Young Virtuosos Shine at Inaugural Brentwood International Music Competition
Brentwood School proudly announces the winners of its first-ever Brentwood International Music Competition at a landmark Grand Final on Wednesday 8th May. The evening marked a major milestone in the School’s Specialist Music Programme and saw the Memorial Hall transformed into a celebration of musical excellence, with a packed audience including the Deputy Mayor of Brentwood, notable musicians, and an array of enthusiastic supporters.
Following around 30 applications from gifted young musicians across the world, seven outstanding finalists were invited to perform 20-minute recitals of their choosing, accompanied by acclaimed pianist Simon Lane. The finalists, aged between 13 and 16, represented a truly international field from Ukraine, Hong Kong, Brazil, Australia, Turkey, Bolivia, and the UK.
The First Prize of £1,000 was presented to 14-year-old violinist Kori from Ukraine. His recital, which included Britten’s Waltz from the Violin Suite and Wieniawski’s Variations on an Original Theme, captivated the audience and adjudicators. Judges described Kori’s performance as a “startlingly mature interpretation” and “the perfect blend of virtuosity and poetry,” adding that his technical and musical mastery at such a young age was nothing short of phenomenal.
Second Prize was awarded to violinist Kate, also 14, from Hong Kong. Her virtuosic performance included Hubay’s Carmen Fantasy, the Sarabande from Bach’s D minor Partita, and Bazzini’s Goblin’s Dance. The adjudicators praised her exceptional control and artistry, commenting that her recital “would not have been out of place in any world-renowned concert hall.”
Cellist Yoko, aged 15, representing Brazil and the UK, received Third Prize. Her interpretations of Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor (first movement) and Beethoven’s A Major Sonata were described as thoughtful, mature, and deeply moving. Her performance resonated powerfully with the audience and highlighted a remarkable emerging talent.
Several other finalists were highly commended by the panel, including flautist Veronica (14, Australia), violinist Gabriela (16, Bolivia), clarinettist Marina (16, UK), and pianist Alp (13, Turkey). A separate Grand Prize, recognising overall excellence and artistic promise, will be announced in due course.
The evening was enhanced by special performances from Brentwood School’s own rising talents. Old Brentwood and current student at Graz University of Fine Arts and Music, Tom Hodgkinson, returned to perform Bach’s Largo from the C major Violin Sonata and Albéniz’s Evocation. Current Year 10 Specialist Musician and award-winning mezzo-soprano Rose gave moving renditions of Schubert’s Du bist die Ruh and Bizet’s Habanera from Carmen.
The judging panel was made up of highly respected figures in the music world: Grig Cuciuc, Artistic Director of Specialist Music at Brentwood School; Gerrard Le Feuvre, Director of the Kings’ Chamber Orchestra; Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music; and Rosie Whitfield, Head of Junior Guildhall. Each finalist received detailed written feedback. A panel of Brentwood Specialist Music Programme students also contributed their own rankings as part of the adjudication process.
Chair of the Competition Committee, Lord Guy Black of Brentwood, Council Chairman of the Royal College of Music and Chairman of Brentwood School Governors, presented the awards and spoke passionately about the importance of events like this as a vital response to the challenges facing music education nationally. He praised the School’s commitment to musical excellence and the competition’s role in nurturing the next generation of great musicians.
The evening, compered by Assistant Director of Music Chris O’Leary, had the spirit of a true musical celebration. Although it was a competition, every performer was celebrated for their extraordinary musicianship. With performances of a standard that would not have been out of place at the world’s top conservatoires, the level of talent on display was astonishing, especially given that the average age of the finalists was just 15.
Brentwood School’s Headmaster, Michael Bond, concluded the evening by reflecting on the significance of the occasion, stating:
“Tonight has left its mark on the history of Brentwood School. It was a special evening of exceptional talent and healthy competition, all beautifully aligned with our values of Virtue, Learning and Manners.”
The Brentwood International Music Competition is set to become a defining event in the calendar for emerging classical talent and a cornerstone of the School’s ever-evolving Music department.
Brentwood School is located on a 75-acre site in the town centre close to London, which is just 23 minutes away and has excellent transport links and access to main airports. A community of around 1900 students, Brentwood is a warm, down-to-earth environment based very much on a positive community spirit, underpinned by the school’s values – Virtue, Learning, and Manners – that have been in place since 1622. Boarding at Brentwood has a family feel, in keeping with the school’s focus on community spirit and shared values. As an integral part of the school, boarding facilities will be transformed with a new purpose-built Boarding House – opening in September 2025 – featuring university-style light and airy private ensuite study rooms, and a new Sixth Form Café, serving as a vibrant hub for both boarding and day students.
For further details about the competition, please click here or contact our competition committee via specialistmusic@brentwood.essex.sch.uk.
