Bahrain: Twelve-year-old Anna Graham won this year’s annual BSME Young Musicians of the Gulf competition last night.
The pianist from the British School of Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi, beat five musicians in the grand finale which was held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa Hotel, where she was presented with a trophy by British Ambassador Simon Martin.
Isabel Snaas, 17, from Dubai College was named runner-up of the 17th British Schools of the Middle East’s competition hosted by St Christopher’s School and received an award from US Ambassador William Roebuck.
The grand finale featured an exceptional showcase of musical pieces by three ensembles and six soloists, aged between eight to 18 years.
McLachlan Ensemble from Sharjah English School was named the overall ensembleand the vocal ensemble awards winner.
Piano, Violin and Cello Trio from St Christopher’s School (Bahrain) won the duet and trio ensemble award, while La Camerata from the British School Kuwait won the large ensemble award.
The young composer award went to Zahid Siddiqui from Dubai College, while Thea Toutoungy from St Christopher’s School (Bahrain) won the Owerkowicz Bequest award, which is presented to the most promising Bahrain-based musician.
Ben Brandreth from St Christopher’s School (Bahrain) won the Knights Bequest, awarded to the most promising musician below 16 years.
The piano award went to Hai Wei Li from the British School Kuwait and the woodwind award was presented to Mian Shahmir Samee from Dubai College.
The brass award went to Zoe Lascelles Lloyd from St Christopher’s School (Bahrain), while Zahid Siddiqui from Dubai College won the male vocal award and Ms Snaas won the female vocal award.
The bowed string award went to Sara Morris of the British School Al Khubairat and the plucked string award was given to Tom Jarvis from the British School Kuwait
Opportunity
They were among 100 students from seven schools from Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain and Sharjah who took part in the competition.
The semi-final round which was held on Wednesday saw 16 soloists and six ensembles compete for a spot in the finals.
All musicians had the opportunity to attend master classes by three music experts who flew in to judge the competition. They were tenor Christopher Griksaitis, pianist John Thwaites and Yorkshire Young Musicians
director Penny Stirling.
“All the musicians put their hearts and souls into their performances and the way they all support each other during the course of the competition is one of the wonderful aspects of the competition,” said St Christopher’s School principal Ed Goodwin.
“The atmosphere was one of celebration for all of the participants, not just the finalists.
“The performers have all impressed both the adjudicators and audiences alike and the competition consistently showcases what amazing young musical talent we have in the Gulf.”
The competition, which has grown into a premier music event for young people in the region, was inaugurated by St Christopher’s School in 1998. It is being sponsored by Euro Motors and Citibank Bahrain.
shahlaa@gdn.com.bh
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