Young Musician and Young Vocalist competitions go digital

Our Young Musician and Young Vocalist competitions went digital this year.

In previous years participants performed in the Chaplaincy Centre at the University of Dundee, but this year, with Covid restrictions in place, pupils were invited to send in video recordings of their recitals instead.

These were judged by former SQA assessor Bill Joss who marked the performances on melodic accuracy/intonation, rhythmic accuracy, tempo and flow, mood and character, tone, and dynamics. He provided positive feedback on over 30 recordings by young musicians from schools across the city.

The winner of the Young Vocalist category, Toluwani Idowu, sang in French, German and Latin! Her musical selection included Automne by Gabriel Faure, Qui Sedes ad Dexteram by Antonio Vivaldi and Seit Ich Ihn Gesehen by Shuman.

Runner up Megan Cant sang Silent Noon by Vaughan Williams, Far from the home I love by Jerry Bock, and I can give you the starlight by Ivor Novello. 

In the Young Musician competition, winner Fraser Smith played a three part Dance Sequence by Garath Wood on the trombone, and runner up Jason Pan played Sonata No. 12 in F Major by Mozart, and Morceaux De Fantaisie Op. 3, No. 1 ‘Elegie’ by Rachmaninoff on piano.

Chair of the Youth and Community Engagement Committee for the Rotary Club of Dundee, Wendy Maltman, said,

“Our young people have missed out on so many opportunities this year, and it was such a shame that we have not been able hear our participants performing live. However, I am looking forward to sharing the videos from these talented musicians at an online event very soon.”

Dundee Rotary Club president Clive Murray congratulated the winners and runners up at the presentation held at The High School of Dundee pillars. He said, 

“We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to run the Young Musician and Young Vocalist competitions this year, albeit in a digital format. 

“The competitions give these talented youngsters a platform to share their musical talents and receive recognition for many hours of dedicated practice required to hone their skills.”

The video performances from Toluwani, Megan, Fraser and Jason were forwarded to a wider Rotary District competition with High School of Dundee pupil Toluwani receiving further recognition as winner in the District Young Vocalist category.