OB composer returns to Bryanston to crown the winner of The Robert Saxton Recital Competition

Professor Robert Saxton returned to Bryanston on Tuesday evening to adjudicate the final. The competition, which has been named after the composer and OB, is a new initiative for this year, and saw pupils compete to win a trophy and a prize kindly donated by Bryanston Governor Susan Foulser on behalf of The Friends of Bryanston Music.

Congratulations to Lingling B-S for being crowned the winner. Her performance was outstanding: technically accomplished and highly musical.

Well done to all of our finalists: Alex G, Aurelia S, Conrad E-G, Diani F, Emilia D, Jungwoo H, Ruihan B-S, Sophia R, Tenny T-B and Will St J-B.

Director of Music Xavier Iles commented: “I introduced this event because I strongly believe that competitions are an important platform for pupils to gain valuable extended performing experience and there is also an added incentive for them to raise their level. I know that all the pupils who took part will have learned something new about themselves as performers.”

In order to enter the competition, musicians were asked to play a short extract (one-two minutes) from one of the pieces that they would play if they reached the final. Our 11 finalists were chosen from the 36 pupils that entered the heats back in November, and all finalists were asked to perform a short recital on one instrument or voice.

OB Robert Saxton then had the difficult decision of selecting his chosen winner. He selected three runners-up, Tenny T-B on horn, Will St J-B on saxophone and Jungwoo H on guitar for showing great potential to become professional musicians.

If you missed the livestream from our Elder Concert Hall, you can catch up here via our 'BryLiveSounds' YouTube channel.

OB Robert Saxton was a pupil in Dorchester House and then Connaught in the late 1960s before embarking on a distinguished career as a composer and academic at Worcester College, University of Oxford. 

You can browse more photos from the evening here.