Cellist Secures School’s Winning Streak

Cellist extraordinaire, Alex Lockyer has been crowned winner of the prestigious Essex Young Musician of the Year 2023 competition – the second year in a row the accolade has been awarded to a Brentwood School musician.

The Lower Sixth virtuoso captivated the audience at Sunday’s Final with his magical playing, performing three programmes which included many of the seminal works of the cello repertoire. In 2022, Brentwood School guitar phenomenon, Tom Hodgkinson, scooped the title.

A delighted Brentwood School Director of Music and Performing Arts, Mr Florian Cooper, said:

“This competition is open to young musicians living or working in Essex up to the age of 28 and the majority of finalists were either young professionals or conservatoire students and for the second year in a row, a current Brentwood pupil won the competition. I am extremely proud that we have had a student win this coveted title for the second year running; it is a huge achievement and testament to years of musical dedication and hard work.”

In addition to the prize of £1,000 and the Essex Young Musician of the Year trophy, Alex will also be offered various professional engagements. He was presented with his prize at Ongar Music Club by Charles Bishop, the High Sheriff of Essex.

And in another superb performance, Year 8 student Rose Buggle, a Mezzo Soprano, won the U19 Burt Webster award and a £100 prize – no mean feat as she only turned thirteen on Monday. Rose is also through to the finals of the 2023 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this week competing against 15 singers from around the world. Famous performers at Llangollen have included Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and Sir Bryn Terfel.