Talented youngsters shine in the spotlight at vocalist and musician competition

First place vocalist Rosie Ashdown-Nichol, pictured with Rotarian Paul Randle and mayor Richard Stubbings. Picture: John Raybould. (Image: Archant)

Organised by Beccles Rotary Club, the competition gives young performers from the town and beyond the chance to gain confidence and experience performing in front of an audience.

The competition was held at Beccles Public Hall on Sunday, February 11, with each vocalist and musician performing two compositions of their own choice to demonstrate variety in music and styles.

The adjudicator was Gill Johnston, a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, whose extensive teaching life includes co-founding the National Children’s Wind and Chamber Orchestras, of which she is musical director.

Gwilym Howarth playing the flute in his performance. Picture: John Swanbury. (Image: Archant)

The top three vocalists chosen by Mrs Johnston were Rosie Ashdown-Nichol in first place, Ruby McDowell in second and Oliver Oldrey in third. Others who took part were Charlotte Rainer, Emily Oldman, Daisy McDowell and Jess Tovell.

Later that evening, the three winning musicians were announced as Gwilym Howarth in first place, Stuart Taylor in second and Polly Chan in third.

The other instrumental candidates were Miya Newman, Freya Leith, Emily Oldman, Oscar Cashell, Zach Knights, Millie Horsey, Myo Sin Han, Daisy Whymark, and Helen Parkes.

The performers in the Young Vocalist of the Year competition, with Rotarian Colleen Simpson. Picture: John Raybould. (Image: Archant)

In each competition, the winner received a cup to be retained and second and third places were awarded medals. Each participant also received a certificate.

Mrs Johnston also took the time to give all of the youngsters general advice and individual comments and encouragement about their performances.

A Rotary club spokesman said: “It was the fourth year of the instrumental competition and the third for the vocalists, in what is intended to be carried forward as an annual event.

All of the performers in the Young Vocalist and Young Musician of the Year competition. Picture: John Swanbury. (Image: Archant)

“The Rotary Club of Beccles wishes to thank the Beccles Public Hall volunteers, the audience for their support and the young vocalists and musicians for demonstrating their versatility and skill.”

Among the spectators were Beccles mayor Richard Stubbings and the Rotary club’s vice president Paul Randle.

Rotarian Dennis Robbins, as master of ceremonies, thanked all the participants who had all performed to a high standard. The competition was devised by Rotarian Colleen Simpson and her committee.