Hat-trick for music centre in talent contest

Oldham Music Centre has been chosen to hold a prestigious contest for gifted young talent for the third year running.

Working with the charity Future Talent and Manchester’s Halle Orchestra, the centre, based in the Lyceum Buildings, Union Street, will host a Future Champions Initiative.

The scheme provides bursaries for gifted young musicians, aged seven to 18, and is open to all students living in Oldham.

The bronze, silver and gold awards include bursaries of £1,000 to £3,000, to be used by the successful candidates to buy instruments, attend national courses or to pay for specialist tuition.

A short-list of applicants will be drawn up by Friday.

The 12 successful applicants will then perform in the final on March 29 at the Music Centre in front of a panel which will include Katherine Kent, founder of the Future Talent charity, Lyn Fletcher, leader of the Halle, and Gerard Booth, director of music for Oldham Music Service.

Gerard said: “This is more great news for Oldham.

“Our Music Service is one of only three organisations to have been approached to collaborate with the charity in this way.

“We have a music service that is properly funded and supported at council level and we are reaping the benefit of this approach.

“We all look forward to working with the Halle and meeting Katherine Kent again.

“I would encourage all young musicians to get in touch with the Music Centre and apply for what will be a fantastic opportunity.”

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “Oldham is home to some very good young musicians and I would urge them to enter this competition because who knows where it could lead them?

“Not only are bursaries on offer but it will give youngsters the chance to perform in front of the leader of the best known orchestra in the country.”