Talent shines as youth music festival returns
THE SHETLAND Youth Music Festival opened today (Monday) – this year providing an opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their musical skills and creativity.
Young percussion and brass players from Aith Junior High, Brae and the Anderson brought the Mareel auditorium to attention first thing with their powerful and exciting sounds.
This afternoon was a showcase of some of the best young musical talent in Shetland.
Eight performers took part in the qualifying round of the Shetland Young Musician of the Year competition.
Corey Burns filled the air with a vigorous performance on the drum kit.
There was an opportunity for lesser known instruments to have their moment in the spotlight – Andrew Laurenson made his bassoon sing with effortless playfulness in a Mozart concerto movement.
Torquil Mackenzie gave a melodious performance on the trombone.
Eilith Gunn, Ellie Nicolson and Aisulu Goddard all chose to perform violin pieces written by female composers of the 20th century whether a dreamy French ‘Nocturne’, or a rhythmic American ‘Moderato’.
Elsie Peterson from Aith played piano solos with committed intensity of performance.
Martha Robertson gave a heart-stopping rendition of ‘Think of Me’ from Phantom of the Opera.
Andrew Laurenson returned to round off the afternoon with lyrical and captivating jazz tones on the alto sax.
All this afternoon’s performers are hoping to be short listed for the final of the Shetland Young Musician of the Year competition to be held on Wednesday evening.
This evening (Monday) sees a concert session of large musical groups featuring amongst others Shetland Youth Orchestra, and bands such as Distinctly Mediocre and Stramash.
This concert, at Mareel, starts at 7pm and is free to attend.
The festival continues until Thursday evening. Daytime sessions are free entry and all are welcome.
There are ticketed events at Mareel as follows:
- Wednesday 19 March at 7pm – Young Musician of the Year final
- Thursday 20 March at 7pm – SYMF 2025 gala concert
Tickets can be purchased from Mareel or visit www.symf.co.uk.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
Already a member? Sign in.
