Have you got the musical X factor?

FUTURE champions of music in Oldham can win valuable bursaries in a competition.

For the fourth year running the Oldham Music Service, a part of Oldham Council’s Integrated Youth Service, in conjunction with the registered charity Future Talent, is hosting the Future Champions initiative.

The project, organised jointly with the Hallé Orchestra, will provide bursaries for gifted young musicians aged between seven and 18. The competition is open to all students living within Oldham borough.

The bronze, silver and gold awards on offer may be spent on furthering the musical aspirations of the young musicians in a number of ways including purchase of instruments, attendance on national courses and tours, master classes or specialist lessons.

There will also be a fourth prize — The Anthony Thornton Hodge Award — awarded to a young player showing exceptional promise.

Once all applications have been received the senior staff of the music service will draw up a shortlist based on need, ability and musical aspirations. If required, there may also be a preliminary audition on November 8.

Twelve successful applicants will perform in the final on December 5 at the Oldham Music Centre to a panel which will include the charity’s founder, Katherine Kent, education director of the Hallé, Steve Pickett, director of music for Oldham, Gerard Booth, leader of the Hallé, Lyn Fletcher, and principal flute of the Hallé, Katherine Baker.

The three winners will be presented with a specially designed medal and an award of up to £3,000.

They will also be required to perform in an appropriate music centre departmental concert at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in March next year.

Mr Booth said: “Our music service is one of only three organisations to be chosen. We have a music service that is properly funded and supported by the council and we are reaping the benefit of this approach.

“We all look forward to working with the Hallé. I would encourage all young musicians to get in touch with the music centre and apply for what will be a fabulous event.”

For details contact John Whitmore at John.Whit more@btinternet.com  or on 01457-875434.