Two Patesians competed in the Final this year, Lois (Year 12) on flute and Sebastian (Class of 2024; now in his first year at University of Cambridge) on violin.

Pate’s Director of Music, Miss Lane and fifteen  Year 7 and 8s went along to support and enjoy an afternoon of outstanding music.  Out of twenty-one young musicians who entered the competition from across the county, five were selected to compete in the final.

Congratulations to Sebastian, who was awarded first place. He received a cash prize of £500 and the prestigious Hewitt-Jones Trophy, presented in person by composer Thomas Hewitt-Jones. Sebastian will be performing a recital at Cheltenham Musical Festival on 7 July and joining Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra for his first full concerto concert on 23 November, as well as performing with Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra.

Of her experience, Year 12 student Lois (who is currently studying Maths, Chemistry and Biology A Levels with an EPQ, and hopes to read Medicine, Biology or Biomedical Sciences at university) said:

“After getting through a round of auditions consisting of about thirty Grade 8+ musicians, there were four other finalists in the end, who all competed very well and played some wonderful pieces. I played three pieces on the flute: Badinerie (J S Bach), Fantasie (G Faure), and Pan et les Oiseaux (J Mouquet), all accompanied by piano. I think it went really well, especially the Badinerie, which went perfectly. Of course there were a couple of blips during the performance, but after listening back, they weren’t too major or noticeable. The entire experience has been very enjoyable and fun, from endless rehearsals with my pianist to socialising with the other finalists before the competition. I particularly enjoyed getting feedback from the judges on my technique and tone. I hope to enter again (and hopefully win) next year!”