Young people

Anglia Ruskin University is filled with sweet tunes of Young Musician 2019 finalists

Anglia Ruskin University is filled with sweet tunes of Young Musician 2019 finalists

Singer Florence Cain and pianist Yazdi Madon hit the right notes in Chelmsford as winners of the Rotary Young Musician Final.

The Rotary Young Musician competition provides a platform for young musical talent to shine.

The Mayor Of Chelmsford, Yvonne Spence, who is also a member of Rotary, opened this year’s national final.

She said: “I have been very proud to be a Rotarian as Mayor of Chelmsford.

“My duties have meant I have seen the full range of our youth activities within the community.

“The National Young Musician Final in Chelmsford was a real highlight of my year as I welcomed competitors their families and supporters from every part of Great Britain.

“Their talent and commitment was so impressive.”

In total, fifteen finalists battled it out all in hope for first place.

After introducing themselves, each participant gave a background to the piece they were performing.

James Devour, judge, said: “They were all excellent and it was a very hard decision.

“I was honoured to have judged this year’s competition.”

The Young Musician competition offers young people experience on stage, an opportunity to showcase their talent and the ability to receive feedback from experienced musicians.

Young Musician finalists with Rotary GBI President Debbie Hodge and District Governor Lesley Sulley.

Organiser Peter Dowse said: “The submissions once again were excellent and of a continuing higher standard.

“Thanks again to districts for endorsing this competition in your area – it is great to see the impact.

“This is my final year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this coordination. It was a pleasure.”

District Governor Lesley Sulley and Rotary GBI President Debbie Hodge spoke to the friends and family of finalists whilst the contestants awaited the judge’s decisions.

All entrants were presented with a certificate and then Debbie handed out the trophies.

For more information, visit the Youth Competitions page of our website.


Vocalist winners

1st – Florence Cain – District 1090 (Thames Valley)

2nd – Euan McDonald – District 1230 (Southern Scotland)

3rd – Rebecca Walker – District 1110 (Wessex)

Instrumentalist winners

1st – Yazdi Madon – District 1260 (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire)

2nd – Oliver Simpson – District 1090 (Thames Valley)

3rd – William Clark – District 1040 (Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire)

Rotary’s youth competitions offer a platform for talents to shine.

Find out more