Friday 14 December 2012 Pupils from the Grammar School at Leeds lent a hand to launch a national music competition run by the charity Emunah in conjunction with the Jewish Chronicle. The Emunah Young Musician of the Year Competition raises funds for a music therapy programme run by Emunah to aid emotionally disturbed children who can no longer live with their own families. For the first time regional heats are being held outside London, to take place on Sunday 10 February 2013 at Leeds College of Music. The competition is open to solo performers aged between eight and 18 of at least Grade 4 standard in the categories voice, piano or keyboard, woodwind, strings, brass or percussion. Among those taking part in the Leeds launch was Year 11 pupil Hadassah Litvin, who will be entering the competition for the third time. She has oboe, bass guitar, piano and singing lessons and practises every day. Hadassah said: “I love playing music as it is challenging, interesting and helps me to relax. I also love the build up to a concert and the feeling of fulfilment once I have finished performing. The competition makes me work harder and builds my confidence; also I know that by entering the competition I am helping children who are less fortunate than me.” The finalists will perform in a concert at the Royal College of Music in London on 3 March in front of adjudicators Malcolm Singer, Director of Music at the Yehudi Menuhin School; opera singer Teresa Cahill; concert pianist Norma Fisher and Jewish Chronicle Editor Stephen Pollard. The winner will receive £500 to buy musical instruments for their school – courtesy of Wienerworld – with the option of donating a proportion back to Emunah. There will be an additional award for the ‘most promising newcomer’. Emunah’s Michelle Hirschfield, who chairs the competition, said: “We wanted to hold heats in Leeds in response to parents’ requests and because we know there are many fine young musicians around the country. We are most grateful to The Grammar School at Leeds for their help with the launch and hope to encourage many more young people to take part.” Closing date for entries is 18 January. Pictured l-r are Hadassah Litvin (oboe), Hannah Silberstein (flute), Rebecca Saffer (piano), Mr Andrew Wheeler, Director of Instrumental Studies at GSAL, and Sam Myerson (cello). General Senior School Sixth Form News
