A talented teenager from Walsall has been named the town's top young musician after impressing judges and audiences at the prestigious Walsall Young Music Star competition.
Victory at Walsall Arena
Priya, a Year 11 pupil at Hydesville Tower School, was crowned winner of the annual competition following a moving violin performance at the Walsall Arena and Arts Centre. The 15-year-old beat five other outstanding young performers to take home the top prize after performing 'Theme' from Schindler's List by John Williams on the violin.
Competition Details
The free-to-enter competition celebrates young soloists who live or attend school in the Walsall area. Judges praised Priya's "impressive performance showing great maturity" and described her playing as "fabulous," highlighting her "well controlled vibrato."
Musical Journey
Priya began learning the violin at age five alongside piano and singing lessons but quickly developed a special connection with the instrument. She chose the piece because it allowed her to showcase both her technical ability and emotional connection to music.
Recognition Beyond the Competition
The performances attracted attention from local MPs, leading to Priya receiving a personal tour of Parliament and a letter from Kensington Palace.
Winner's Reaction
Priya said: "Everyone who took part in the competition was amazing, so I'm extremely proud to have won. I enjoy playing movie tunes as well as classical music, and this piece is one I previously performed for my Grade 7 violin exam. It allowed me to show my vibrato, bow control and shifting along the strings. I've always loved music and enjoyed listening and dancing to it from a young age. In the future, I would love to play at weddings, funerals and community events so more people can enjoy live music, even if professional musicians may not normally be within reach."
Prize and Future Performances
As part of her prize, Priya will have the opportunity to perform at events across Walsall over the coming year, including the Bandstand Bonanza at Walsall Arboretum on Sunday, July 5.
School Pride
Hydesville Tower is part of Blenheim Schools, a leading family of all-ability independent schools with a focus on high-quality education that reflects individual needs, learning styles and aspirations of pupils. Mrs. Samra, headteacher at Hydesville Tower School, said: "We'd like to congratulate Priya on being named the winner of the Walsall Young Music Star competition. Nurturing individual talent to help our pupils reach their potential is one of our core aims, and this is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to Priya's hard work. It is especially pleasing to hear how positively she was received by both the judges and the audience, and the opportunity to perform at events across Walsall is a well-deserved recognition of her ability. Priya regularly performs as a soloist at school open days, Christmas concerts, prize giving events and community visits to local nursing homes. To be able to witness and support her development into a fine young musician has been fantastic, and we are incredibly proud of her."
