by Michelle Horst
On Saturday, May 18, 12 young musicians competed for the coveted title of East Coast Young Musician of the Year 2024.
Judges had the envious task of selecting an overall winner from an extraordinarily high standard of entries.
Hornsea Music Society hosts the illustrious competition in celebration of talented musicians and in recognition of their achievements. Young musicians can choose to play both popular music and classical for their entries.
The competition is in its 17th year and is supported by the Yorkshire Wolds Music Foundation, a charity with aims to make music accessible and affordable to all.
The contest sees entries from across the Yorkshire region.
Finalists in each of the categories treated the audience members to an evening of outstanding performances across a range of instruments.
In his first competition, nine-year-old Joshua Malcolm won the Beginner’s Category performing Rag Time Annie and Presto: 2nd Movement from Allettamenti per camera, Op. 8 No. 12 on the violin.
Holly Cash came a close second on the piano.
Pianist Eleanor Suckling, 10, took first place in the 11 and under category, narrowly beating James King with her renditions of Élégie no.7 from Album des enfants, op.126 and Cortége de Sauterelles.
Despite a quality performance by Maisie Cunningham on the alto saxophone, Evelyn Moult, aged 11, secured first place in the under-14 category with voice performances of Naughty, from Matilda, and Dalmatian Cradle Song.
Returning violin and alto-saxophone player Xavier Goddard claimed first place in the 16 and under category, with Robin Hill playing guitar and Daniel Cash on piano giving excellent performances themselves.
The judges praised the high standards and diligent hours of practice of all the contestants. “Our grateful thanks for a joyful evening,” said Roberta Loades, chairman of the Hornsea Music Society. She added: “Such talent is wonderful.”
Violinist Ella Hodgson-Laws came first in the 18 and under category. She played Violin Concerto no 3 in B minor and Rhapsody No. 1 first movement.
Drawing the evening to a close, harpist Molly Hartley won the open category, playing Autumn, and also Romance in Ab.
Ella Hodgson-Laws won the title of East Coast Young Musician of the Year 2024.
Her talent has secured her several offers from some of the most illustrious conservatoires and universities across the UK, as well as being a member of several orchestras, including the National Youth Orchestra.
More information about Hornsea Music Society can be found at hornseamusic.com.
The East Coast Young Musician of the Year competition is one of many music-focused events organised by the Yorkshire Wolds Music Foundation.
The foundation champions access to musical experiences for all ages. More details about its events are available at ywmf.co.uk.
