MICHELLE Z, a Year 4 pupil at The King’s School Hawford, has been awarded a prestigious Silver prize in Season 3 of the London Young Musicians competition.

The international online music competition is open to all classical musical instruments and vocal, for young musicians aged 28 or under.

Michelle’s piano performance of Waltz in A minor, B.150 Op. Posth. by Frederic Chopin was submitted to the Young Talent Age 9 and under category.

It was the first time Michelle had entered the competition so she was naturally delighted to receive the news that she’d won a Silver prize.

Sophie Hughes, director of music and performance at King’s Hawford, said: “Michelle is an extremely talented musician and an absolute pleasure to teach. She has a natural flair for all aspects of our musical curriculum and enjoys participating in various musical groups and activities within school. I’m delighted that her talent and dedication have been recognised as part of this competition.”

Michelle, who is nine years old, hopes to achieve her Grade 5 Theory within the next couple of months so she can take her Grade 7 Piano exam, which she is currently studying for. She is also working towards Grade 4 Violin, having only started lessons in September 2019 and achieving a distinction at every Grade so far.

She has won a number of awards prior to the London Young Musicians International competition, including several first prize trophies in the Birmingham Music Festival and the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival.

Michelle’s parents said: “Music has brought so much joy to Michelle over the past few years, and provides her with skills that will benefit her throughout life.”