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 celebrating the exceptional talent and dedication of young musicians from across the county.

Herbie Urquhart-Dixon takes home the Hewitt-Jones Trophy

The prestigious title of Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year was awarded to 18-year-old violinist Herbie Urquhart-Dixon, whose outstanding performance captivated both judges and audience alike.

As winner, Herbie received a £500 cash prize and the esteemed Hewitt-Jones Trophy, presented by our founder Caroline Lumsden.

As part of his prize, Herbie will:

• Perform a concerto with the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra at the Cheltenham Music Festival in July 2026 at the iconic Pittville Pump Room.
• Take part in a unique musical opportunity with Longborough Festival Opera

These experiences offer invaluable professional exposure for a young musician at a pivotal stage in his career.

Audience Prize Awarded to Young Pianist Ella Finney

The Audience Prize, sponsored by the Carducci Music Trust, was awarded to 13-year-old pianist Ella Finney following a public vote during the finals. Ella received a £200 prize and will also give a recital at the Carducci Festival at Highnam in May 2026, offering her a fantastic platform to showcase her talent to a wider audience.

Celebrating All Finalists

Five exceptional finalists performed on flute, piano and violin, demonstrating the breadth of young musical talent in Gloucestershire.

All runners-up received £100 cash prizes, including:

• Ella Finney (13) – Piano
• Robin Nishimura (16) – Flute
• Isla Fujioka (17) – Piano
• Aija Shi (13) – Violin

Esteemed Judging Panel

The competition was chaired by Professor John Traill, who praised the finalists for their musical maturity and high technical standard.

He was joined by:

• Amelia Conway-Jones, First Violinist with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and GAM trustee
• Ashok Gupta, award-winning pianist

“Competitions like this are so important for developing young musicians’ skills, showcasing their talents, and inspiring the next generation,” said judge and GAM trustee Amelia Conway-Jones.

The finals were hosted by Glyn Oxley, Principal of Gloucestershire Academy of Music, who acted as Master of Ceremonies.

To listen to the finalists, head to our Youtube Channel here.

Supporting Young Musicians in Gloucestershire

The Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year competition plays a vital role in supporting and promoting young musical talent across the county. We are grateful for the generous support of its partners:

• Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra
• Vivum Music Ltd
• Brimpsfield Music Society
• Gloucestershire Music
• Longborough Festival Opera
• Cheltenham Festivals
• Carducci Music Trust
• The Cheltenham Trust
• Painswick Music Society

Our supporters continued backing helps ensure young musicians have access to high-quality performance opportunities and professional development.