Woking Young Musician of the Year

Karen Neville

Chobham, Old Woking, Round and About, Shows & Reviews

Sangeeta Saran invites you to celebrate young talent at the annual competition, February 8th at St John’s Church

The Woking Young Musician of the Year competition is all set to showcase outstanding performers aged 14-20 who are invited to participate at this year’s Woking Music Festival.

Young musicians competing are amongst the best in their field of music with significant achievements on the national stage. Some performing have achieved exceptional grades at their performances at the Woking Music Festival in November 2024. This annual event includes a selection of the best competitors from the festival invited to compete in concert conditions.

The audience will be treated to a delightful musical evening from some of our most talented young musicians some of whom are already performing on the national stage.

The annual competitive Woking Music Festival is a celebration of the musical and literary vitality of Woking and the surrounding area. The festival welcomes people of all ages and abilities, who can derive and give pleasure in participating, whatever their tastes or performing standard.

Founded by Nancy Leigh in 1926 and affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF), the festival is now one of the largest of its kind in the south-east with about 1,000 people taking part each year. Highly respected teachers and performers act as adjudicators, giving valuable advice and guidance to all participants.

Over 90 trophies are competed for in over 200 classes and subjects covered include musicals, jazz, classical music including opera and oratorio, school choirs, bands, speech and drama.

Other awards that will be presented at the event on the 8th include Woking Junior Musician of the Year, Most Promising Young Singer, Most Promising Young Actor, and a Chamber music award.

The adjudicator for the Young Musician of the Year competition will be the prominent Oboe player George Caird. George studied the oboe at the Royal Academy of Music and has worked with many of London’s major orchestras including the London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, City of London Sinfonia and was a member of The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields from 1983 to 1993. George has also been a member of a number of ensembles, notably as a founder-member of The Albion Ensemble, Vega Wind Quintet and Caird Oboe Quartet.

Cash prizes are awarded to the Woking YM winners and a bursary is also awarded to study at a summer school. This year includes participants in the competition who have reached the semifinals of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition.

Visit Woking Music Festival for information on all events, dates and venues. Tickets cost £14 from Woking Music Festival and on the door. Children under 18 free.

Sangeeta Saran invites you to celebrate young talent at the annual competition, February 8th at St John’s Church

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