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

• Aijia Shi (Violin, age 13) – Pates Grammar School
• Ella Finney (Piano, age 13) – The Crypt School, Gloucester
• Herbie Urquhart Dixon (Violin, age 18) – Pates Grammar School
• Isla Fujioka (Piano, age 17) – Pates Grammar School
• Robin Nishimura (Flute, age 16) – Pates Grammar School

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 showcase the county’s most talented young performers.

Secure your seats today and be part of the celebration of Gloucestershire’s rising stars. Book your tickets now: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/gloucestershire-young-musician-of-the-year-finals-2026/

Esteemed Adjudicator 

First round auditions took place on November 2nd at Gloucestershire Academy of Music’s city headquarters, Barbican House. These auditions were adjudicated by Professor Derek Aviss OBE, former Executive Director of Trinity Laban and principal of Trinity College of Music. A long-time supporter of Gloucestershire Academy of Music, Professor Aviss praised the exceptional standard of young musicians in the county. “I am thrilled and encouraged that there are so many talented young musicians residing in Gloucestershire.”

Prizes & Opportunities

• Winner: Hewitt-Jones Trophy, £500 cheque, and the chance to perform a concerto at Cheltenham Music Festival with Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra.
• Audience Prize: £200 and a performance slot at the Carducci Festival, sponsored by the Carducci Trust.
• Runners-up: £100 each.

Sponsors 

This competition is proudly supported by: Cheltenham Festivals, Vivum Music Ltd, Brimpsfield Music Society, The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, GSW Music Hub, Cheltenham Trust, and the Carducci Trust.

Head over to Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year page to learn more about the competition.