NEWS

Master Musicians Competition
Congratulations are due to Andrew Mitchener, Head of Colwood and Larchwood Hospitals' Schools, who won March's competition. He has been sent three copies of Oxford University Press's series, which, he informs me, have been placed in his school's library.

The National Foundation for Youth Music (NFYM) has announced its 'Plug into Music' scheme, which involves giving grants of up to £30,000 to youth projects involving music technology. It is hoped that this will encourage a wider exploration of the potential of music technology, and also give youngsters useful experience of IT skills in general.

Music for Youth, in conjunction with the Association of British Choral Directors, will be hosting a Singposium at the Purcell Room on the South Bank on Tuesday 3 July. Tutors will include Michael Brewer, Lucinda Geoghegan and Peter Broadbent. A host of activities, which will include methods of warming up, tuning and conducting, and, importantly, the role of singing within the National Curriculum, has been arranged. For more information or an application form, contact Music For Youth, 102 Point Pleasant, London SW18 1PP; Tel: 020 8870 9624; fax: 020 8870 9935; email: mfy@mfy.org.uk.

Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year
The BBC has announced that this year will see the last Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year, despite its continued success. In a statement, it said 'This does not mean that BBC Radio is diminishing its support of young musical talent as BBC Radio 3 now covers all the heats and the final of the BBC Young Musicians competition, as well as having recently launched its own young artist initiative and programme series, New Generations. Radio 2 is still committed to supporting young musical talent with initiatives such as Young Chorister of the Year and the Young Folk Awards.'

The London Symphony Orchestra and its music director Sir Colin Davis carried off the prize for large ensemble at the recent UK's Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. A video message from the conductor was played to the audience gathered on Tuesday at the Dorchester Hotel for the annual awards, which were presented by Dame Janet Baker. The LSO was also involved with the prize for Conductor of the Year, which went to French avant-garde veteran Pierre Boulez, for his work with the LSO and for helping young musicians.

Competitions
The Haverhill Sinfonia Soloists' Competition will be held on 29 September, and is open to woodwind, strings, brass, piano and singers. There is no limit on age or nationality, but performers must have Grade 8 distinction or above. More information may be found at their website, where an entry form and further information may be downloaded.

Awards
The Geoffrey Shaw Memorial Fund provides money to pay for private instrumental lessons, buy an instrument, or to pay fees. The closing date for applications is 29 June; applicants must have reached the level of distinction in their most recent examination by a recognised musical body, and priority is given to those who can demonstrate financial need. Further information can be obtained from: The Musicians' Benevolent Fund, 16 Ogle Street, London W1W 6JA. Tel:020 7636 4481; email: sdolton@mbf.org.uk.

Calling all young jazz musicians! The Peter Whittingham Award aims to promote the composition and performance of quality popular music, starting this year with jazz. An award of £4000 will be made to a project undertaken by musicians under the age of 26 (average age 26 for ensembles). The award states that projects must be in the field of 'cutting-edge jazz' and suggests composition, recording and performance as the prime areas for consideration. Closing date for applications is 26 October 2001. Further information can be obtained from: The Musicians' Benevolent Fund, 16 Ogle Street, London W1W 6JA. Tel: 020 7636 4481; email: sdolton@mbf.org.uk