Talented pianist wins place at Scotland-wide Royal Conservatoire contest
An Ardnamurchan High School pupil has won the coveted title of Highland Young Musician of the Year 2024 title - and an accompanying place at a prestigious national contest.
Fin Young took the prize at the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness last Sunday after impressing the audience and judges with his varied programme on the piano.
He will now represent the Highland region at the Scottish Young Musician of the Year Competition, which is being held in May at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.
Fin was up against talented musicians, including Emlyn Jones from Inverness on violin, Andrew Thornton from Dingwall Academy on trombone, Zoe Allen from Kingussie High School on violin and piano, Tacita Angell from Ullapool High on piano, and Elsie Hutchison from Inverness Royal Academy on trombone.
Sam Jones from Inverness on violin and Beth Hutchison from Inverness Royal Academy on trumpet took the two runner-up spots.
High Life Highland’s head of music development, Norman Bolton, said: “The event was a real celebration of some of the best young musicians from across Highland. Without exception, they all played to an extremely high standard.
“The quality of music we heard at the competition is only made possible through the hard work and commitment first and foremostly from the pupils themselves.
“However, there are also a lot of people around who support them on their journey, from family and friends, private tutors and our very own High Life Highland music instructors."
The judging panel at the event included three well-respected music professionals - Pauline Black from the University of Aberdeen; Anna Massie, musician, presenter and producer; and Alexander Davidson, head of instrumental music and performance at Moray Council.
Ms Massie added: “The judges had the pleasure of experiencing a range of top-quality performance and it is clear that the performers worked tirelessly, making the most of the teaching received and support given."
High Life Highland is a registered Scottish charity which aims to promote music across the region.
Mr Bolton added: “The Highland Archive Centre proved a wonderful location, with the venue only adding to the incredible music that was played on the day.
“Although there could only be one winner, all competitors can be exceptionally proud of the high quality of their performances."
Fin goes forward to the finals at the conservatoire on May 19.
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