Record entries for Sussex Young Musician of the Year competition

The Mid Sussex-based Coro Nuovo Sussex Young Musician of the Year competition has attracted more entries than ever before.
Katie DerhamKatie Derham
Katie Derham

“Closing date was August 30 and we received a record 40 entries!” says chairman of Coro Nuovo Kate Kent. “The standard is extremely high and it’s going to be a very tough decision to pick out four finalists from the 40 applicants. The next step is for the Coro Nuovo committee to select four finalists and then a finals panel consisting of Katie Derham, Mark Wigglesworth and Jonathan Dove will look at them in their own time.”

They then come together via Zoom to debate, critique and pick the running order, chaired by music director Andy Rees: “We will have a videographer and editor to record that session and stitch it together in a concert style. Then we will have another zoom session with the main judge, Katie Derham, the four finalists and the sponsor to present the prizes.”

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The competition, which switched online because of the pandemic, offers young musicians the chance to win up to £1,000 to help support their music studies.

It is open every year to musicians aged between 18 and 26 years old, who have a connection to Sussex (residential and/or educational) and are embarking or intending to embark on a professional career in music.

There are four cash prizes available consisting of £1,000 for the winner, £500 for the runner-up and £250 each for two other finalists.

This is the fifth year that the competition has run. The final would normally take place during Coro Nuovo’s summer concert. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and for the health and safety of participants, judges, and audience, the 2020 competition is being held in a virtual format. The prizes will be awarded in November.

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