The Winchester Young Soloist Competition is now a regular part of the orchestra's programme. It takes place every two years, and provides an opportunity for young instrumentalists in secondary education in Hampshire and resident in the UK to perform a full concerto of their choice with the Winchester Symphony Orchestra at a concert in July.
There are cash prizes for all finalists, and the winner also receives the trophy donated by our sponsor Bargate Homes.
Candidates, with the endorsement of their teachers or music departments, are invited to apply for the first round, in which they are asked to play one movement of a concerto with piano accompaniment. Three finalists are selected, who then rehearse with the orchestra for the final public concert.
Finalists so far have been:
2020
The 2020 competition was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The finalists were:
- Amélie Budd
- oboe
- Hanna Simojoki
- violin
- Shoshana Yugin-Power
- flute
2018
Winner:
- Ben Upfold
- Rosauro Marimba Concerto
Runners-up:
- Emma Paterson
- Mozart Violin Concerto no. 3
- Patrick Friend
- Horovitz Euphonium Concerto
- Sophie Osborne
- Weber Clarinet Concerto no. 1
2016
Winner:
- Matthew Lloyd-Wilson
- Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Runners-up:
- Luke Roberts
- Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto
- Nick Budd
- Hummel Trumpet Concerto
See Amazing young musicians shine ahead of Winchester festival.
2014
Winner:
- Jenny Whitby
- Nielsen Flute Concerto
Runners-up:
- Matthew Crisp
- Bruch Violin Concerto
- Michael Huang
- Elgar Cello Concerto