Knox Academy flautist Leila Maycock has been named East Lothian Council Young Musician of the Year 2024.
East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service hosted its annual Young Musician of the Year Competition in St Mary’s Church, Haddington, on 24 March 2024.
This year around 90 secondary school aged musicians performed in their local school competitions to qualify to represent their school in the East Lothian Council Young Musician of the Year 2024 final. Each secondary school was invited to nominate two soloists, with thirteen incredible soloists performing on the night. The evening was divided into parts with the first half featuring the Young Musician of the Year Soloist Competition and the second half the Young Musician of the Year Ensemble Competition.
"Exceptionally polished performance"
There was a huge range of musical talent on display, with performances in the solo competition from violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, vocalists, guitars, piano, flute, saxophone, marimba and drum kit.
Leila Maycock, an S6 pupil from Knox Academy, was announced the winner by adjudicators Allan Glen and Maureen Morrison. Leila performed Passacaille Op. 35 by Emmanuel Rhene-Baton. Adjudicator Maureen Morrison announced Leila as the winner commenting on her “exceptionally polished performance with superb communication and stage presence.” Leila will now travel to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to represent East Lothian at the Scottish Young Musician of the Year Final on the 26th May.
Most Promising Young Musician
Two runner-up prizes were also awarded to marimba player Daniel Schmidtt (S6), from North Berwick High School, and cellist Hannah Swinney (S6) from Dunbar Grammar School, for their superb performances. Haddington Concert Society also very kindly once again offered a prize for the Most Promising Young Musician and this was awarded to Will Lucas-Evans (S6 – North Berwick High School) for his exceptional trumpet performance on the day.
The second half of the evening saw performances from the East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service Senior Percussion, String, Woodwind and Brass ensembles.
Instrumental Music Service Team Manager Jonathan Gawn commented: “It was incredible to see our senior ensembles once again performing with such commitment and confidence. These ensembles continue to develop in quality and experience and it’s so inspiring to see the young people develop as they continue with their musical learning. Thanks to our wonderful audience for coming along to create a very special evening for our young musicians. This event is turning into a real highlight in our annual calendar!”
Scottish Young Musician 2024 Ensembles Competition
The Senior Woodwind Ensemble performance was awarded first prize on the evening, in the Ensemble Competition, and a video of their performance will now be submitted to the Scottish Young Musician 2024 Ensembles Competition to represent East Lothian in the national ensembles event.
Adjudicator Allan Glen commented “There was an inspiring range of talent on display throughout the evening and it’s incredible to see the range of talents and abilities on display flying the musical flag for East Lothian.”