The national final of Rotary Young Musician, held at Darwen Vale High School in Lancashire, saw performers aged 14-18 from across Great Britain and Ireland take to the stage to show off their musical talents.
Audiences in Darwen were treated to vocal and instrumental performances from 16 youngsters as they competed for the prestigious award. Each performer had 10 minutes to impress the three judges and the standard was exceptionally high.
There were two categories in the competition including solo vocal and solo instrumental, which included pieces on the piano, cello, recorder, saxophone and violin.
In the solo instrumental category 18-year-old Ian Clarke, representing the Isle of Arran Rotary Club, was chosen as the winner after wowing the judges with his recital of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Warrington, 17-year-old Nick Gartland came first in the vocal solo category with his rendition of Bring Him Home and Money O. Both winners received a trophy during a prize giving ceremony and £500 worth of Harrods vouchers
Peter King, President of Rotary GBI, commented: “The talent displayed by these young performers was incredible and the hard work and dedication displayed made them all worthy finalists. I’d like to congratulate Ian and Nick on their win and I’m sure they will have a successful future ahead of them.”
Young Musician, sponsored by Harrods, encourages talented young people to showcase their musical abilities through competing in three stages of the competition before reaching the final.
You can find more information on the Young Musician competition here.
