Woking Young Musicians Trust
2024 Awards Ceremony
Jemima Robinson, Liliia Konstantinova, Cllr Louise Morales, Anaiyah Kashim, Harry Gordon, Oliver James, Hanhan Qu, Alyshea Lee, Hailey Lam, Liia Bahina, Maria Soloveva, Joseph Nicholas
The Woking Young Musicians Trust goes from strength to strength. This year saw a large number of candidates, and the Trust was pleased to offer awards to many of them, to help them in their musical careers.
On Sunday 19 May, at the beautiful St Peter’s Church, Old Woking, we heard their talent in a memorable concert, introduced by the Trust’s Chairman Mel Beynon, and attended by the Mayor Elect, Councillor Louise Morales.
Two awards are administered by the Trust but separately funded: the Ruth Felton Bursary, for younger musicians, which this year was offered to 11-year-old singer Anaiyah Kashim, and the Ron Dawes Jazz Award, won by clarinettist Joseph Nicholas.
Alaiyah’s elder sister, violinist Imaan, was due to be among the performers, but sadly the date was too close to her all-important exams at Cambridge University.
Two other violinists played for us – Alyshea Lee and Hailey Lam, as did pianists Jemima Robinson, Lila Bahina and Maria Soloveva, and flautist Hanhan Qu.
Part of the concert gave us unusual variety – bagpiper Harry Gordon (complete with authentic attire and processing), followed by Oliver James on drum kit, and harpist Liliia Konstantinova.
All in all, a splendid concert, showcasing exciting talent. This bodes well for the future of musical performance. Woking should be justly proud.
[Sebastian Forbes, trustee]