Young Musician of the Year 2024

As a cherished tradition at DHSZ, the Young Musician of the Year competition has once again brought together the finest musical talents within our school community. This annual event not only celebrates students’ love for music but also provides a platform for them to showcase their dedication, creativity, and artistry. 

This year’s competition showcased an impressive array of performances that highlighted the depth and diversity of our students’ musical talents. Participants delivered vocal and instrumental pieces across a variety of genres and styles, including Traditional Chinese Music, Jazz, Popular Music, and Musical Theatre. 

The preparation for this year’s competition began months in advance, with students and teachers collaborating to refine their techniques. Students dedicated significant time and effort to every practice session, pouring their hearts into honing their skills and developing their musicianship. 

The preliminary rounds highlighted the enthusiasm and potential of all participants, with finalists selected based on their technical proficiency, artistry, interpretation, and stage presence. Students showcased their talents through two rounds of auditions, with the top finalists earning the opportunity to shine on stage during the finals. 

The final round of the competition, held on 21st November, brought together students, fellow musicians, and teachers in a celebration of musical excellence. This year, seven outstanding finalists showcased their talents before a supportive audience, representing a diverse array of instruments and musical styles. 

The finalists included five vocalists and two instrumentalists, each of whom impressed both the audience and judges with their technical skills and musical expression. Safani S (Y10) delivered a stirring rendition of a classic Chinese popular song. Bettie Z (Y11) captivated the audience with a powerful jazz performance, while Forest L (Y11) inspired with a musical theatre piece. Amy X (Y12) moved the audience with her interpretation of a modern popular song, and Ming Xian W (Y13) electrified the stage with a popular song performance. Dora W (Y12) presented a compelling and exciting piano performance, and Mia D (Y13) executed a masterful and exquisite piece on the guzheng. 

After careful deliberation, the judges crowned Forest L as this year’s Young Musician of the Year. Forest is the first singer to receive this award. His rendition of the song “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” (from the musical “Les Miserables”) captivated the audience and earned high praises from the judges, who were particularly impressed with his expression, delivery and interpretation during his performance. 

The success of this competition would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our music department, teachers, and staff, as well as our student volunteers. From organising auditions to setting up the stage and sound equipment, every detail was meticulously managed to create a memorable experience for both performers and the audience. A significant amount of effort took place behind the scenes to ensure the smooth delivery of this competition, and we are grateful for the support of our talented department, staff, and students who contributed to its success.

As the curtain falls on another successful Young Musician of the Year competition, we celebrate the winners and all the participants who contributed to this enriching event. Their dedication and love for music remind us of the power of the arts to bring joy, inspiration, and connection to our community.

Looking ahead, we hope this tradition will continue to flourish, nurturing a thriving musical culture at DHSZ.