Congratulations to Miriam in Year 10 who has won the prestigious national music prize, Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) Young Musician of the Year. Well done to Rosie in Year 13 who also represented Blackheath High School. 

Taking to the stage at Howell’s School, Llandaff, Cardiff, Miriam performed an eclectic programme from memory in front of acclaimed judges including GDST alumna and organist, harpist and conductor Anna Lapwood and Rosenna East, General Manager of Nevill Holt Opera and GDST alumna.

This year’s competition saw 39 students come together from across the GDST national network of 23 schools and two academies as they competed to be named the GDST Young Musician and GDST Young Vocalist of the Year. The high-level competition saw the standard of performance from all students taking part equating to ABRSM Grade VIII or above.

Over the course of the two-day competition, the girls also learnt a newly composed piece of music, written by Blair Boyd, postgraduate at Cardiff University which they performed together at the event’s grand finale. Both Blackheath High School students performed exceptionally well with the judges commenting on Rosie’s versatility and ability to perform different genres to such a high standard. 

Alongside a magnificent trophy, Miriam was awarded £500 to put towards a musical experience and will be performing again at the annual GDST reception which will be taking place at King’s Place in June.

Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head, said: “We are incredibly proud of Miriam who is an exceptionally talented musician. Miriam was competing against girls from Year 12 and 13 from across the GDST family of schools so winning Young GDST Musician of the Year really is a considerable achievement.”   

Anna Lapwood, Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge said, “It is incredible to see the talent displayed by all the students taking part in this year’s competition. Music is a unique opportunity for all students to have fun, explore their creativity, and also to develop crucial learning skills such as teamwork and collaboration. As a GDST alumna, it’s great to be back and part of this competition. It is clear we have seen some future stars in the making, and it is wonderful that they have the opportunity to experience competing and performing at this early stage in their careers.”