy it too!”
The final will be presented by singer and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall, who will meet with performers backstage beforehand and feature a special video welcome by international classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.
For more information, please visit www.scottishyoungmusicians.com
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 