The Final BBC Young Musician

More than 450 talented young performers entered. After two

strongly contested audition rounds, 25 work selected for the finals. We

have heard some high-quality playing from some exceptional young people.

And now, just three remain. This is a huge competition. These are young

musicians who have dedicated their lives to being the best they

possibly can be. Young Musician is the most important competition in

the UK. This is really something. If you can cope with this, you can cope

with anything. It gives you a wonderful opportunity to start a

brilliant career. Over the years, some great musicians have come

through this competition. The killer Benedict. It was the biggest musical

experience of my life. I'm grateful to this competition for making my

dream alia -- a reality. I hope it is an amazing start to a long

career. In just over two hours, one of our finalists will be named BBC

Young Musician 2014. know I am Not Alone in feeling

excited about the next couple of hours. Today has all the hallmarks

of being a very special final in deed. All of our finalists have

demonstrated their outstanding technical ability and musicianship

in the previous rounds, so we have a lot to look forward to. 20 years on

from the introduction of the category, we have a percussionist in

the final and 42nd competition running, a recorder player has

proven that it is an instrument to be taken seriously. Including the

line-up, a pianist who has come back to triumph after disappointment last

time. They will be performing works by David Heath, Gordon Jacob and

Sergei Rachmaninov. That meet our finalists.

have won before are, winning it would be incredible.

Of course, this final would not be complete without them. Hello to both

of you. Allison, you reached the final in 1998 and this is a huge

occasion. Yes, and in some ways it feels like just yesterday that I

competed. The atmosphere is electric. There is pressure on these

performers because it is so high profile. At the same time, it is a

celebration of their talent. Laura van der Hedjen, you were my guess

that the final two years ago. What do you think it is about this

competition that is so special? I watched this competition and have

done so ever since moved here 13 years ago. I have followed careers

of so many people with such exceptional abilities, who are now

also my friends and colleagues. What is special about the competition is

that we are all witnessing such young, incredible talented kids, who

will rule the world stage as of concerts everywhere. And that is the

most exciting thing for me. For now, thank you both. I'm pleased to say

that Milos will be keeping an eye on things backstage and Alison will

join me here to talk through the performances by our three finalists.

Before that, I'm joined by some very special guests indeed. Not just one

but two former BBC young musicians. For I introduced them, here is a

look back at their triumphant performances. -- before I introduced

them. Laura van der Hedjen, who took the

title of Young Musician in 2012, and Nicola Benedetti, the winner of the

competition the last time it was held at the Usher Hall, ten years

ago. It won welcome to you both. Nicola is back as our very first

ambassador. What does Young Musician mean to you? It means so much, so

many different things. The experience of actually playing. I

have a lot of very strong memories of that day and of the whole

competition, the build-up to the final. If you goose bumps today. I'm

trying not to rub off on any of the finalist! I am probably more nervous

than them. It is bringing back so many memories but it is outside my

control. It is in their hands. Laura, two years ago it was you

waiting backstage to walk onto the stage. How does it feel to be back

here? It is amazing to be back. I'm maybe as nervous as I was two years

ago, maybe even more! It is amazing to be back in the hall, and it is

such an amazing experience. I am really looking forward to seeing how

they develop through tonight and through the rest of their careers.

As our ambassador, any final words of advice? They do not need any more

advice. They are so prepared, and they have done everything. They know

how to prepare. For them, it is just going to be about being themselves

and presenting what is unique about their talents. Thank you both very

much indeed. We are looking forward to talking more to you along the

way. Whoever wins the final today will be joining an impressive list

of previous winners including not only Nicola and Laura but the likes

of Emma Johnson, Adrian spill it and Freddie camps, the pianist. Today's

finalist will be hoping to follow in their footsteps but to do that, they

will have to convince five very important people. Our expert judges.

Recording artist. I would look for the potential where you see the

person's intent in 20 year, if you know a message comes through and

reaches the audience, that is most important thing. Colin Curry, the

first win over the percussion title. Now a leading soloist We are looking

for someone who comes on stage and is in control but in a very

commanding sense, but also in a sense where everyone feels good

about what is going on. Award winning recorder player

Michaela Petrie. Would like to see someone who is at one with the music

and with the instrument, that treason sends the instrument and

thinks only of the music. One of the most success self-composers today,

James MacMillan Beyond the music, something of the young musician's

soul has on the communicated to a listener, a great musician has it or

doesn't have it. And Alice Farnham. Lead othera programme to encourage

women into conducting It is that extra thing that is very emotional

and I think for the judges and the audience as well.

Just a brief insight into the thought of the jury in the final.

They are taking their seats in the hall. I am pleased to say Nicola and

I have been joined by Alison. It is lovely to have us with us. How do

you think they will cope with the pressure of this final? I think

something that was clear was in the earlier round they were able to

demonstrate they couldn't show their personalities when they are making

music, they are teenagers but they would have this original voice and

they can be enchanting as well as of course all this incredible skill.

Nicky you have been working with the contestants and we have such a

diverse range as Ali says of performers and repertoire today. I

would echo what Alison is saying, it is to me the most impressive thing

about all three, is their ability to feel comfortable in their own skin

and recognise that people are looking to receive a message from

them, their individual voices and what they can express through the

music they are chosen, it has been a privilege to be round them and to be

party to the entire process, such a key moment in their lives and

musical lives. We are ready to hear the first of our finalist, he made a

huge impression with his performances in the category finals

and the semifinal, it is 15-year-old percussionist Elliot Gaston-Ross.

