The orchestra is keen to encourage young performers, and holds an annual young musicians’ competition. This is open to instrumentalists and singers of school age who live or study within a 30-mile radius of Reading and who have reached a standard at least equivalent to Grade 7 of the Associated Board.

YMC 2012

The Hickies/RSO Young Musicians’ Competition 2012 will take place on Sunday 18 March 2012 at Bradfield College, Bradfield, near Pangbourne.

The competition winner will receive £100 gift vouchers for Hickies Music Shop and a trophy. Also, if a suitable standard has been reached, the winner will be offered the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra in its 2012-2013 season.

The closing date for entries is Monday 12 March 2012.

2011 Winners

• Winner - Ella Bodeker
  Voice, aged 18 (Bradfield College)
• Second - Roy Bo Wang
  Piano, aged 11 (St Michael's, Easthampstead)

The winner of the Joy Day Cup was singer Samantha Quillish aged 16 (Charters School).

We hope to announce dates when some of these superb musicians can perform with the RSO shortly.

YMC 2011 winner
Ella Bodeker