Violinist named 21st PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year

Violinist Elliot Samphier has been named ‘PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year 2013’ in the 21st year of the competition.

Victoria College student Eliott fought off competition from Pianist Lillian Garnier, Alto Saxophonist Grace MacDonald and Trumpet player Lawrence Lees-Baker in the final of the competition, which took place on Saturday 2 March at the Jersey Opera House. He becomes only the second violinist to win the competition in its history.

To win the title, Elliot performed a short programme of music that included music by Bruch, Shostakovitch, and Kreisler.   As well as being awarded the PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year Trophy and a cheque for £200, Elliot also received a trip for himself and a friend or family member to attend a concert of his choice in the UK and has been invited to give a recital in the summer at the Jersey Arts Centre.  

The four finalists proceeded to the final from a total of thirty entrants in the initial sectional heats in January. They were adjudicated by a panel of external UK judges.

Dr Graham Cox, Head of the Jersey Instrumental Music Service, said: “The final of this year’s competition was incredibly strong and provided an excellent showcase for the exceptional talent we have here in Jersey. Elliot and his fellow finalists all deserve huge congratulations for their performances, whilst recognition should also go to the teaching staff who do such a fantastic job in instilling in their pupils the kind of discipline and dedication that has been so evident throughout this competition.”

Elliot is currently studying Music, English and Art at A2 level. He has played the violin for 10 years and I currently studies with Gerard Le Feuvre in Jersey and Benedict Holland of the Royal Northern College of Music. At school, he is also a member of the close harmony vocal group ‘Voce Victoria’, and leader of the School Orchestra.

Winners of the PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year since it began in 1993 are: 

1993 : Michael Eouzan, Euphonium

1994 : Claire Pinel, Flute

1995 : Luke Brown, Tenor Horn

1996 : James Southall, Piano

1997 : James Southall, Cello

1998 : Christopher George, Piano

1999 : Laura Smith, Flute

2000 : Dominic Pallot, Trombone

2001 : Julie Robinson, Violin

2002 : Russell Abraham, Percussion

2003 : Robbie Harvey, Trombone

2004 : Jocelyn Crowcroft, Piano

2005 : Louise Morgan, Percussion

2006 : Edward Bailhache, Piano

2007 : Samuel Bisson, Piano

2008 : Jennah Smart, Flute

2009 : Georgina Sutton, Piano

2010 : Jack Chown, Percussionist 

2011 : Toby Huelin, Piano

2012 : Krystian Lamb, Piano

2013: Elliott Samphier, Violin