10 February 2025
Mr Richard Hammond-Hall, Director of Music
At our Woldingham Young Musician of the Year Final on Friday 7 February, students performed a kaleidoscopic programme, with music from Chris Isaak to Haydn, Chopin to Adele, a-tonal Sculthorpe to an original student composition.
Following a first round in which we received and reviewed a terrific array of video entries, our chosen finalists (main photo) performed for a live audience and our guest adjudicator, acclaimed pianist and educator Krystal Tunnicliffe. In every single performance, students showcased their skill, sangfroid, and unique musicianship. The evening was imbued with the camaraderie so enthusiastically embraced by our students, but the competition was fierce! Krystal was impressed by all our finalists and provided each performer with personal feedback before revealing the evening's winners.
This year’s overall winner was Mathilda, Year 9, who wowed the audience with an ingenious and captivating performance of Rumour Has It for voice, piano and loop pedal. The full list of winners and photos of all our fantastic finalists are shown below.
Since the start of term, in preparation for this competition as well as other events and performances, the Millennium Centre has been bustling with musicians from all years, busy practising and rehearsing. On the very first day of term, music scholars and academic musicians took part in an improvisation workshop, where guest practitioner Andrew Quartermain taught and inspired students to conjure up daring and charismatic creations on the spot. By the end of the evening, students had produced numerous new pieces of music, including solos, duets and compositions for much larger ensembles. Improvisation is an invaluable part of any musician’s toolkit and for many of our young musicians this was their first encounter with the concept. All of the students demonstrated courage and curiosity, embracing spontaneity and quelling the apprehension that greets all musicians the first time they improvise.
We also welcomed experienced musician Nicki Hutchins to Woldingham to deliver a woodwind masterclass. Nicki treated us to an inspiring and captivating evening of music making and dialogue, coaching our young flautists, oboists and bassoonists. (It also turned out to be a masterclass in teaching, much to my and Miss Wang’s delight.)
On 21 January, our music scholars competed in the qualifying round of the national Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition, where they showcased the breadth of musical talent we are so lucky to enjoy day in day out in the Music Department. Ensembles performed folksy music by Ruth Moody and nonchalant Brazilian bossa nova alongside virtuosic chamber music by Frank Bridge and Gustav Holst. We’re delighted that two of our ensembles got through to the semi-finals, which will take place in March.
Alongside all this, our musicians have enriched the weekly cycle of collective worship by playing and singing in assemblies, Year Masses, House Masses and the Lower Sixth Day of Reflection.
Thank you to parents and guardians for all the help and support that goes on at home to encourage and empower our young musicians. Thank you also for attending the concerts and events we host - it’s so important for our students to gain experience of performing to live audiences and it is always great to see you.
| Woldingham Young Musician of the Year Cup - Overall Winner | Mathilda U |
| Woldingham Young Musician of the Year – Best Ensemble | Andrea C, Lilico U, Minerva Z |
| Most Promising Musician Shield – Senior | Sasha H |
| Most Promising Musician Shield – Junior | Minerva Z |
| The Elizabeth Cup for Best Vocalist | Maya T and Sophia T |
| The Musgrave Trophy for Best Pianist | Sophia D C |
| Woldingham Young Musician of the Year – Wind Player | Fiona R |
| Woldingham Young Musician of the Year – String Player | Lilico U |
| Woldingham Young Musician of the Year – Organist | Andrea C |
| Woldingham Young Musician of the Year – Percussionist | Megan A |
