Photograph:Young Singer Oliver Kelham, RIBI President David Fowler and Young Musician Harry Smith.
Saturday 29th May 2010 saw the first, full Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland Young Musician competition in Brentwood Cathedral, Essex.
A top class evening of fine music-making before a large and enthusiastic audience eventually saw Harry Smith, saxophone player from District 1100, emerge as RIBI Young Musician 2010 and Oliver Kelham from District 1200 crowned as the Young Singer.
Hundreds of very talented youngsters entered this year, facing local challenges and regional contests before being whittled down to just 14 hopefuls for the national final.
Harry Smith mesmerised the audience with his performance of Sonata for Alto Saxophone by Phil Woods.
The judges were deeply moved by 16 year old Oliver Kelham’s incredible vocal range as he tackled O Mistress Mine by Roger Quilter, Nachtviolen composed by Schubert and Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth from Elijah by Mendelssohn.
RIBI is committed to creating opportunities for youngsters to hone their talents. Interact and Rotaract clubs provide safe environments and project development. RYLA develops confidence and leadership and there are many exciting competitions every year for youngsters to try their hand at. For more information about Young Rotary, click here .
Thanks go to Peter Dowse and the Rotary Club of Brentwood Breakfast for organising the Rotary Young Musician Final and many congratulations to all those who entered.
