Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral adjudicates Music Competitions at St Mary’s School.

November at St Mary’s is a month where music takes centre stage, with our annual Young Pianist and Young Musician of the Year competitions.

These two evenings provide much anticipated opportunities for our students to showcase their individual talents, grow in confidence and importantly, share their enthusiasm for music. Their recitals are performed in front of a judging panel and, of course, a packed audience of teachers, peers and parents.

This year we were honoured to welcome Ashley Grote, Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral, to join our Director of Music Emma Fisher in the challenging task of awarding the Young Pianist and Young Musician trophies.

Competing for the title of St Mary’s Young Pianist of the Year across Intermediate and Advanced levels, 19 students between the ages of 10-16 performed solo piano repertoire.

The Intermediate Class shield was awarded to Year 8 Music Scholar Amy B., who gave a moving performance of “Last Song” by Alexis Ffrench.

Commendations in the Intermediate Class were also given to Year 6 student Layla R., Year 8 student Sofia C. and Year 9 Music Scholar Ruth DC.

For the outstanding piano performance of the evening in the Advanced class, the Agnes Heron Memorial Cup was awarded to Year 10 student Madeleine W., who gave an assured and expressive performance of Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1.

Commendations were also awarded to Maya T., (Year 10), Mia L. and Anson C. (Year 11).

A week later in the St Mary’s Young Musician of the Year competition, 19 advanced instrumentalists and singers showcased their talents and treated the audience to a broad range of performance styles ranging from Hungarian Dance to an operatic aria and a song by Adele.

Ashley awarded five commendations to the students who he felt had given exceptional performances – Amelie K. (French Horn), Madeline C. (violin), Isla K. (voice), Oshi K. (voice) and Alice K. (voice).

The winner of the Young Musician of the Year competition was Hannah F. (violin), who performed “Allegretto Poco Mosso” (No. 4 from Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano) by César Franck with exceptionally skill and musicality. Hannah is our reigning champion having also won last year whilst in Year 10.

Emma Fisher, Director of Music commented:

“We were delighted that Ashley was able to join us to adjudicate our music competitions. As a highly respected organist and choral director, he brought invaluable experience to both our events.

"Our music department takes great pride in supporting the girls’ dedication to music and their growth as developing and accomplished musicians, and it was rewarding for us all to hear Ashley’s feedback and insight.

"I was immensely impressed by every performer. Congratulations to everyone who took part in these two memorable events.”

See photographs from the Young Pianist of the Year and Young Musician of the Year.

November 2025