Young Musicians of the Gulf 2016

The 17^th Young Musicians of the Gulf Competition, which was initiated by St Christopher’s School in 1998 as a celebration of young musical talent, opened on Monday 25 January. Nearly one hundred young musicians, representing schools from around the Gulf, are participating in the Competition this year. The Competition, which is indebted to its two largest sponsors: Euromotors and the second largest Citibank, is being adjudicated by three highly accomplished and prominent visiting musicians from the UK. They are lead adjudicator, Penny Stirling, Christopher Griksaitis and John Thwaites. The Solo Instrumental preliminary heats took place on Monday 25 January and the audience were delighted by renditions by almost fifty performers.  Following deliberation, twenty nine of the participants progressed to the next stage of the Competition. The Solo Vocal preliminary heats took place on Tuesday 26 January and again the audience were privileged to listen to fifteen excellent recitals. Following further solo performances during the course of the day, the adjudicators had the very difficult task of deciding who should progress to the Semi-Final. Sixteen Soloists, including a very young Bahraini Pianist, currently in Year 5 at St Christopher’s Junior School, qualified for the Semi-Final, which will take place in St Christopher’s School Hall, Saar on Wednesday 27 January, starting at 5.00pm. The Semi-Finalists are in alphabetical order:

On Wednesday morning, the Ensemble heats take place and the successful Ensembles, which fall into three categories, namely Duet and Trio, Large and Vocal, will also perform in the Semi-Final Competition in the evening. The Grand Final, which promises to be a wonderful evening of music, will take place in the magnificent setting of the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa Hotel on Thursday 28 January, starting at 7.00pm. For tickets for the Semi-Final and the Grand Final and more information, please contact 17605000