Colfe’s Young Musician of the Year 2021

Xanthe (Y9) and Orlando (Y12) have shared the coveted Colfe’s Young Musician of the Year title against stiff competition from other talented Colfe’s musicians.

 The Young Musician concert was live-streamed on Friday 19 March from the school’s music recital hall via video link to parents, and a small number of socially distanced staff also enjoyed the event in person.

On the night, 12 soloists took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm to wow the judges and the audience.  It was an evening of superb individual performances, reflecting the depth of musical talent throughout the school, with every year group represented. There were two categories for students to showcase their talent and external judge, Robert Saxton, composition tutor and fellow at Worcester College, Oxford, had the difficult job of choosing a winner in each.

Xanthe (Year 9), won the Grades 1-5 category with an energetic and enthusiastic rendition of ‘Misery Business’ by Paramore on electric guitar, while Highly commended was Teya (Y12) for her composition and vocal performance of an original song.

The Grades 6+ category was closely fought, with Orlando (Year 12) securing first place for his expressive singing of Schubert’s ‘An die Musik’, narrowly edging ahead of Martha (Y11), who gave a mature interpretation on piano of Clara Schumann’s ‘Prelude in B flat’.

Benedict Holmes, Director of Music said: “The concert was an emotional event for everyone involved, as we collectively remembered how much we have missed live performances over the last 12 months.”

Congratulations to all the performers who took part, making this a very special evening for parents and staff alike.