Young Musician

Support Chipping Campden’s Young Musicians at the

Rotary Young Musician Competition

Live music. Raw talent. Future stars. From Chipping Campden and local schools.

The Rotary Young Musician Competition is your chance to witness something truly special. Organised and promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and Chipping Campden Rotary Club, this nationwide competition celebrates the incredible musical talent of young people, and it all begins with our local heats, right here in the heart of the community.

A Proven Launchpad for Young Talent

The Rotary Young Musician Competition isn’t just a local showcase — it’s a four-stage national competition that’s helped launch young musicians toward greatness.

In 2025, the national final saw 17-year-old Nathan Ogston finally take the top spot in the vocal category after three years of trying — his musical theatre performance left judges stunned. Meanwhile, cellist Johnny Gray, also 17, won the instrumental title with a breathtaking performance of David Popper’s Hungarian Rhapsody, proving just how far hard work and passion can go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uobIYo9PZw

They both started in local rounds just like the one happening here. Could the next winner be from Chipping Campden? You can read more about last years winners here: https://magazine.rotarygbi.org/rotary-young-musician-may-2025

What to Expect at the Local Heats

Our local heat is where it all begins. Talented young singers and instrumentalists (aged 17 and under) will perform pieces of their choice — from classical to modern genres — in front of a live audience and a panel of experienced adjudicators. Each young musician receives a Certificate of Participation and valuable feedback to help them grow.

You get to enjoy the show — and they get the platform they deserve.

In January 2025, we held our third Young Musicians Competition Finale. It was a fantastic evening, The audience was treated once again to an entertaining selection of music, all performed to an excellent standard by our talented young people. The School Jazz Group gave a spirited performance during the judges’ deliberation.

In the Senior Section percussionist Alec banner was declared the overall winner. Runner up in the Senior Section was pianist Elodie Inman and highly commended for their performances were Mark Avery, Tenor Sax, and vocalists Layla Clarke and Harriet Yeats.

Vocalist Emily McCarthy was awarded first place and runner up was guitarist Sam Conisbee. Highly commended for their performance were vocalist Megan Riches and flautist Estelle Rushworth

A Call to Local Schools and Families

We especially encourage teachers, schools, youth groups and families in the Chipping Campden area to come along and cheer on your students and peers. These performers might be:

A Year 10 student working toward Grade 6 piano
A Sixth Form vocalist just discovering jazz
A cellist who's never played outside of a school concert

This competition is open to all amateur musicians under 18 who are not full-time music students — making it one of the most inclusive, accessible opportunities around. So, whether they’re performing or spectating, let’s get young people involved — and inspired.

Why Buy a Ticket?

Because you’ll be:
✅ Supporting young local musicians
✅ Witnessing amazing live performances in both vocal and instrumental categories
✅ Helping grow confidence in young people from our schools and community groups
✅ Enjoying a brilliant night of entertainment for the whole family

Whether you're a music lover, a proud parent, a teacher, or simply a fan of good local events — this one’s for you.

Tickets are available a few months before the competition via the Cidermill Theatre website and in person at the Chipping Campden Information Centre, on the High Street.

See full Competition entry terms and conditions on the Rotary Competition website