Instrumentalists of the Year

Congratulations to King’s Ely musicians, Lauren Booth and Julian Mak, who have been crowned our 2024 Instrumentalists of the Year!

Students in Years 9-13 spent weeks battling it out in a series of heats, all vowing for a place at the Instrumental Festival Finalists’ Concert, which was held in the beautiful Ely Cathedral South Transept on the evening of February 15th.

Musicians who made the finals were: James Barber, William Kirkup, Thomas Strudwick, Julian Mak, Maxime Prince, Lauren Booth, Sayuri Okunushi, Samuel Trueman, Polly Casey, Ian Mak, Lily McCallum, Anna Ost, and The Aeolian Trio.

Our adjudicator for the evening was musician and organist, Andrew Reid, who is Director of Music at Little St Mary’s Church, Cambridge. Andrew is former Managing Director of Harrison & Harrison Organ Builders, former Director of the Royal School of Church Music, and a previous Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral.

After much deliberation, Mr Reid announced Year 10 violinist, Julian Mak, as our Years 9-11 Instrumentalist of the Year, and Year 13 flautist, Lauren Booth, as our Sixth Form Instrumentalist of the Year!

Mr Neil Porter-Thaw, who is our Director of Music, said: “This year’s Finalists’ Concert was an incredible show of talent! Twelve individual performances were heard, as well as a piano trio and a cello duet. Mr Reid was completely taken aback by the quality and maturity of each performance, and he had a very difficult task of choosing a winner. Congratulations of course to Lauren and Julian, but congratulations to every student who performed – you are all winners!”

Students who were highly commended in the competition were: Hugh Chippington (trombone), Ian Mak (piano), Gabriella Wu (drum kit), Alex Sturman (drum kit), James Allen (piano), James Allen (cello), Anna Ost (cello), Polly Casey (recorder), Danny Kim (saxophone), Harry Walker (trombone), Robert Reed (piano), Matthew Allen (violin), Dick Cheng (piano), and Thomas Strudwick (piano).

The level of skill, passion, and commitment showcased by our students throughout the competition has been phenomenal. Every instrumentalist who has taken part this year should be as proud of themselves as we are.

Next up is our Senior Vocal Festival Finalists’ Concert, which is taking place in the Cathedral on Monday, March 11th at 7pm. Tickets are free and everyone is welcome!