The 2026 Harrow Shenzhen Young Musician
of the Year competition opened
to great anticipation!
With 18 contestants across four categories,
performing works ranging from
Baroque to contemporary,
from classical piano to jazz drums，
they expressed themselves through music.
As Ricky Ware, Director of Music (Whole School),
remarked at the opening, the competition
celebrates musical excellence in all its forms.
Mr Ricky Ware
Whole School Director of Music
“Events such as Young Musician of the Year play an important role in developing students as performers. They encourage resilience, build confidence and provide valuable opportunities for students to share their music with a wider audience. The competition also highlights the vibrant musical culture within the school and the dedication of students, teachers and parents who support music-making throughout
the year.”
Four categories,
a rich tapestry of sounds
Piano (Advanced)
Piano (Intermediate)
Mixed Instruments (Advanced)
Mixed Instruments (Intermediate)
Judged by:
Pianist Teodora Narashanova
and Violinist Tim Chen.
Two judges evaluated contestants on technical skill, musical expression, and stage presence. They also offered each participant professional feedback after the competition.
Awards Ceremony
Piano (Advanced)
Champion
Terrence W.
Runner-up
Leo L.
Third Place
Carlos X.
Piano (Intermediate)
Champion
Angie Y.
Runner-up
Nikita T.
Third Place
Angel Y.
Mixed Instruments (Advanced)
Champion
Vivian X.
Runner-up
Hardy Z.
Mixed Instruments (Intermediate)
Champion
Jenny J.
Runner-up
Martin H.
Third Place
Austin L.
♬..♩~ ♫. ♪..
More than a competition
A milestone of growth
For many contestants, this was their first time performing a demanding piece in its entirety before professional judges and a full audience. The distance between the practice room and the spotlight has been measured by years of daily dedication. Today, through their music, they have demonstrated to everyone that young people can shine just as brightly.
Music education at Harrow Shenzhen goes beyond performance—it fosters intellectual growth, emotional expression, and creative innovation. By blending technical mastery with theoretical depth, students learn to appreciate music as both an art and a rigorous academic discipline. Our aim is to nurture well-rounded individuals who can analyse, create, and communicate through music, while exploring its intersections with technology, culture, and well-being.
Structured Development:
One-on-one masterclasses and personalised growth pathways.
Global Exposure:
Opportunities to perform at prestigious venues and events.
Academic Enquiry:
Transitioning from performer to scholar through exploration of music theory and history.
Creative Innovation:
Projects in AI-assisted composition and cross-genre experiments, blending classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Music events at Harrow Shenzhen
The 2026 Young Musician of the Year
competition has come to a successful close. But the journey of music never ends.
See you again next year!
