A young talent from Glasgow is making waves in the music world, as seventeen-year-old clarinettist Craig McGroarty has been chosen to represent the city in the prestigious Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year competition. The recent Create Scottish Young Musicians final showcased Glasgow’s exceptional musical talent and provided a platform for young performers to shine.
Local Talent Shines on National Stage
The final event, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, brought together young musicians from schools across Glasgow to compete for the coveted title. Adjudicators faced the daunting task of selecting winners from a pool of incredibly talented performers, highlighting the wealth of musical skill present in the city.
Craig McGroarty, a final year student at Knightswood Secondary School, emerged as the overall winner of the competition. With an impressive Grade 8 in clarinet under his belt, Craig has secured a place in the prestigious BMus programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he will continue to hone his craft.
A Platform for Young Musicians
The competition not only celebrates musical excellence but also provides a platform for young performers to showcase their talents and gain valuable performance experience. Runners-up 16-year-old guitarist Ruslan Pankov and 17-year-old vocalist Struan Young demonstrated their musical prowess, with Struan also clinching victory in the Create Scottish Young Musician vocal final.
Ten-year-old Ben Streete from Pollockshields Primary stole the show in the Create Scottish Young Musician Primary Competition with his soulful saxophone rendition of Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street.” These competitions offer young musicians of all ages and skill levels the chance to shine on a national stage, regardless of their background or experience.
The Scottish Young Musicians competition has quickly become a cornerstone of the national music scene, with nearly all schools participating last year. This platform not only fosters musical talent but also instills confidence in young performers, empowering them to compete at the highest levels and opening doors to opportunities they may not have otherwise had access to.
In conclusion, the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year competition is not just a showcase of musical talent, but a testament to the dedication and passion of young performers across Glasgow. As these talented individuals continue to hone their craft and push the boundaries of musical excellence, they serve as a shining example of the vibrant and diverse musical landscape in Scotland.
