St Christopher’s School, Bahrain, recently hosted the 2026 edition of the Young Musicians of the Gulf (YMOG) competition, reaffirming its status as one of the region’s most prestigious platforms for musical excellence.
Established in 1998 by St Christopher’s School, YMOG has become a cornerstone of the Gulf’s performing arts calendar, attracting the most talented young performers from across the region.
This year’s competition welcomed around 240 students from 18 schools, representing Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. They competed in advanced-level solo performance, instrumental and vocal ensemble, and composition categories.
Across five days of inspiring performances and adjudication, 25 trophies were awarded to outstanding young musicians.
Kennodh De Silva of The British School Al Khubairat was named the overall winner of YMOG 2026, while Meher Malhotra of St Christopher’s School received the title of Young Composer of the Gulf 2026.
Competing schools represented a wide cross-section of the region’s premier British Schools of the Middle East (BSME), including St Christopher’s School and British School of Bahrain (Bahrain); British International School Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia); Brighton College Dubai, Dubai English Speaking College, North London Collegiate School Dubai, Dubai British School Emirates Hills, Arcadia Global School, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, British School Al Khubairat, Brighton College Abu Dhabi, British International School Abu Dhabi, Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, Brighton College Al Ain, and Sharjah English School (UAE); British School of Kuwait (Kuwait); and Kings College Doha (Qatar).
“It was an absolute privilege to welcome so many outstanding young musicians from across the Gulf,” St Christopher’s School Performing Arts director and event organiser Dennis Haggerty said.
“The level of performance was truly remarkable – many of these students could comfortably grace the stages of major international concert halls,” he added.
“Beyond recognising excellence, YMOG is about fostering connections, encouraging growth and celebrating the bonds that unite our musical community across the Middle East.”
Mr Haggerty commended the dedication of the region’s music educators and praised the exceptional quality of instruction evident in every performance.
“The standard of teaching and musicianship in Gulf schools continues to reach new heights each year,” he added.
“St Christopher’s School extends its gratitude to all participating schools, adjudicators and sponsors for their support in continuing the YMOG tradition and we look forward to witnessing the next generation of talented young performers for YMOG 2027.”
YMOG 2026 awards breakdown:
- British School Al Khubairat – 14 trophies
- St Christopher’s School, Bahrain – 6 trophies
- British School of Kuwait – 3 trophies
- Sharjah English School – 1 trophy
- Dubai College – 1 trophy
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