Pictured (from L to R); Thea Ormrod, trumpet, runner up class 2, Rory Winn, trombone, winner, class 2. Yurij Szyrokyj, piano, winner class 3 and Chester Young Musician 2024, James Ashcroft, electric guitar, winner of the Lilla Hallet Award, and Malicia Huang, harp, winner class 1.

David Woods Trophy

David Woods had organised a enthusiastically run the Chester Young Musician competition since 2011. When he had to stand down due to ill health the winners award was renamed the David Woods Trophy. Very sadly, David passed away on 29 October 2024, and so this year’s competition is especially dedicated to his memory, with Society President Martin Roscoe invited to make the presentations.

Unfortunately, Martin Roscoe was indisposed; in his absence Society Chairman Mick Clarke invited Yvonne Coleby-Davies to present the prizes.

Awards were made to: (Class 1, up to age 12); Melicia Huang, harp and Harmony Zhang, piano; (Class 2, age 13 to 15): Rory Winn, trombone and Thea Ormrod, trumpet; Class 3 age 16 to 18): Yurij Szyrokyj, piano and Daniel Goharriz, clarinet.

The winner of each class was awarded a prize of £100 and the overall winner (and Chester Young Musician of the Year) was awarded a further £250.

Lila Hallett Award

The Lila Hallett Award is new this year and is given to the most promising competitor from Classes 1 and 2, who isn’t a winner. It was awarded to James Ashcroft, electric guitar.

Lila was a key member of CMS for over 30 years who died in 2018. She was instrumental in proposing the Young Musician of Chester competition and, as accompanist and supporter, in helping to establish the Chester Music Society Youth Choir in 1988. She devoted her life to participating in and involving others, especially young people, in music. The trophy has been given in her memory by her daughters Jane and Claire. Claire now organises the Chester Young Musician of the Year competition for the Society.

Bursaries of £500 each are awarded to up to two outstanding Young Musician candidates who have the potential to become full-time musicians and on condition that it is used to further their musical ambitions. This year bursaries were awarded toYurij Szyrokyj and Rory Winn.