Music Competitions 2026

This annual event comprises two separate competitions organised by the club, and is open to young instrumental and vocal students (Year 12 or equivalent) who live or attend school in the North Herts and Stevenage areas.  The event is organised in association with the North Herts Music School and Hertfordshire Music Service

The Peter Lambourne Music Bursary for instrumentalists is sponsored by Penny Brook in memory of her late husband, a past member of Hitchin Priory Rotary Club.  The Sue Cracknell Singing Competition is sponsored by Richard Cracknell of Hitchin Rotary Club to commemorate the work undertaken by his late wife, who was a well-known singer, teacher and performer in the Hitchin area. Prizes for the winner and runner-up in each competition were provided by the sponsors.

The 2026 Competition Concert took place at the Benslow Music Centre on Sunday 25 January 2026.  An enthusiastic audience of Rotary members, contestants' families and friends. the Chairman of North Herts Council and the Stevenage Mayor and her consort were present to be entertained by sx instrumentalists and nine singers from five local schools, all of whom had previously been through a careful selection process.. 

The results, determined by two very experienced judges, who both commented on the high standard of the contestants and the difficulty of reaching their decisions, were:

     Instrumental: First place - Harry Mumford from Hitchin Boys School

                           Second place - Dillon Raja from St Christopher School, Letchworth

     Singing:         First place - Isabel Plunkett from St Christopher School, Letchworth

                           Second place - Jasmine Hogg from St Christopher School, Letchworth

The Club offers congratulations to the winners and all who took part in the concert, and best wishes to them all in any musical career they choose to follow.