In recent years, monetary awards have been given to several applicants (not just one winner), to be spent towards:

• A new bow
• A new trumpet
• A practice mute
• ABRSM Entry Fees
• Attending musical tours or residential courses
• Singing and instrumental lessons and masterclasses
• Attending the opera

Many congratulations to Athalie, playing violin and viola, who has been awarded the Frances Kitching Trophy 2017. She impressed the adjudicators with her wonderful enthusiasm for Music as well as her highly accomplished playing. She plans to use her prize money towards attending a music summer school.

Congratulations must also go to Oliver for achieving the Frances Kitching Special Vocal Award 2017. He entertained us with his jazz vocal programme and impressed the adjudicators with his wide range and clear passion for music. He is planning to put his prize money towards further singing lessons.

Additional prizes were also awarded to Natasha (trombone) and Bethan (voice). We were treated to a wonderful concert in March by these talented young musicians and wish them the very best for their future music-making.

Five prizes and grants were awarded to local young musicians in 2016 and we were treated to their accomplished performances in an afternoon concert at St Nicolas’ Church.

Many congratulations to overall winner, Claire Waters,  who aims to continue playing  in orchestras, studying the solo viola repertore, and singing in choirs.

Seven prizes and grants were awarded to local young musicians in 2015 and we were treated to their accomplished performances in an afternoon concert at St Nicolas’ Church on 14^thMarch.

Many congratulations to Leon, violinist, who has been awarded the overall Frances Kitching Trophy 2015. He impressed the adjudicators with his accomplished playing across a varied programme of Bach, Grieg and William Alwyn. He has already used his prize money towards purchasing a new bow.

Sarah was awarded the Special Vocal Award 2015 – we were delighted to see her return to the competition after securing a grant last year towards singing lessons and witness the developments she has made throughout the year.

Bethan: Overall WInner of the Frances Kitching Trophy 2014

Bethan, violinist, was awarded the Frances Kitching Trophy 2014. She gave a highly accomplished performance of movements from Bruch and Barber Violin Concertos and the adjudicators were particularly impressed by her clear passion for the music. We were delighted to invite Bethan to perform the Bruch 2nd movement with the Abingdon Community Orchestra in December 2014 - in a slightly unusual arrangement featuring saxophones and harp!