AWARD-WINNING YOUNG MUSICIANS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERT

Talented young musicians who triumphed in a local music society's prestigious annual competition have received awards in recognition of their achievements during a special concert which was staged to celebrate their success.

The concert, staged by Chester Music Society at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester saw awards presented to six young musicians following their success in the Society's annual Chester Young Musician competition which took place last November. 

During the evening, prizes were presented by David Woods, the recently-retired Chairman of Chester Music Society. Amongst the prize winners was 16-year-old Violinist George Akka who was presented with The David Woods Award together with a financial bursary and a silver salver, following his success in becoming Chester Young Musician of 2022. George is a pupil of Chetham's School of Music in Manchester and in addition to his musical studies, is a keen rower and tennis player.

Awards and bursaries also went to pianist Tyler Davies and flautist Daniel Pengelly, with certificates to pianist Cameron Liu, cellist Mia Hirakawa, harpist Millie Huang and pianist Elliot Chan.

Celebrating their success in the competition all six performers entertained an enthusiastic audience of Society members, family, friends and supporters with a lively selection of music including George Akka's performance of Brahms' Sonata No. 2 and Saraste's Spanish Dances. Dynamic performances also included a Concert Study by Liszt played with great aplomb by 12-year-old Cameron Liu and an outstanding performance of Ian Clarke's 'Zoom Tube' played by Daniel Pengelly.

The Society's Chairman Mick Clarke wished all those who had taken part all the very best for their future musical success and looked forward to another successful competition later this year.

Following on from the success of recent concerts, the Society's Choir is set to stage a concert celebrating some of the best-known works by German composer Johannes Brahms. The concert, "An Evening With Brahms" takes place in the historic surroundings of Chester Cathedral on Saturday 25^th March at 7.30pm when Chester Music Society Choir will be joined by Soprano Linda Richardson, Baritone Daniel O' Keeffe and Liverpool Sinfonia, with musical direction by conductor Graham Jordan Ellis. The concert will feature Brahms' "German Requiem" together with "Tragic Overture" and "A Song of Destiny".

Other upcoming events which will be staged by the Society at St Mary's Creative Space include a showcase concert featuring The Jan Modelski Community Orchestra on Wednesday 22nd February at 7.30pm,  a "Come and Sing" Open Day on Saturday 4^th March, commencing at 10am, a celebrity concert featuring Sacconi String Quartet on Wednesday 8^th March at 7.30pm and a showcase concert with The Vale Royal Singers on Wednesday 22^nd March at 7.30pm.

Full details of all upcoming concerts and events being staged by Chester Music Society can be found at: 

www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk 

...where tickets can also be booked online.

Pictured - Chester Music Society Chairman Mick Clarke with Chester Young Musician of 2022 prize winners.