The BSME Young Musicians of the Gulf (YMOG) 2016 competition came to a spectacular close tonight at the Sofitel, with the judges crowning the winner in front of a VIP audience. The competition could not have been such a success without our sponsors and supporters, and is indebted to its three largest sponsors: Euromotors, Sofitel and Citibank.
After spectacular performances from all the solo finalists, Anna Graham (age 12) from The British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi wowed both the judges and the audience with her impressive performance, and was crowned Young Musician of the Gulf 2016. The Life Time Trophy was presented by HE Simon Martin CMG, British Ambassador.
The Young Musicians of the Gulf 2016 Runner Up was Isabel Snaas (age 17), Dubai College. The award was presented by Ambassador William V. Roebuck, Embassy of the United States of America.
The results were as follows:
Winning Soloist: Anna Graham, The British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi
Runner-Up Soloist: Isabel Snaas, Dubai College
Ensemble Winner: McLachlan Ensemble, Sharjah English School
Duet and Trio Ensemble: Piano, Violin and Cello Trio, St Christopher’s School, Bahrain
Vocal Ensemble: McLachlan Ensemble, Sharjah English School
Large Ensemble: La Camerata, The British School, Kuwait
Young Composer Award: Zahid Siddiqui, Dubai College
Owerkowicz Bequest Award (Awarded to the Most Promising Bahrain Based Musician): Thea Toutoungy, St Christopher’s School, Bahrain
Knights Bequest (Awarded to the Most Promising Musician 15 years or younger): Ben Brandreth, St Christopher’s School, Bahrain
Piano Award: Hai Wei Li, The British School, Kuwait
Woodwind Award: Mian Shahmir Samee, Dubai College
Brass Award: Zoe Lascelles Lloyd, St Christopher’s School, Bahrain
Male Vocal Award: Zahid Siddiqui, Dubai College
Female Vocal Award: Isabel Snaas, Dubai College
Bowed String Award: Sara Morris, The British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi
Plucked String Award:Tom Jarvis, The British School, Kuwait
Prize Awarded by
Finalist Award (presented to all solo finalists)
H.E. Simon Martin CMG
British Ambassador
Duet & Trio Ensemble Award
Mr Ed Goodwin OBE
Principal of St Christopher’s School & Chairman of BSME
Vocal Ensemble Award
Ms Mayka Rodriguez
Director of Operations, Sofitel
Large Ensemble Award
Ms Mayka Rodriguez
Director of Operations, Sofitel
Plucked String Award
Ms Mayka Rodriguez
Director of Operations, Sofitel
Bowed String Award
Mr Usman Ahmed
CEO, Citibank
Male Vocal Award
Mr Usman Ahmed
CEO, Citibank
Female Vocal Award
Ms Hera Mallick
Marketing, Euromotors
Brass Award
Ms Hera Mallick
Marketing, Euromotors
Woodwind Award
Mr Ed Goodwin OBE
Principal of St Christopher’s School & Chairman of BSME
Piano Award
Mr Sael Al Waary
Chairman of the Board of Governors
Knights Bequest: most promising musician 15 years or younger
Mr Sael Al Waary
Chairman of the Board of Governors
Owerkowicz Bequest: Most promising Bahrain-based musician
Mr Usman Ahmed
CEO, Citibank
Young Composer of the Gulf 2016, Winner
Ms Hera Mallick
Marketing, Euromotors
Overall Ensemble Winner
H.E. Alberto Vecchi
Italian Ambassador
YMOG 2016, Runner-Up: Lifetime Trophy
H.E. William V. Roebuck
US Ambassador
YMOG winner: Stella Taylor Shield donated by Captain Rod Taylor
Mrs Suzanna Westwell
(granddaughter of Rod & Stella Taylor)
YMOG winner: Lifetime Trophy
H.E. Simon Martin CMG
British Ambassador