ON Wednesday 26th February, Five talented young musicians will perform for the title of ‘Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year’, £500 and the Oldbury Trophy. The competition will take place in the Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham.

This year’s finalists are Rebecca McNaught (cello), Rhiannon Symonds (trombone), Jennifer Statham (violin), Adam Heron (piano) and Naomi Bell (clarinet). Each young musician will perform a 15 minute programme which will be adjudicated by a panel of distinguished professional musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Steven Legge Assistant Head of Service for Gloucestershire Music said: “The young musicians have already come through a tough first round to reach the final; this is a great way of celebrating success in our young musicians. This year we have all bases covered with strings, brass, woodwind and keyboard finalists. There will also be a varied programme of music ranging from Scarlatti to Shostakovich and several contemporary works including Gareth Wood and Edward Gregson. “An inspirational evening of music is guaranteed.”

Councillor Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people said, “I know the standard of competition has never been higher and all these young musicians are a credit to the county. They are an inspiration to every young person picking up an instrument for the first time. I wish them the very best for what promises to be a brilliant evening.”

Tickets are £6 (£4 students) and can be purchased from the box office on 08445 762210. They are free to Gloucester Music Card holders (show card on entry to event) www.gloucestershiremusic.co.uk