Young Musicians 2023

Winners of the 2023 Competition held at Taunton School, 21st – 23rd April

Teagan Craggs, Violin age 15 Wells Cathedral School
Hannah Eden, Flute age 16 Wells Cathedral School
Ginevra Dobson, Voice age 13 Blundell's School
Harold Long Lee, Oboe age 17 Wells Cathedral School
Dee Dee Redford, Piano age 9 Home schooled

All seven were invited to attend a masterclass at the end of August.

The panel of adjudicators were led by Paul Harris with Margarita Balanas and Louise Inness.
The accompanist was Mark Cracknell

Comments from the winners

Harold Long Lee - Oboe - aged 17
"I really enjoyed myself in the whole process of the competition, from the audition to the winners’ performance. I particularly appreciated the friendly and supportive atmosphere that the competition has created with wonderful staff and adjudicators. It was such a pleasure performing in a church packed with a friendly audience. Without a doubt, this competition stands out as one of the more memorable experiences that I have had so far."

Teagan Craggs - Violin - aged 16
"Taking part in the Two Moors Competition was an extremely rewarding experience, and the constructive feedback I received from the judges was invaluable. I was ecstatic when the results were announced. Unlike other competitions, winning was only the beginning. I got to partake in a masterclass with a concert pianist named Rokas Valuntonis. This enabled me to explore a broader palette of sounds that I could incorporate into the piece Rhapsody by Eduard Bagdasarian. Valuntonis guided me with my phrasing and pushed my musicality to new heights.
After the masterclass, I had a few weeks to consider the advice Valuntonis had given before performing in the concert at St Michael & All Angels Church. The ringing acoustic and sanctified atmosphere of the church provided the perfect platform from which to perform my first piece, the Bach…. Playing Bagdasarian’s Rhapsody was a visceral experience that I shall never forget. The audience was wonderful; inviting me warmly to the stage and listening attentively and with sensitivity. I am extremely thankful to all those whom I have met throughout the Two Moors Competition, and am especially grateful to Sarah for doing such an amazing job of organising it, and to Mark Cracknell for being an incredibly supportive accompanist. I sincerely hope to someday return to the Two Moors Festival to perform again."

Hannah Eden - Flute - aged 16
"The Two Moors Festival Young Musicians Competition has been such an incredible experience. It was lovely to have the opportunity to perform to such a large audience, and in such a wonderful venue. The competition itself was very organised and made me feel at ease the moment I stepped foot in the room. My favourite experience was the masterclass. It was an amazing day: I learned so much, and it was great to listen to the other winners and runner ups as well. I would highly recommend Two Moors!"

Dee Dee Redford - Piano - aged 9
"I found my audition experience exciting and I was very happy because there were good refreshments. At the masterclass it was such fun to find more things to practice in my pieces. And also to meet the other performers. At the performance I loved having a beautiful room to change in and there were more good refreshments. I deeply enjoyed my red roses at the end of the concert and now I have £300 in the bank so I can buy stuff. It was a very friendly and organised competition and I want to say “Thank You for the delightful experience”.

Ginevra Dobson - Voice - aged 13
"I have absolutely loved being one of the winners of the Two Moors Festival Young Musicians' Competition. It is an unforgettable experience.
The audition was very exciting. It was lovely to meet the judges and hear their feedback which I took forward to the concert and will use in all future performances.
At the masterclass it was very interesting to see everyone else perform and to hear Rokas Valuntonis' feedback. The difference between the first and last run through of my piece that I did in the masterclass was significant thanks to Rokas' feedback, it made it much more powerful and emotional.
The concert was incredible, I loved spending time with and listening to the other winners and when it was my time to go up and sing, it was so enjoyable especially since the church was so full of people. It was very kind of a local family to open their house to us and it made a great end to a wonderful day. I will take forward everything I have learned into all my future performances and my singing career.
Thank you so much for everything, I have loved every minute."

We would like to express our gratitude to James Johnson, Headmaster, and Toby Carden, Director of Music for Taunton School. Their great kindness and generosity allows the competition to take place in the wonderful Music Department at the School.

We love to hear from our previous competitors, so please provide us with up-to-date news of your activities and achievements to ymc@twomoorsfestival.co.uk so we can add them to the website.

Kathryn Whitaker, Young Musicians Competition Manager