Gallery
The popular annual Young Musicians Concert, organised by the George Music Society, originated 40 years ago with a small informal concert for music teachers to showcase their best students.
It was driven by the George Music Society chairperson at the time, Martha Avierinos, who had noticed over the years that there was a need for music learners to perform away from their own, familiar school environments.
At the first concert in 1985, 30 students took part, ranging from eight to 18 years old, performing mostly piano and recorder. There was one vocal and one flute.
Gallery: Celebrating 40 years of the Young Musicians Competition
The event turned into a proper competition after a local professional musician who was invited to write a review of the concert in the 1990s, took the initiative to announce a winner.
Inspired by this, at the next year's concert, organisers introduced judges, auditions and prizes.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Thousands of young musicians have participated in the competition over the years, some of them going on to become accomplished international performers and some returning to George as music teachers themselves. As the town grew, so did the availability of music instruction in different instruments and genres, and in 2024, more than 60 items were entered for the auditions. The gala concerts often draw full houses.
The first and second winners in the junior and senior categories receive cash prizes while many trophies are awarded in different categories.
This year promises to be a highlight for the competition with concerts by 'old' Young Musicians in the pipeline.
The 2025 Young Musicians Competition auditions will take place on 6 and 7 May. The gala prize-giving concert will take place on 6 June.
To be able to carry on with this project extraordinaire, the George Music Society appeals to the public and businesses for financial assistance. Venue costs, sheet music, prizes, instruments and everything that comes with organising an event like this come at great cost.
Please consider becoming part of this prestigious event this year! Contact us at youngmusicianscompetition@gmail.com for more information.
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