Comedy, poetry and piano came together at Barbican House as Alistair McGowan joined Gloucestershire Academy of Music students and teachers for a special fundraising evening. On Sunday evening, Barbican House welcomed comedian, impressionist, poet and pianist Alistair McGowan for a very special fundraising event in support of Gloucestershire Academy of Music. Performing his unique 3 in 1 show, Alistair entertained …
Gloucestershire Academy of Music have launched a new music group called Barbican Artists, aiming to bring exceptional music to unexpected places around Gloucestershire. They started on Friday 6th March by creating pop-up music performances in Gloucester Transport Hub and Eastgate Shopping Centre with a quintet consisting of a flute, violin, viola, cello and bassoon. A Spring-Inspired Musical Programme The quintet …
Young Musician of the Year crowned at Cheltenham Town Hall We are proud to announce the winners of the Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year 2026, following an inspiring final held at Cheltenham Town Hall on Sunday 18 January. This year marked a significant milestone for the competition, as we hosted for the first time. It is a yearly competition …
Are you looking for fun, engaging music groups in Gloucester or Cheltenham for your child? Gloucestershire Academy of Music is excited to announce our Junior Music Department Open Day at Barbican House. This is set to be a music-packed Saturday morning with something for pre-schoolers to year 6. This open day is the perfect opportunity for families to explore our …
Five outstanding young musicians have reached the finals of the Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year 2026 competition, an event celebrating the county’s brightest musical talent. The 2026 Finalists Event Details The Finals of Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year 2026 will take place at the iconic Cheltenham Town Hall on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at 3pm. This event will …
IT was the crowning glory for Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) when its founder Caroline Lumsden met Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace only days after a royal visit to the Gloucester-based arts education centre. Musician Caroline, who set up the thriving academy 43 years ago in her Churcham kitchen, was a special guest at a Buckingham Palace Garden …
The streets were alive with the sound of music when HRH The Duchess of Gloucester visited Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) on Saturday to celebrate the much-anticipated purchase of its city base near the Docks. Her Royal Highness also had a special message supporting the importance of music education for the young. The Duchess’s arrival was serenaded by a …
Oldest and youngest win through An extraordinary performance by this year’s oldest finalist18-year-old violinist Sebastian Taylor won him the coveted title of Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year but the youngest entry, 10-year-old pianist Ella Backhouse, was not to be outdone and won the Audience Prize! The talented pair were among five outstanding finalists who competed on instruments ranging from …
Five incredible young musicians have made it through to the finals of a record-breaking Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year 2025 contest. Not only did the competition see the biggest-ever entry of 21, but it also saw the youngest-ever entry in Cheltenham College pianist Ella Backhouse, aged 10, who made it through the finals. She will be competing fellow finalists …
GAM’s bursary fund got a £365 boost (and rising …) from Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year James Li’s winner’s concert at the weekend. The capacity audience at Cheltenham College was spellbound by his performance of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, accompanied by GSO under Glyn Oxley’s baton. They responded with generous donations to GAM’s bursary fund at the retiring collection having …
