A classical guitarist from St Martin’s Comprehensive School has won this year’s Caerphilly Young Musician of the Year award.
Lewis Brace, a Year 11 student, played “Hommage a Tarrega” by Turina on the classical guitar to win the overall prize.
He was presented with the Young Musician of the Year trophy and prize money of £150 by education councillor Rhianon Passmore.
More than 80 talented pupils from Caerphilly County Borough schools competed for the prestigious title over the course of a week. Five finalists then competed in the final round on Friday March 15, in the Brass, Percussion, Piano, Voice, Woodwind and Strings categories.
Each of the finalists were awarded £50, and the Young Composer of the Year award went to Jamie Matthew Thomas, a Year 12 pupil at Coleg Gwent. His winning composition “Several Circles” was played at the final on Friday and he was presented with £100 and a trophy by Cllr Passmore.
Cllr Passmore said: “Each one of the finalists are incredibly talented young musicians and it has been a pleasure to hear them play. At the council we are committed to encouraging talented young people to follow their passions and aim to offer them every opportunity to excel in their chosen field. I wish every young musician who entered the competition the very best in their future, whether that is in music or any other discipline.”