Moray's Young Musician of the Year, Forres Academy student Edward Clark, to keep developing as a cellist while studying at university
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MORAY’S young musician of the year hopes to continue developing his talent while studying at university.
On Thursday, March 23 at Elgin Academy, a judging panel chose Forres Academy pupil Edward Clark (17) as winner of the inaugural final of Moray Young Musicians from the seven most outstanding players in the area’s secondary schools - the competition was organised by Moray Council’s Music Service with the support of music/expressive arts principal teachers and instructors.
The sixth-year student who played cello in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland was happy to win, but also to check out his contemporaries.
Edward said: “The judges had a hard task as everyone’s performances were at such a high standard. You learn a lot from watching other people in the same situation. I found that very valuable.”
The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland caters for students aged between eight and 25, through orchestras, jazz bands, training ensembles and outreach programmes. In addition to organising residential training courses, rehearsals and national and international concert tours, it also provides music workshops.
The town hall musicians performed two pieces each before an appreciative audience and a panel of adjudicators made up of retired musical director of Culbin Singers, Alistair Hardie; Council leader and chairwoman of Forres and District Pipe Band, Councillor Kathleen Robertson; and Jane Ferguson, a retired specialist music teacher.
Cllr Robertson said: “It was a privilege to hear such talent and all the finalists should be incredibly proud of themselves. The high standard of playing made the task of selecting one winner from seven excellent performances very difficult.
“We wish Edward every success as he goes forward to the national competition. He will do Moray proud.”
Edward will now travel to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow in May to represent Moray at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year final.
The former Dyke Primary School pupil started learning cello in P6 with Mr John Mustard, who previously taught his older brother and fellow cellist Oliver.
Oliver (25) is currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music and is an acclaimed professional musician.
Edward said: “Before I got lessons at school, my brother taught me at home and that’s how I started learning.
“I like to practice every day, usually for about 30 minutes to an hour. I usually play live to an audience every couple of months.”
Edward has played in various concerts, both solo and with orchestras, including with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland’s senior orchestra at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Perth Concert Hall.
He added: “The Moray Music centre also offers a great opportunity for young people to perform twice-a-year.”
Edward hopes to study engineering after the summer holidays but wherever he is he will keep playing.
He said: “I would really hope to continue with my music in some way, whether that be joining a university orchestra or starting my own quartet. Learning an instrument teaches us about discipline and perseverance and these are skills that can be applied to lots of other areas of life. We are very lucky to have great opportunities and teachers in Moray. It’s fantastic that young people are able to access this from an early age.”
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