Founded in 2018 by Academy alumna Amy Yuan, the New Talent Festival brings together young musicians from across the world to participate in one-to-one masterclasses, interactive workshops, concerts and competitions. Over the past five years, more than 1000 musicians from 35 countries have taken part.
This year, the Festival welcomed 90 participants from the UK, China, Romania, Australia, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia, France and Switzerland. Interactive workshops were held across the Academy with themes such as Stage Presentation and Communication, How To Achieve Efficient Practice, Leadership and Teamwork in Music and Music at British Schools.
As part of the New Talent Festival competition, held in the Duke's Hall, several prizes were awarded to the young musicians who took part. The Royal Academy of Music Prize was won by 15-year-old clarinettist Raymond Wang who received £1000 prize money, a one-to-one masterclass and admission into Junior Royal Academy of Music without audition. The competition jury consisted of many Academy staff members including Deputy Principal Timothy Jones, Head of Junior Academy John Hutchins, Professor of Cello Jo Cole, Head of Vocal Studies Kate Paterson and Head of Woodwind Fraser Gordon.
'We are very proud of our partnership in a residency which brings so many excellent opportunities to talented young musicians, as well as access to the Academy’s outstanding professors.'
Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Academy Principal
Other prizes were presented to participants from all age groups and instrument categories, with cash prizes, scholarships and mentorship programmes being awarded. The Festival was concluded with a Gala Concert in the Duke's Hall, which featured performances from previous competition prize winners.
To find out more, visit the New Talent Festival website.
Image 1: Participants and jury members at the New Talent Festival © Frances Marshall
Image 2: Raymond Wang, winner of the Royal Academy of Music Prize, with Professor Timothy Jones © Frances Marshall