Sunday 6 November 2022, from 10am

Abbey Gate College, Saighton, Chester CH3 6EN

16-year-old is Chester Young Musician of 2022

After a gap of two years as a result of the pandemic Chester Music Society's annual Young Musician Competition resumed with an outstanding line-up of young performers at Abbey Gate College last Sunday. Instrumentalists vying for top prize included, in addition to the piano and violin, a harpist, guitar, saxophone, tuba and flute. In the event, and after a day of intense competition, the overall winner and Chester Young Musician of 2022 was year old George Akka.
George's outstanding violin performances included Brahms's Sonata for piano and violin and Spanish Dances by Pablo De Sarasate. Adjudicator Simon Mercer said: “Captivating playing from the outset. A great maturity...in a highly stylish manner. Colourful and captivating.”
George, from Prestbury is 16 years old and is presently studying at Chethams's School in Manchester. Outside of his musical activities, George is a keen rower, having won medals in national championships, as well as an enthusiastic tennis and table tennis player.
Other worthy winners in their age categories were 11 year old pianist Cameron Liu from Manchester and 14 year-old cellist Mia Hirakawa who lives in Chester.
Competition organiser David Woods said: “We are delighted to find, after two years under the Covid cosh, that the standard of musicianship and performance among our young people is undiminished. We congratulate everyone who took part in the competition and are assured that the future of music-making is in good hands”.
The public will be able to hear these outstanding young players at a special recital at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester on Wednesday 1 February 2023, when they will also be presented with their awards.”