Young Musicians of the Year 2025

Our annual celebration showcasing the most outstanding talent from the Senior Music Department returned to is Summer Term slot this year, acting as a fitting musical denouement to the session.

The Young Musicians of the Year Final saw the Senior School’s most gifted instrumentalists and vocalists take their moment in the spotlight on Monday 9th June.

Our young musicians competed in a number of categories, with prizes on offer for the most outstanding vocal and instrumental ensembles and soloists. There was also performances on the evening from S3 and S4 performers who have displayed the most outstanding potential.

A prestigious pair of external adjudicators presided over the evening in order to decide on the most outstanding performances in each category; Jane Irwin, internationally renowned soprano and Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Will Conway, an internationally renowned cellist and conductor. They were tasked with the difficult job of deciding which of our outstanding young musicians would receive the top prizes.

Following an evening of memorable performances, the adjudicators shared kind words with our finalists and paid tribute to the teaching staff and tutors who have guided our talented young musicians throughout the session, before announcing the winners of the four prizes.

Mrs Sarah Stuart, Director of Music at the High School, said:

Our Young Musicians of the Year Final 2025 was an outstanding evening of music-making, with performances of the highest calibre. Our two adjudicators, Jane Irwin and Will Conway, spoke highly about our musicians, praising their commitment and the incredible levels of performance each of the finalists displayed. Congratulations to everyone involved on the evening!"
 

Winners & Finalists

Instrumental Solo

Winner of The Fraser MacAulay Award for the Young Instrumentalist of the Year: Rory S (S6) on bagpipes

Alexander Z (S6) on piano

Maya M (S5) on clarsach

Catherine I (S4) on violin
 

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Vocal Solo

Winner of The Nadine Livingston Award for the Young Singer of the Year: Landi W (S5) 

Erin M (S6)

Stella M (S5)

Maya M (S5)
 

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The Peter Douglas Award for the Vocal Ensemble of the Year

Winners: Boys Aloud

Robbie L
Michael M
Harry S
Theo S
Adam W
Oscar W (in absentia) (all S4)
Calum B
Ashley C
Ekam K
Suleman M
Cameron R (all S3)
 

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The Peter Douglas Award for the Instrumental Ensemble of the Year

Winner: Violin Duo

Catherine I (S4) & Elizabeth I (S2)
 

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Award for Outstanding Potential - Vocal

Ibrahim K (S4)

 

Award for Outstanding Potential - Instrumental

Evelyn C (S4) on snare drum

Amitoj B (S3) on tabla

Calum B (S3) on marimba