NEARLY 100 young musicians from across East Lothian have battled it out to be crowned East Lothian Council Young Musician of the Year 2024.
The finals of the competition, organised by the local authority’s instrumental music service, took place at St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington on Sunday.
In the end, Knox Academy flautist Leila Maycock won the prestigious title.
Jonathan Gawn, instrumental music service team manager, said: “It was incredible to see our senior ensembles once again performing with such commitment and confidence.
“These ensembles continue to develop in quality and experience and it’s so inspiring to see the young people develop as they continue with their musical learning.
“Thanks to our wonderful audience for coming along to create a very special evening for our young musicians.
“This event is turning into a real highlight in our annual calendar!”
This year, about 90 secondary school aged musicians performed in their local school competitions to qualify to represent their school in the East Lothian Council Young Musician of the Year final.
Each secondary school was invited to nominate two soloists, with 13 incredible soloists performing on the night.
The evening was divided into parts with the first half featuring the Young Musician of the Year soloist competition and the second half the Young Musician of the Year ensemble competition.
Performances in the solo competition ranged from violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, vocalists, guitars, piano, flute, saxophone, marimba and drum kit.
Leila, an S6 pupil at the Haddington secondary school, performed Passacaille Op. 35 by Emmanuel Rhene-Baton.
Adjudicator Maureen Morrison announced Leila as the winner, commenting on her “exceptionally polished performance with superb communication and stage presence.”
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The teenager will now travel to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to represent East Lothian at the Scottish Young Musician of the Year final on May 26.
Two runner-up prizes were also awarded to marimba player Daniel Schmitt (S6), from North Berwick High School, and cellist Hannah Swinney (S6), from Dunbar Grammar School, for their performances.
Haddington Concert Society also offered a prize for the Most Promising Young Musician, which was won by North Berwick High School pupil Will Lucas-Evans (S6).
The second half of the evening saw performances from the East Lothian Council instrumental music service senior percussion, string, woodwind and brass ensembles.
The senior woodwind ensemble performance was awarded first prize on the evening, in the ensemble competition, and a video of their performance will be submitted to the Scottish Young Musician 2024 Ensembles Competition to represent East Lothian in the national ensembles event.
Adjudicator Allan Glen said: “There was an inspiring range of talent on display throughout the evening and it’s incredible to see the range of talents and abilities on display flying the musical flag for East Lothian.”
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