Tain Royal Academy Clarinettist takes Highland Young Musicians hopes nationally

Issued by High Life Highland 

A S5 pupil from Tain Royal Academy was awarded the coveted title of Highland Young Musician of the Year 2023 this weekend at an event which took place at the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness.

Megan Fisher wowed both the audiences and perhaps more importantly, the Judges with her varied programme on the clarinet. Her winning performance will now see her representing Highland in the Scottish Young Musician of the Year which is being held later in 2023.

Megan was competing in a field of other competitors that included Angela Nankivell from Dingwall Academy on piano, Jamie Karnphan from Inverness High School on viola and the competition’s runner-up, Violet Matheson from Portree High School who also played piano.

Speaking following the event, High Life Highland’s Head of Music Development, Norman Bolton said, “It was great to see the competition return after a period of absence, and as ever, the standard from our Highland Young Musicians was extremely high.

“The quality of music we heard at the competition is only possible through the absolute hard work and dedication first-and-foremostly by the pupils themselves. However, there is also a lot of people around who support them on their journey from family and friends to our very own High Life Highland music instructors across the various schools in which they teach.”

The judging panel at the event included three well-respected conductors, instructors and musicians in their own rights. The judges were Professor Chris Collins from University of Aberdeen, Willie Artistide-Deighan and Jonathan Gawn from East Lothian Council.

In giving feedback to the performers prior to announcing the winner, Professor Chris Collins said, “The judges have been treated to a real musical journey this afternoon and it is clear that all performers have worked hard, but most importantly enjoy what they do.”

Norman Bolton from High Life Highland concluded, “The Highland Archive Centre is an acoustically beautiful location, with the venue only adding to the incredible music that was played by all our Highland Young Musicians. Although there can only be one winner to become Highland Young Musician, all performers should be immensely proud of participating today, and for the quality of their performances.”

Megan Fisher will represent Highland at the Scottish Young Musician of the Year at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow on 21 May 2023