Monkton Wood Academy proudly hosted its annual Young Musicians of the Year finalist concert, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of its students.
The competition invited students to enter in one of three categories: Young Musician of the Year (solo performers), Young Band of the Year, and Young Composer of the Year.
Participants first took part in an audition process led by Head of Music, Joshua Horsey, alongside the academy’s music teachers.
Students were given time to prepare and present their performances or original compositions.
Following the auditions, the strongest entries were selected to perform at the finalist concert.
The event saw students take to the stage in front of a live audience, as well as a distinguished panel of judges, who were tasked with selecting winners in each category. This year’s judges included Glyn Bowen, Director of Somerset Music; Andy Pulleyn, Director of the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre; and James Cuthbert, Associate Assistant Principal at Monkton Wood Academy and Line Manager for Music.
The standard of performances this year was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decisions particularly challenging.
The 2026 winners are:
Young Musician of the Year (Solo): Elsie-Rose Kelly
Young Band of the Year: The Brightones (Scott, Aiden, Josiah, Oscar, Aiden)
Young Composer of the Year: The Overcasts (John, Harlow, Sonny, George, Will, Tom)
Joshua Horsey, Head of Music at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “Huge congratulations to our three winners of this year’s Young Musicians of the Year awards.
“The quality was outstanding, and all participants brought incredible energy and passion to the concert. We are extremely proud of every student who took part.”
