What do a a violinist, a cellist, a guitarist, a trumpeter and a singer all have in common? They all took part in this year’s 25th Anniversary Music Maker Competition.
The Competition is run by Carlton Male Voice Choir as a way of giving something back to help encourage talented young musicians. Previous winners include many talented musicians including Konya, Braimah and Isata Kanneh-Mason. The 2024 final took place on Saturday 8 June at St Jude’s Community Halls, 405 Woodborough Road, Nottingham NG3 5HE.
The winner of the 25th Music Maker award was rock guitarist Sonny Hall who came away with the trophy, a £700 cash prize and an invitation to perform at the choir’s Festival Concert at Nottingham’s fabulous Albert Hall on Saturday 22 June.
An additional prize was awarded this year, for the first time, the Constance Shacklock Memorial Prize. This was awarded to the competitor who showed the most potential. This award, which included a £500 cash prize, was won by singer, Ellie-Jean Winfield.
Chris Coats, Carlton MVC’s Chairman said “We have been delighted with the response to the competition and musicians who took part performed to a very high standard. We are grateful to all the competitors who made this year’s competition so memorable. I would also like to thank our panel of judges for giving up their time to help us run this competition. We are all very much looking forward to seeing and hearing Sonny perform at our Festival Concert on 22 June. We are also delighted to be joined on stage at that event by leading tribute band: The Kinx.”
This year’s other finalists were Josie Sleigh (trumpet), Emily Turner (cello) and Max Worth (piano).
Head Judge mezzo-soprano Katharine Dryden said “I have been privileged to act as Head Judge this year. It is wonderful to see music of such a high standard being performed by young Nottinghamshire musicians. The additional prize, new this year, the Constance Shacklock Memorial Prize for the performer with the most potential, is close to my heart. Constance Shacklock was a world renowned opera singer who had a strong Nottingham connection having been born in Sherwood, Nottingham. I was fortunate to have been taught by Constance in the early part of my career.”
Katharine was joined on the judging panel by Kadie Kanneh-Mason, David Machell, Roger Holland, David Butterworth and Andrew Atkinson.
Previous winners include many talented musicians including Konya, Braimah and Isata Kanneh-Mason.
There was a collection at the two preliminary heats and the final in support of fantastic Nottingham education charity Footprints.
Tickets for the choir’s Festival Concert at Nottingham’s Albert Hall can be purchased HERE.
Further information about the competition and contact details for the Carlton Male Voice Choir can be found on their facebook page HERE or on their website www.carltonmvc.org
