Y o u n g M u s i c i a n s ' C o m p e t i t i o n
The orchestra is keen to encourage young performers, and holds an annual Young Musicians’ Competition.
2026 Competition
*** Deadline for entries extended to the end of 2nd March ***
The Young Musicians’ Competition 2026 is generously supported by Hickies of Reading. It will take place on Sunday 15th March 2026 at The Abbey School, Kendrick Road, Reading, RG1 5DZ
Entry is open to singers and instrumentalists of school age who live or study within a 25-mile radius of Reading and have reached a standard equivalent to at least Grade VII of the Associated Board. There is a £20 entry fee.
Our prize-winner receives a trophy and £200 of vouchers for Hickies of Reading; and, if a suitable standard is reached, will have the opportunity to perform a concerto with the orchestra during their 2026/27 season.
There is another trophy, the Joy Day Cup, which is awarded to the entrant showing the most promise and potential.
Click on the Entry Form and Rules documents below to open and download them. The YMC Secretary is happy to answer any queries, and can be contacted by email at ymc@rso.org.uk All completed entry forms must be received at that email address by the end of 2nd March 2026.
2025 Winners
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The overall winner, and RSO Young Musician of 2025, is Yazdi Madon on piano.
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The runner up, and winner of the Joy Day Cup, is Damian Kok on violin.
The following four entrants' performances were highly commended by the judges:
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Eleanor Biles, cello
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Isaac Glaever-Enger, tuba
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Olivia Clark, harp
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George Suckling, xylophone and timpani
Many thanks to our judges Cathal Garvey, Ariel Lanyi and Caroline Welsh, and our 2025 sponsors Hickies of Reading.
L-R: Damian Kok, Yazdi Madon
L-R: Cathal Garvey, Damian Kok, Yazdi Madon, Caroline Welsh, Ariel Lanyi