Young Musician of the Year 2025

Wednesday was a full day of music at QM as the Young Musician of the Year competition returned - a highlight of the calendar for the Music Department and the school community. The day began with the junior rounds, which ran throughout the morning and afternoon, and ended with the Advanced Final - a live evening performance featuring some of our most experienced musicians. Hailey (UVI), Music Prefect, was named this year’s winner following an outstanding performance of a jazz waltz on the vibraphone. Her playing combined technical precision with real musical depth.

Hannah (LVI) commented:

"On Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Young Musician of the Year Competition. The music varied from Broadway to Mozart to Pirates Of The Caribbean, and I greatly enjoyed seeing the results of all the effort and hard work that had gone into every performance. Massive congratulations to the winner, Hailey Ko. After all the excitement, we settled in Wenlock for the annual Music Dinner, which was, of course, incredible. The food, speeches, prizes and annual hoedown showdown made everything an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the music staff for such an amazing year, and good luck to Dr Horseman in all her future endeavours!"

Thank you to guest adjudicator Martin Trevaskiss, who brought a wealth of professional insight to the day.

Reflecting on the day, Dr Horseman, Director of Music, said:

“The Queen Margaret’s Young Musician of the Year 2025 is always a highlight of my year. Yesterday we heard over 60 performances over the course of the day – celebrating the individual endeavours of our musicians and of course, culminating in the much-anticipated live event in the evening, for our advanced finalists. Whether hearing our girls for the first time or seeing the progress year on year for our existing musicians, the day is always one that makes me incredibly proud of the Music Department and our girls. The standard on display in the live final was exceptional, and most heartening was the support and encouragement the girls showed each other. This was followed by our Annual Music Dinner where we really celebrate the community, fun and great memories made over the course of the year. The camaraderie and friendship in a music department is what really makes it a second home for many of our girls and the Annual Dinner really celebrates this – as ever, a fantastic evening had by all.”