Rock Guitarist KIRAN EYRE wins Surrey Heath Young Musician of 2011 competition

Kiran, photo by Mike Hillman

On Sunday 13th November twelve talented young instrumentalists and singers competed at The Camberley Theatre for the title of Surrey Heath Young Musician of 2011. This year singers as well as instrumentalists and singers were eligible to enter the competition.

In front of an enthusiastic audience of families and friends and The Mayor of Surrey Heath, Councillor Tim Dodds, the 9 instrumentalists and 3 singers performed his or her special pieces to the adjudicators, Richard Whennell and Julie Dance. Richard is a much-travelled performer, writer and music coach. Julie, Director of Music at Heathfield School, Ascot and Musical Director of “The Producers” for East Berkshire Operatic Society.

Julie Dance stated how very much she had enjoyed listening to the talented musicians and gave each contestant a brief helpful assessment of their performance.

India, photo by Mike Hillman

Richard Whennell announced that the winner of the Grades 1 to 4 Section was 14 year old India Claydon-Richards who attends Tomlinscote School. She sang “Dream a little dream of me” and “Don’t you remember” and was awarded a prize of £100 as well as a trophy.

Winner of the Grades 5 to 8 Section and Overall Winner with the title Surrey Heath Young Musician of 2011 was 16 year old Electric Guitarist KIRAN EYRE who performed “Canon Rock” based on Canon by Johann Pachelbel. His performance was described as having “musicality without question, and with an entertainment factor at the very highest especially for his young age”. Kiran who is a first year student at Farnborough Sixth Form College studying Science also plays drums and violin. He won the trophy and a prize of £250.

Backstage, photo by Brian Thomson

All other finalists were presented with certificate, trophies and cheques for £25. They were: Andrea Leppard, Olivia Mayes, Calvin Hung, Patrick Shannahan, Matthew Pearson, Chloe Smith, Charlie Butler, Ellie Roberts, Marta Mungai and James Li.

The competition was held with generous financial assistance of Surrey County Council’s Local Committee, Chancellor & Sons, and the Surrey Heath Arts Council.

Previous competitions

• 2010
• 2009
• 2008

Forms

Ts & Cs

Alternatively please contact Barry Buckingham on 01276 21295

The poster

Camberley Theatre

The Arts Council gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship of the competition by Chancellor & sons