Eight of Cayman’s most talented young musicians performed for their friends, family and teachers during an annual celebration of musical excellence on Wednesday, 24 May.
The pianists, violinists and cellist, aged from 14 to 17, took to the stage at George Town Public Library to compete in the final of the 15th Young Musician of the Year.
Each played two pieces of music, either self-written or by composers such as Chopin, Gershwin and Vivaldi, to much applause from the packed room of attendees.
After an evening of rousing performances, cellist Masahiro Takeda, 15, of Cayman International School, was selected as the first-place winner.
“I am thankful to all my amazing music teachers, friends, and communities in New York, Tokyo and the Cayman Islands for inspiring me to challenge new things,” he said.
“There is not a single day that I don’t play music and my love for it is never ending.”
Johann Uy, 15, of St. Ignatius Catholic School, who played two pieces on the piano was awarded the second-place trophy.
He said one of his biggest inspirations has been his parents: “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today and can’t thank them enough.
“My hope is that in the future my performing and music can bring even more joy to people’s lives,” he said.
“But for now, I hope Young Musician of the Year will help me grow as a pianist, a performer, but most of all, a musician.”
The other competing pianists were Charles Henderson, 17, of St Ignatius Catholic School; Daniel Vousden, 14, of Clifton Hunter High School; Lorena Peterson, 16, of Triple C School; and Owen Bard, 16, of Williamsburg Academy Private School, which he attends online.
Playing the violin were John Gray High School students Thian Bodden, 15, and Garson Gardiner, 14.
‘Incredible abilities’
Michael McWatt, managing director of Butterfield Bank, which presented the competition, congratulated the eight finalists.
“As the famous composer Beethoven once said, ‘Music can change the world’,” he said, adding that attendees had “the privilege of witnessing the future of music”.
“[The musicians] have each worked tirelessly to hone their craft and we are honoured to have them showcase their incredible abilities this evening.”
The event was put on in collaboration with the Department of Education Services, National Children’s Festival of the Arts and Cayman Arts Festival.
Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly also congratulated the young musicians on their success.
“Your exceptional talents and hard work have earned you the distinction of being called champions,” O’Connor-Connolly, who is also minister for education, said, “I implore you to continue to strive for excellence as you traverse life’s journey.”
In her welcome message, she spoke of the importance of music education which “plays a vital role in fostering the holistic development of young individuals”.
“It allows them to freely express themselves and enhances their cognitive growth and academic experience,” she said.
The three judges at this year’s event were Stephanie Williams, Janelle Tibbetts and Catherine Rand, who also presented trophies to all of the finalists.
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