MORE than 120 aspiring musicians are tuning up for a major regional competition that starts in Bahrain today.
The 21st edition of the four-day annual British School of the Middle East’s (BSME) Young Musicians of the Gulf (YMOG) is being hosted by St Christopher’s School until Thursday.
The preliminary rounds of the competition, which features instrumentalists and vocalists from 13 schools in the region, will be held at the school’s campus in Isa Town.
Participating schools are Al Yasmina Academy, Brighton College of Abu Dhabi, British School Al Khubairat, British School of Kuwait, British School of Bahrain, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Dubai College, English School Fahaheel in Kuwait, Sharjah English School, GEMS Wellington International School, Jumeirah College, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, and the St Christopher’s School.
St Christopher’s School music administrator Tom Lisett told the GDN that the event was the premier music competition for all BSME schools across the Gulf region.
He revealed that 66 students are competing from overseas, while 56 will be from Bahrain.
“This competition promotes Bahrain as a centre of excellence for music,” he said.
“This year we are delighted to welcome more than 120 competitors from 13 schools.
“YMOG presents a fantastic opportunity for all of these students to meet other like-minded musicians, and many friendships have blossomed over the years.
“It is a truly inspiring event which maintains an unbelievably positive and energetic atmosphere throughout the week.
“This event is the culmination of months and months of hard work and rehearsals. The dedication and work ethic of the students is to be applauded; they have worked tirelessly towards this competition,” said Mr Lisett.
This year, the competition is divided into the following categories: percussion, small ensembles, vocal ensembles, large ensembles, bowed strings, plucked strings, male vocal, female vocal, brass, woodwind and piano.
The youngest competitor is aged 11 while the eldest is 18.
The event, originally conceived in 1998, has since become the most prestigious and high-profile competition for students of BSME schools in the region.
All the budding musicians also have an opportunity to attend master classes led by the adjudicators in the lead-up to the grand finale.
This year, the adjudicators will be Rowan Cozens, a performing pianist and teacher; Ian Mullin, an accomplished flute player; and Emily Dickens, an internationally established soprano and choral director.
Winners
Prizes will be awarded to the overall ensemble winners besides the Young Musician of the Gulf winner and runner-up.
Round one of the competition begins at St Christopher’s Senior School in Isa Town at 10am today while the semi-final of the competition will be held at St Christopher’s School camps in Saar at 5pm on Wednesday and the grand finale at Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa at 7pm on Thursday.
Tickets for both the events can be obtained from reception at the school’s campuses Isa Town and Saar.
For more information, contact 17605000.
ghazi@gdn.com.bh
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