A talented young singer hoping to pursue a career in opera has been crowned the winner of the Norfolk Young Musician Competition 2012.
Annabella Ellis, aged 21, a former Notre Dame High School student from Eaton, said she was delighted to win the top prize at the event which was held at the John Innes Centre in Norwich yesterday.
Annabella, who is currently in her third year at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, said: 'I am delighted because it is nice to win a prize in your home town – there is something special about that.'
Annabella, a soprano, sang works by Rossini, Faure, Barber and Walton in the competition.
'It was a lovely concert venue and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share this repertoire with other people,' she said.
Fifteen young musicians took part in the competition which is an annual event promoted by the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust.
Sixteen-year-old Norwich School student Rose Herbert, from Brooke, was awarded the second prize for her performance on the oboe. Third prize and the Mrs E Sturgeon Piano Prize went to pianist Joongha Park, a 17-year-old Wymondham High student who lives in Wymondham.
The Aylsham Music Society Prize for the most promising woodwind or brass player was given to 16-year-old City of Norwich School student Finlay McEwen who plays the alto saxophone and lives in Norwich.
The other entrants were Perez Kwong on piano, James Chan on violin, Lee Chapman on clarinet, Heidi Reger on flute, George Stronge on trumpet, Els de Vrijer on flute, Joanne Moore on piano, Matthew Smith on trombone, Anna Wood on flute, Gabriel Chiu on piano, and tenor Edward Bartram.
Competition adjudicator Jan Schmolck, a chamber musician who has performed in more than 20 countries, told all the entrants: 'I could just sense how much you have already invested in your music-making and it is a real privilege to be here.'
Jonathan Wortley, chairman of the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust and assistant adjudicator, said: 'There was a very high standard in the competition in quite a range of disciplines. It is very encouraging to see such talented young musicians in the county.'
Do you know a young person who is celebrating an impressive achievement? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email as below.
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