Seeking Scottish Young Musicians

Scottish Young Musicians is returning for 2023 to find Scotland’s best solo performer and ensemble. Young musicians from around the country will compete to win big prizes and perform live on a national stage in front of internationally renowned judges. This year more local authorities are taking part to offer young people around Scotland the opportunity to take part in this career-enhancing experience, and the ensemble competition is open to more musicians than ever before in an exciting move forward for Scotland’s leading festival of music competitions.  

The 2023 Ensemble of the Year competition is inviting entries from ensembles playing any grouping of instrument. The online competition is open to ensembles of 3 to 12 players who play together regularly in a formal group from a school or recognised music organisation. Members must be school students in Scotland, but there is no minimum age or standard. One ensemble will be selected to represent each local authority, recognised music organisation, and Scotland's independent schools, and each local authority and group may have their own competitions to select their final entry. 

The chosen video entries will then be submitted for judging by a panel of esteemed adjudicators. The winning ensemble will be awarded the title of Ensemble of the Year and receive a cash prize to further their musical experiences, the Maid of Morven Trophy, designed and donated by Alexander Stoddart, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland, and an all-expenses paid trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the Year National Final on Sunday 21st May at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Thanks to a generous donation from Dr Ursula Jones OBE, there will be a special prize for one exceptional brass ensemble. This prize is donated in honour of her late husband Philip Jones CBE, who founded one of the world’s most celebrated brass ensembles. The deadline for entries is 31st March 2023. 

Last year’s Brass Ensemble competition winners were Stranraer Brass Ensemble, and they wowed at the national final with their performance before being presented with the trophy and cash prize. 

Further information at: www.scottishyoungmusicians.com/competitions/ensemble-of-the-year

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