Nine of Ipswich School’s solo musicians took centre stage last week and wowed us all with their performances in the grand final of the Young Musician of the Year competition.
Over 150 students took part in the competition overall, in heats for beginners, intermediate and advanced performers, over 5 nights of heats. From the advanced competition, the following students were selected to perform in the final: Scarlett H – voice, Basti T – drums, Catherine W – piano, Ellen H – oboe, Colin C – violin, Benedict W – piano, Evelyn C – flute, Logan W – voice and Niamh W – trumpet.
Whilst the adjudication by Stephen Clarke took place, the audience were treated to a performance from last year’s Young Musician winner, Elise L from Year 13. After commenting on each of the performances heard that evening, Mr Clarke awarded the Young Musician of the Year 2024 title to Colin from Year 11.
Mrs Steensma, Director of Music, said: “The audience was treated to a marvellous evening of music from our very talented students. Well done to all of them for the effort they put in to their performances, and to all the students who took part in this year’s music competition. Plus, of course, special congratulations go to Colin for being named as the Young Musician of the Year.”
Interview with Young Musician winner Colin
Colin C from Year 11 is the Ipswich School Young Musician of the Year 2024. We interviewed him about winning the competition and about his advice for future competitors plus we found out about his desert island choices.
How did you feel when you were announced as the winner?
I couldn’t believe it! I felt so lucky winning against all the talented musicians that night as everyone performed so well! At that moment I was so stunned and flabbergasted.
How did you choose the piece which you performed?
My violin teacher suggested the piece, and I fell in love with it instantly. It’s such a magnificent showpiece, as you can see the aggression and passion but at the same time the mellow and sweet melodic lines in Brahms’ music. It’s a Grade 8 piece, which I thought had the perfect level of difficulty for the Advanced Strings Competition. I’m quite glad that I got to perform the piece to an audience of such anticipation.
What did you enjoy most about the competition?
Exchanging thoughts with fellow musicians. The support we gave each other that night was remarkable. It was more like a concert than a competition! Everyone who performed that night was spectacular and I really enjoyed the performances and the variety of music genres and instruments on display that night.
What piece of advice would you give to anyone entering next year’s competition?
Enjoy it as a concert rather than a competition, showcasing your ability. Don’t focus on competing. Perform the piece rather than just playing it, and your music will be able to move the hearts of everyone in the audience. One vital thing that works for me is to perform from memory, removing the physical and psychological barrier between you and the audience.
What piece of music would you take to a desert island with you?
That’s a really hard one. Really really hard. I can never choose between pieces for a favourite. I’ll have to say Beethoven’s Symphony No 7. It has everything in it that makes Beethoven a genius. Honourable mentions are Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 2. But seriously, can I take a whole playlist?
And if you could choose one other musical instrument to play, what would it be and why?
I would love to play the french horn and pick up piano again though, I’m really jealous of people who can just run along the keys and make music. Piano is the best mate of violins, and being able to play both of them would be amazing. French horns can play both the most striking and fierce staccato notes, and the most mellow and sweet legato notes with ease. They are a huge part of Beethoven and other composers’ symphonies and I particularly love horn duets by Tchaikovsky.
