Young Musician of the Year 2026
Our annual platform for young musicians had 20 performances this year. They ranged from some of our very youngest children right through to players much further on in their musical journey, some of whom are preparing to apply to study music.
This year we were particularly happy to welcome retired professional horn player Michael Purton to be the mentor. Mike had a distinguished career as Principal Horn of the Halle Orchestra and Professor of Horn at the Royal Northern College of Music before moving into full time music education and record producing.
Mike gave all the players constructive and positive advice to further their musical development.
The event is primarily an opportunity for children to play solo with an audience of friends and family. However we do single out one particularly outstanding performance for the Dark Peak Young Musician of the Year Trophy. This year it was awarded to trombonist Tom Hazell for his polished and exciting performance of Guilmant's "Morceau Symphonique".
The Young Musician of the Year is held every year usually one or two weeks before the Summer Concert, with the shield presented at the concert.
