Highland Young Musician of the Year

Five young finalists from Thurso, Fortrose, Nairn and Tain will be competing next week for the title of Highland Young Musician of the Year.

Each of the talented musicians will perform solo for 20 minutes in front of an audience and a judging panel at the Drumossie Hotel on Monday 16 June.  While Professor Pete Stollery, Head of Music at Aberdeen University, Jennifer Martin BBC Education Manager with Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Alison Lawrance, Principal cellist with the Scottish Ensemble are deliberating, last years winner, Graham MacKenzie, a 5th year pupil at Culloden Academy will play the violin.  He will then be invited to present the trophy to the 2008 winner.

All of the finalists currently perform in Highland Regional music groups. They are; clarinet player Erica Sinclair (16) from Thurso High School, two cellists from Fortrose Academy, Stephen Laidlaw (18) and Robin Nelson (16), pianist Bethany King (13) from Nairn Academy and Alister More (16) from Tain Royal Academy who will be playing the trombone.

The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said:  “This is only the second year of the competition but it has already established itself as a prestigious event, attracting the very best home grown talent.  It will be a very enjoyable evening so anyone interested in hearing the young musicians is welcome to come along.  I would like to thank the esteemed judging panel for agreeing to carry out the hard task of selecting the winner from 5 highly professional musicians.  I would also live to thank the Drumossie Hotel for their support.”

The competition starts at 7.30pm and tickets are still available and can be booked by contacting Angeline Walker on 01349 868271.