THE 33rd Keldwyth Award Cumbrian Young Musicians Final Concert was held at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, where a large and appreciative audience enjoyed inspiring performances from the four finalists: 18-year old percussionist Jess Wood from Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale; Amy Shaw, a 22-year old mezzo soprano from Dalton-in-Furness; Jack Horrocks (18), a clarinettist, also from QES and Myrna Tennant, a 22-year old soprano from Carlisle.

Each had chosen a challenging and varied programme lasting approximately 20 minutes which beautifully displayed their technical skills and artistry. All four already accomplished performers who play or sing in prestigious orchestras and choirs.

The judges were equally distinguished, led by Jolyon Dodgson, the Mary Wakefield Festival chairman, and ably assisted by pianist Alexa Wightman and Anthony Hewitt, one of Britain’s most gifted concert pianists. To them fell the exacting task of finding a winner from such talented young musicians. The accompanist was David Chapman, director of Music at Giggleswick School.

While the judges retired to consider their decision last year’s award winner, percussionist Taneli Clarke dazzled the audience with a virtuoso performance. Taneli also described how the award had helped to fund his continuing musical education.

In announcing the winner of the 2015 Keldwyth Award Jolyon Dodgson commended each of the four contestants, describing them all as winners.

By the narrowest of margins soprano Myrna Tennant was declared the winner and received a cheque for £1,000 and the Keldwyth trophy. The other three competitors each received a cheque for £250. All the musicians were applauded for their outstanding performances.

Since its inception in 1983, the award has been known simply as the Keldwyth Award. This year it has been renamed the Keldwyth Cumbrian Young Musicians Award to better reflect the age group and locality from which the competitors are drawn. The award committee is delighted to announce that Anthony Hewitt has agreed to become its president.

The preliminary round of the 2016 Award will be held at Kendal Town Hall on Monday, July 4.