A dazzling and compelling performance saw one music student crowned Pendle’s top young musician.
Cellist Ruth Hallows (21), from Barrowford, was given the sought-after title at the final of the Pendle Young Musicians’ Bursary after playing pieces by Mendelssohn and Bruch.
The musician, who began playing the cello aged 12, is in her final year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, and has been studying under some of the country’s top cellists.
Held at The Muni, in Colne, on Sunday afternoon, the entertaining event helped four stars pursue their careers in music.
A £12,000 bursary was divided between the winner and three other finalists – according to their future needs to pay for extra tuition and other expenses.
The other finalists were singer Georgina Parker (17), a member of Pendle Youth Choir, singing four songs ranging from opera to jazz; bassoonist Sarah Hoyle (18), currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, playing a sonata by Saint-Saens; and singer Jack Herbert (19), who is playing the starring role this week in “Jesus Christ, Superstar” at Pendle Hippodrome, with a selection of five show songs.
The judges were local musician Peter Young and professional adjudicator Marilynne Davies, who advised each finalist how to take the next step in their musical development.
There was extra entertainment by finalists from the inaugural bursary contest two years ago.
They were saxophonist Emma Johnson with her jazz quartet; Jade Brett and Laura Schofield from The Ardenettes singing group; and singer Samantha Oxborough, who is studying at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
Ken Hollas was compere for the event.