COVID-19 restrictions haven’t stopped the best and brightest young musicians in Teesdale showing off their talents.
Every year across the UK, Rotary’s Young Musician competition attracts hundreds of vocalists and instrumentalists. It is an opportunity for them to perform on stage and receive feedback from judges, as well as offering a chance for future collaboration with fellow musicians.
This year all 21 entries to the Barnard Castle heat of the competition were video performances recorded and performed live and then submitted for judging.
On Saturday, March 6, feedback was given over Zoom, to all competitors by adjudicator Julia Kiggell, head of vocal and instrumental studies at Sevenoaks School.
Certificates and cash prizes were awarded in each category with oboist Evie Brenkley being declared the overall winning instrumentalist and awarded the Patricia Hartness Memorial Trophy. Fellow Barnard Castle School student Lois Falshaw was judged the overall winning vocalist. Both Evie and Lois now move forward to the regional heat of the competition.
Rotarian Colin Dunnighan said: “Each year I’m amazed at the depth of musical talent on our doorstep. I know that all those who have had the privilege of listening to this year’s entries, have been enthralled at the superb musicianship shown by these youngsters. I encourage all talented young musicians to consider entering next year to share their gift of song or mastery of a musical instrument.”
