Pianist, 17, wins BBC Young Musician of the Year
mainMartin James Bartlett, 17, won the final of a low-key, under-promoted contest with a fine performance of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
The losing finalists were percussionist Elliott Gaston-Ross (15) and recorder player Sophie Westbrooke (15).
What an inspiring final. Totally on the money when you say under-promoted. This final, as well as the other rounds, illustrates the prevalence of true talent, hard work and musicianship and as opposed to the cheap reality TV gimmickry that pollutes the airwaves. Also, Nicola Benedetti is evidence of how someone can win a competition like this and mature to become not only a serious musical voice, but a credit to the profession. Listening to Alison Balsom speak makes you forget for a moment that she is an equally eloquent musician.