Search is on to find best solo performer and ensemble in Scotland

Scottish Young Musicians is returning for 2023 to find the country’s best solo performer and ensemble. Young instrumentalists are invited to compete to win big prizes and perform live on a national stage in front of internationally renowned judges.

This year more local authorities are taking part to offer young people around Scotland the opportunity to take part in this career-enhancing experience, and the ensemble competition is open to more musicians than ever before in an exciting move forward for Scotland’s leading festival of music competitions.  

The 2023 Ensemble of the Year competition – which was won last year by an ensemble from Stranraer Brass – is open to ensembles of 3 to 12 players playing any grouping of instrument and who play together regularly in a formal group from a school or recognised music organisation.

Members must be school students in Scotland, but there is no minimum age or standard. One ensemble will be selected to represent each local authority, recognised music organisation, and Scotland's independent schools, and each local authority and group may have their own competitions to select their final entry. 

The chosen video entries for the online event will then be submitted for judging by a panel of esteemed adjudicators. The winning ensemble will be awarded the title of Ensemble of the Year and receive a cash prize to further their musical experiences, the Maid of Morven Trophy and an all-expenses paid trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the Year National Final on Sunday 21 May at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

Thanks to a generous donation from Dr Ursula Jones OBE, there will be a special prize for one exceptional brass ensemble. This prize is donated in honour of her late husband Philip Jones CBE, who founded one of the world’s most celebrated brass ensembles. The deadline for entries is 31 March. 

Further information on this year’s competition is available from www.scottishyoungmusicians.com/competitions/ensemble-of-the-year

The nationwide competition to discover the Solo Performer of the Year is open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument. Following local competitions, the National Final will again be held on Sunday 21 May at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.