Young Musician of Mann 2022

We are excited to announce that the Young Singer of Mann 2022 applications are now open! (See form below)

The Competition is open to all young musicians living on the Isle of Man, who are between the ages of 7 and 18, on or before 30th January 2022. Starting this year, competitors will be divided into Junior (7-12yrs) and Senior (13-18yrs) classes. Equal titles and prize money will be awarded in both classes.

The First Stages are at 2pm (juniors) and 7.30pm (seniors) on Sunday 30th January, at which up to six musicians from each class will be selected for the Final. The Final will be at 2pm (juniors) and 7.30pm (seniors) on Sunday 6th February.

A cash prize of £200 (The Malcolm Dickinson Memorial Prize) will be presented to the winners, along with a silver cup presented by the Rotary Club of Rushen & Western Mann (held until the next competition) and a glass trophy presented by the Isle of Man Arts Council. Second Prize will be a £100 and Third Prize will be £50. Certificates will be presented to all the Finalists. Other prizes may also be made available on the day.

2022 Adjudicators: John Bethell (Chairman), Martyn Cain, Andrew Cole and Ellie Quayle

The official accompanist for the First and Final Stages will be Madeline Kelly. You may also provide your own accompanist if you wish.

FIRST STAGE: A draw will take place prior to the first stage to determine the order in which the competitors will perform: Competitors will be notified of the order when they arrive at the venue. Each musician will play a free selection of music of their own choice, allowing time for breaks between movement/pieces and for applause. Except for pianists, at least one piece should have a piano accompaniment. All styles are welcome, and we ask that you don’t exceed 10 minutes, please.

FINAL: Each of the Finalists will perform a free selection of music of their own choice, allowing time for breaks between movement/pieces and for applause. Except for pianists, at least one piece should have a piano accompaniment. All styles are welcome, and we ask that you don’t exceed 15 minutes, please.

REGULATIONS: Playing from memory is optional but not obligatory.

Competitors are asked to provide an original purchased copy of their music for use by the adjudicators. This is in addition to a copy required for the accompanist, which should be sent in with the application form, if performing with Madeline. A copy for the adjudicators will only be required on the day and both copies will be returned. Please ensure that copies are clearly marked with the Competitor’s name.

Excluding recorders, a competitor’s programme must be played on one instrument. Except for pianists, each competitor’s programme must contain at least one piece with piano accompaniment.

The adjudicators will be looking for the following qualities from competitors:

Musicality: Musical sensitivity and expressive power plus the ability to interpret a piece with an appropriate sense of style.

Performance: The way the competitor communicates their performance- how they sit, stand or interact with the audience.

Technique: The way the competitor copes with the demands of their instrument. Final recitals.

Programme Content: Competitors should try to include a variety of styles in both their First Stage and Final recitals.