Pitch perfect musicians shine at Saltcoats Town Hall
The very best musical talent from our secondary schools came together for a series of memorable performances at Saltcoats Town Hall last week.
They were competing in the North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year Competition – an annual celebration of North Ayrshire’s Musical talent, sponsored by the Rhona Reid Charitable Trust and Scottish Young Musicians.
Vocalists Kamryn Cairns (Irvine Royal Academy) and Kerris Brawley (Greenwood Academy) were magnificent and were celebrated as the worthy runners-up in the competition. However, it was talented clarsach player Stella McIntyre from St Matthew’s Academy who stole the show and received the accolade of North Ayrshire’s Young Musician of the Year.
The adjudicators, Fraser Anderson and Phil Gault, explained that they were humbled by the musicality, complexity and characterisation of Stella’s captivating melodic interpretation which had the audience completely transfixed.
Runner-up Kamryn wowed the audience with her emotional rendition of character Miranda’s ‘Burn’ from Hamilton the Musical, followed by Adele’s smash hit ‘Remedy’ written by Atkins and Tedder.
Kerris impressed with her charismatic take of Judy Garland’s classic ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from the Wizard of Oz written by Harold Arlen, followed by Bond theme ‘Skyfall’ co-written by Adele and Thomas Newman.
After presenting the prizes at the competition on Thursday 13 February, North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson said: “It has been a great privilege and delight to be here to witness first-hand the incredible talent of young people in North Ayrshire.
“A huge congratulations to every musician – you are a credit to your parents, your schools and your community. We are so immensely proud of you.
“A special mention also to our Music Service and Music Departments who are clearly doing a brilliant job teaching and mentoring some truly outstanding musicians."
Quote: I remember Stella’s performance last year when she was awarded as runner-up, so it is absolutely fantastic to celebrate her win this evening. Like a harp, the clarsach is one of Scotland’s oldest instruments and it was incredible hearing it fill the room, Stella’s talent is undeniable. Her hard work and dedication over the past year has really paid off. Well done Stella on winning the title of North Ayrshire's Young Musician of the Year and my extended congratulations to the worthy runners-up who gave the judges a really difficult job.
Quote from: Councillor Anthea Dickson, North Ayrshire Provost
The soloists were complemented by the adjudicators for their ability to hold the audience with their strong vocals, character embodiment and striking technical notes.
Ronan Watson, North Ayrshire Music Service Manager also shared his pride: “It really has been about girl power tonight with the finalists who made it this far. Well done all to all our talented performers.
“The North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year showcase was a brilliant opportunity to bring together the music teachers and instrumental instructors who work so hard all year round to help our talented musicians to realise their full potential.
“I would also like to thank our official accompanist Claire Haslin and to Fraser and Phil for giving up their time to be our adjudicators on the night.
“It’s not easy coming on stage like this, but everyone took it in their stride, and I am filled with pride.”
The North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year competition is an annual event organised by North Ayrshire Council’s Music Service in partnership with secondary school music departments.
The audience were treated to some outstanding performances on a range of instruments including piano, clarsach, violin as well as singing.
Winner Stella now goes on to represent North Ayrshire at the Scottish Young Musicians’ Solo Performer of the Year National Final taking place on Sunday 25 May in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
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Photo caption (left to right): Violinist Isla Allison Kilwinning Academy, Clarsach player Stella McIntyre St Matthew’s Academy (Winner), Vocalist Olivia McLaughlin Ardrossan Academy, Vocalist Kerris Brawley Greenwood Academy (Runner Up), Vocalist Paige Magee Auchenharvie Academy, North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson, Pianist Erin Craig Garnock Community Campus, Vocalist Kamryn Cairns Irvine Royal Academy (Runner Up) and Vocalist Eva Keogh Largs Academy.
Published: 20 February 2025