Search begins for the Sussex Young Musician of the Year

The competition is open to musicians aged between 18 and 26 years old, who have a connection to Sussex (residential and/or educational) and are embarking or intending to embark on a professional career in music.

There are four cash prizes available consisting of £1,000 for the winner, £500 for the runner-up and £250 each for two other finalists.

This is the fifth year that the competition has run and the final would normally take place during Coro Nuovo’s summer concert. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and for the health and safety of participants, judges, and audience, the 2020 competition will be held in a virtual format.

Those interested in entering should visit www.sussexyoungmusician.org.uk to download the competition details and complete an application form before recording and submitting a video of themselves performing a competition piece of their choice. The video will also need to be accompanied by a summary of their background, their musical career aspirations and how winning the prize money would assist on their journey.

Four finalists will be selected by the Coro Nuovo committee before being passed to a panel of expert judges from the music world (to be announced at a later date) who will determine the winner and the prizes.

Catherine Kent, chairman of Coro Nuovo, said: ““Whilst our 2020 competition format has had to change in order to adhere to the current COVID-19 guidelines, we are determined to support young musicians during these particularly challenging times.” Deadline is Sunday, Aug 30.