Six-Year-Old Freya Wins Through at Rotary Young Musician Competition

President Brian May, Adjudicator Chris Groom and six-year-old Freya Chapman

On Sunday 3rd February we held the annual Young Musician of the Year Competition at Malcolm Arnold Academy as part of the national Rotary Young Musician Competition.

Inspirational, six-year-old pianist Freya Chapman, who attends Wootton Primary School, won the junior solo instrument section for the 6-10 years age group.  Adjudicator Chris Groom from Loughborough Endowed Schools said she had a special talent, making the music she played come alive.  The diminutive figure at the piano, performing without music, also stole the hearts of the audience with her performance.

The Rotary Young Musician Competition is home to some of the most talented young instrumentalists and vocalists in the world.  It offers young people the chance to demonstrate their musical skills, whether classical or modern.  Providing a stage for local young talent to shine, the annual event is the first step to the national Grand Final.

Pianist Matthew Timpson, 12, was awarded the intermediate solo instrument place and Eleanor Fox, 17, playing the clarinet was awarded the seniors solo instrument place.  Matthew attends Northampton School for Boys and Eleanor, Northampton High School.

A vocal quartet, by the name of The Treblemakers, made up of girls from Northampton High School and boys from Northampton School for Boys won the senior vocal ensemble place.  Alistair Donaghue, 18; James Coe, 16; Eleanor Fox, 17, and Holly Donaghue, 14, singing in a contemporary style included Coldplay's "Fix You" amongst their programme choice.  Not only sounding good, they looked good with a stylish dress sense. 

The Treblemakers

Next stop for all the category winners will be the Rotary District semi-final to be held on Sunday 24th February at St. Ivo's School, St. Ives.

Our Organiser of the event for a number of years, Chris Mahony, said on the day, "This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for young people to gain experience of performing even at the youngest age, and provides them with the real chance to take their ability to the highest level.