A GROUP of gifted young musicians has dazzled judges in one of the town’s annual music competitions.

The Rotary Club of Swindon North earlier this month held its 21st Young Musician Competition of the Year awards in which 27 talented teens were given the chance to show off their skills.

The event, held at the Blunsdon House Hotel, was part of the Rotary Club’s commitment to nurturing Swindon’s burgeoning talent.

The 27 entries were divided into two categories – age 12-14 and age 15-18 – and the winners were presented with awards by Mayor Eric Shaw.

Ken Winslow, who will this month mark 40 years as a member of the Rotary Club, said: “Our competition is a really good way of encouraging youngsters to develop their skills and talents.

“Each participant had five to seven minutes to perform a piece with their chosen instrument. We had a very wide range of things, such as drums, flutes, a piano, an oboe – there was even a singing category.”

Ken described the event as “an eclectic mix of music and song and a hugely enjoyable evening for the 200 or so teachers, parents and friends who were watching”.

First place in the senior instrumentalist category went to Isobel Haynes from St John’s School, Marlborough, for her rendition of Klengel’s Adante on the cello. Catlin MacClay, of Bradon Forest School, Purton, was awarded the top vocalist spot for her interpretation of the Witman and Shaiman composition Secondhand White Baby Grand. Both girls are now eligible for the Rotary Area Finals in Cheltenham later in the year when they will compete against musicians from a wider area.

The top spots in the junior section went to two pupils from Isambard Community School, Swindon. Kamyab Ghyabi played Praeludium from Greig’s Holberg Suite on the piano, and Phoebe Maddison impressed with a vocal rendition of Miss You from Ghost The Musical.

Ken added: “We like to support youngsters in whatever field they are in.”

The next Swindon Young Musician of the Year Competition will be held in February 2018.