YOUNG musicians from across the Vale were celebrated as the curtain came down on Evesham’s Festival of Music for 2017.
The final of the Evesham Young Musician of the Year, sponsored by John Martin’s Charity took place at St. Peter’s Church, Bengeworth.
After introductions from compere Frank Green, music lovers were treated to songs performed by the Avon Singers, under their stewardship of conductor Carole Bayliss.
Five finalists then performed in the junior section as Amber Davis played the piano, Kiaragh Brown sang, Carmen West played the flute, while Joseph Standing Hamish Sanger Davies showcased their talents on the classical guitar and saxophone respectively.
Judges chose Kiaragh Brown for her rendition of ‘A Moment Like This’ and ‘A Thousand Years’ for which she received a trophy and cash prize.
In the second half of the programme six older young people took part in the senior competition.
Joshua Harris played guitar and sung his own composition, Alice Nishigaki played the flute, Thomas Day took to the stage with his violin while Mollie McConnon played clarinet.
Johan Beavis-Berry, Aric Fowler, Tom Haines and Adam Haycock who call themselves The Decorators completed the compeitition with some songs.
The adjudicators were challenged by the quality on offer but eventually crowned Mollie McConnon who played Andante Quassi Allegretto, Circle Dance and Air on a G String as the winner.
Like Kiaragh, Mollie received a cash prize and a trophy to honour her achievements.
The competition brought the curtain down on a successful 2017 festival which featured a debut performances from a gospel choir.
A tea dance and the Schools Together concert once again proved popular and festival committee chairman France Smith thanked those who attended for their support.
“The final concert.featuring the West Midlands Light Orchestra playing “Songs from the Great American Songbook” was very well received.
“Fringe events this year in both the Town Hall and the Methodist Church were appreciated by all the audiences – there is a lot of local talent in and around Evesham.
“The committee will be starting soon to look at dates, venue, performers and generally making plans for the 2019 event.”
