Music Competition Finals 2025

A report by Mr Stobbs

One of the premier events of the Music calendar took place last Thursday in the Wathen Hall – the final of the 2025 St Paul’s Music Competition.

Featuring winners from March’s sectional heats, eight pupils performed in front of the adjudicator, Ralph Allwood MBE, and a dazzled audience.

Jihang (Fifth Form) opened the evening with a commanding performance of Vaughan Williams’ song, The Vagabond, before Hoa-Tinh (Fifth Form) transported us to the salons of Paris with an exquisite interpretation of Chopin’s Nocturne in C Minor, Op.48 No.1 at the piano. Louis’ (Lower Eighth) lyrical tenor proved highly effective in conveying the beautiful text in Herbert Howells’ King David, whilst Vivaan’s (Fifth Form) energetic performance of Abigail’s Jig provided the folk excitement of the evening.

Shekhu’s (Lower Eighth) performance of Prokofiev’s Sonata No.3, Op.28 (piano) was hailed as “outstanding” by the adjudicator, not least because of the technical and expressive demands of the work, whilst Rohan’s (Fifth Form) interpretation of the first movement of the same composer’s Sonata for Solo Violin was similarly praised. Nayan (Sixth Form) showcased both virtuosity and lyricism on the trumpet during his performance of Willy Brandt’s Concertpiece No.2, before Richard (Upper Eighth) brought the competition to a conclusion with stylish performances of Ysaÿe (the first movement of his fourth Sonata for Violin Solo, Op.27)  and Gershwin (It Ain’t Necessarily So).

Following the final note, there was a vote for the Audience Prize (an innovation for 2025), which was shared by Shekhu and Nayan.

Ralph Allwood then praised the technical prowess, musicality, and commitment to the craft that was evident in all performances, before awarding the Junior Prize to Hoa-Tinh and the Senior Prize to Shekhu.

Well done to all the musicians involved for a wonderful evening of music making.