The annual Bath Young Musician of the year Contest will take place on Tuesday 4th November 2008 in the Pump Room at Bath, beginning at 7.30pm.

On a smaller scale but similar in concept to the BBC’s “Young Musician of the Year”, this event encourages musical excellence of the very highest order. The level of achievement of the young people taking part is often quite outstanding. In order to take part in the contest, young musicians have to do very well in their classes in the March Mid-Somerset Festival. Five are then invited to compete for the title in the following autumn. Competitors must be under 21 and live or be at school in Bath or live within a 15 mile radius of it. The contest is judged by a panel of three experienced adjudicators. The winner receives a handsome trophy, presented to us several years ago by a former mayor, and also a cheque.

The five young musicians competing for the title this year will be as follows:

Rebecca Adams – tenor horn
Jordan Black – clarinet
Harry Hall – violin
Rosie Pinches – harpist
Amy Smith - soprano

Beatrice Newman (cello) won the title of Bath Young Musician 2007 and will be invited to return to this year’s competition, to perform while the adjudicators are making their decision on who should be Bath Young Musician 2008.

This prestigious event is becoming more widely known and is attracting larger than usual audiences who are completely captivated by the remarkable performances of these young contestants.

Admission to the event is free and we welcome anyone who is interested to attend. Tickets may be obtained in mid October from Bath Festivals Box Office, Abbey Green, or the Booking Office at the Stall Street entrance of the Pump Rooms; they are also available at the door on the evening.

Further details from the Music Chairman: Michael Johnson
Email: music.chair@midsomersetfestival.org.uk