Young musicians shine at Chester Music Society awards

Chester Music Society has honoured some of the region’s most talented young musicians at its annual awards evening, following the Young Musician of the Year competition.

The event, held at St Mary’s Creative Space in Chester, featured performances from the winners and runners-up of last year’s competition.

The 2024 competition was dedicated to the late David Woods, who had been instrumental in organising the event since 2011. The winner’s award was renamed the David Woods Trophy in his honour.

Among this year’s winners was pianist Yurij Szyrokyj, who was crowned Chester Young Musician of the Year and awarded a £250 prize. Other category winners, each receiving £100, included Melicia Huang (harp), Harmony Zhang (piano), Rory Winn (trombone), Thea Ormrod (trumpet), and Daniel Goharriz (clarinet).

A new award was also introduced in memory of Lila Hallett, a long-serving member of the Society who played a key role in supporting young musicians. The first recipient of the Lila Hallett Trophy was James Ashcroft, an electric guitarist recognised as the most promising runner-up.

In addition, two outstanding competitors, Yurij Szyrokyj and trombonist Rory Winn, were each awarded a £500 bursary to support their musical ambitions.

Chester Music Society continues to host concerts featuring both international and local performers. More information about upcoming events can be found at www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk.