Deadline for new Moray young musician contest

AN ELGIN music school is launching a young musician award – and hopes the contest will grow to become a prestigious showcase of Moray's best musical talent.

Magdalena Wellenger, who established the Wellenger School of Music in 2016, has organised the first Young Musician of the Year Award for the Highlands and Moray.

Invitations have been sent to more than 350 primary and secondary schools in the Highland and Moray areas.

Youngsters who wish to enter have until Friday, October 11, to submit application forms. Entry information is available at wellengermusic.com.

All entrants will perform on the big stage at Elgin Town Hall for the chance to win a scholarship and music training for one term with Wellenger School Of Music.

Ms Wellenger is a member of Elgin Town Hall community group, involved in cultural programming and events. She said: "Presenting music skills on instruments in front of the audience will give the pupils the opportunity to acquire new experience and take their talents to the next level.

"We believe that for those schools who do not wish to participate as a school, the invitation will be passed on to musical students and all talented individuals who would be able to pursue the opportunity. We are reaching out to all young talent in our region."

Round one, on November 15, will take the form of private auditions, and the second round will be a gala on December 1 at Elgin Town Hall, where a special guest from Germany, Izabella Effenberg, has been invited to play on exotic and rare Arraya instruments. Tickets for the concert are available online at www.wellengermusic.com.

The third round, in February and March 2020, will consist of closed auditions and a semi-final in Elgin Town Hall. The grand finale will be held during the second Elgin Summer Music International Festival on June 28 next year.

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