Sam crowned runner-up in Young Musician contest

Sam Brodison, 13, scooped the runner-up spot in the prestigious competition after playing Percy Code’s Zelda on cornet.

The final of the competition, organised by the Rotary Club of Comber, was held in The Harty Room in Queen’s University, Belfast and featured 14 of the province’s top young musicians.

Winner of this year’s competition was Andrew Douglas from Comber, and third place was Zak Hassan from Ballymoney.

Adjudicator Philip Hammond complimented all the contestants on their hard work and excellent performances and said it had been a pleasure to listen to so many young people of different ages performing such a wide range of music.

Philip remarked on the confidence of Sam in particular, stating that the Larne teen had tackled his piece of music with great style and technique.

The competition, now running into its 20th year, has attracted young vocalists and instrumentalists across a wide range of disciplines and talents, including among the winners flautists, pianists, percussionists, singers, violinists, cellists, a guitarist, a piper and a euphonium player.

Many consider the Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year contest to be the first major step on their road to a professional music career.

Karen McKeown, President of the Rotary Club of Comber said: “As well as providing a valuable platform for young musicians to gain competition experience, this well-established contest is an opportunity for the club to raise some much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust and the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.”