I am astounded to be in the final, I really didn't expect it. I have

played for a lot of orchestras over the past few year, and I have never

done much in the way of big solo recitals, and to jump into a

competition like this and now be in the final, and playing a concerto is

massive leap for me. Two weeks before the final, Elliot is off to

Manchester's Royal College of Music to rehearse his concerto with an

orchestra for the first time I have been practising for a long time with

the CD, but to now go and play with an orchestra, it will be very

different. This particular concerto required Elliot to get hold of

unusual bits of kit. For the industrial percussion set up, me and

my mum and dad went to the DIY shop and collected some bins and a

wheelbarrow. It was embarrassing standing in B having to hit the

dustbins with the members of staff looking at us like we were barking

Mladenovic mad and trying to explain it was a percussion instrument.

The piece I have chosen to play in the final, is African

Sunrise/Manhattan Rave by David Heath, which is a percussion

concerto in two parts. The first part is on the marimba, then on a

drum kit, then industrial percussion, then I move ore to the

vibrafphone. It is one of my favourite concertos. The challenges

are that he has got to improvise a large part of the score when he is

playing the industrial percussion. Anything that is printed, you know

what you have to do, every note is specified, but when it says

improvise for a couple of minute, it is a blank canvas, that is scary for

a musicians, especially for a young musician who is not used to that It

was a lot of stopping to chat about how we are going to make it work and

stuff like that, and there was a bit of pressure there.

I have no idea what tempo you are at I have had a lot of lumps and

blisters on my hand from practising, so physically it has been difficult,

but my mum has been helping me on that, that has helped.

He has been practising in excess of 30 hours a week, last week think it

was 35 hour, that is how dedicated he is.

Three days before this final, Elliot meets Kirill Karabits for the first

time. Good. So we go boom-boom before boom, crescendo. I like

Kirill, he is a top class conductor, one thing I noticed about him he is

very chilled and laid back. I am lucky to have him conducting. Next

it is time to meet the orchestra, and Nicola Benedetti is on hand

where expert advice. The kind of people that are in this orchestra,

they are the most supportive, lovely people and Kirill e, he wants it to

be as good as possible. Never feel like row can't speak up and. I know

how scary that can be when there is 40 people, 60 people there. If you

do have any concern, definitely try to say them early. Then they won't

be playing on your mind. So you look and we start. There is always a

moment you have to ask them to do some showing this tempo, or looking

at the conductor, because these are things they don't know. I have asked

him a couple of times could you look or could you make it clear, and he

always was very flexible, and reacted immediately. Do you think

your performance will be difficult when you have within working with

them? I think it will change my performance, but for better, it is

amazing to speak to Nicola, and, she is a big inspiration to me, and a

lot of other musicians, obviously having won the competition in this

very hall. I have to ask what would it mean to you to win young

musician? I have had so much support through the competition from my

family, it would be the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.

Just 15 year old, but so very focussed. As we saw, such dedication

there, there hasn't been a percussion winner of BBC young

musician in Elliot Gaston-Ross's lifetime. Maybe this will the one.

Here he is. He will be performing African Sunrise/Manhattan Rave by

David Heath who is in the audience. He said he was honoured Elliot had

chosen this work. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by

Kirill Karabits. just 15 years old. And as you can

hear and see, the audience at the Usher Hall is just going wild for

that performance. That is one of the instructions from the composer, who

is here in the audience. He says in the score to go wild. And yesterday,

Elliott was telling me how he loves that. He feels that he has an

advantage over the other contestants tonight for that reason. He can just

completely lose it in that percussion section. Such an

astonishing contrast to the lyricism that we saw in the opening June, the

marimba section. He is a stage animal. He absolutely loves it.

Well, what a way to begin this final of BBC Young Musician 2014.

Elliott Gaston-Ross ? the first of our three finalists.

It?s 20 years since the Percussion Category was first

introduced and in that time it?s only produced one winner ?

Adrian Spillet back in 1998. Elliot Gaston-Ross making a very

convincing case to be the next percussion winner. Alison, you were

in that final with Adrian Spillet in 1998. Do you think Elliott has what

it takes? I do. He is a riveting performer. Everyone here, I would

say, was transfixed. We both had our hearts and our mouths at one point.

There was a gorgeous moment where he hearts and our mouths at one point.

There was smiles and our heart melted. Absolutely. I think he has

got a very strong chance. He is such a accomplished performer. It is hard

to believe he is 15. Nicola, what a glorious challenge to the idea that

the classical concert is a stuffy experience. There he is, playing his

heart out on the wheelbarrow, in the trash her cousin section. How

important is it that we see different music-making in this

competition? -- percussion section. I think it is incredible. For him,

he is someone that would turn whatever was in front of them into a

masterpiece. He is meant to be on stage. Some people, you meet them

backstage and you are speaking to them, and you almost cannot imagine

what they will be like when they get on stage. And he just owns it. He is

meant to be there. One of the questions that gets asked for the

final is how do you compare instruments, how do you compare a

percussion section with a very quiet recorder player? You have to look

beyond the instruments. It is not about the instruments. You have to

be looking at the musician, and what they have to say. And he provided a

complete thrill. Of course, he was energetic, charismatic. But he was

also able to find space for the more intimate moments. He balanced it

perfectly. Thank you both. He couldn't believe it when he won

the Category Final, let us hear how he is feeling I don't know how you

girls are feeling, but backstage, I have to say we are feeling

emotional, we are feeling the rhythm in our blood, in our hip,

everywhere, Elliot played a piece which displayed so much her sism and

energy, and I don't know what to say. A piece which not so many

people have heard, and Elliot absolutely smashed it. Elliot. Are

you happy? Yes, I am really happy. Best experience I have had in my

life, and I really enjoyed it, and just gave it all I have, and that is

all I can do really, and I just really, really did enjoy it.

He certainly did smash it and the standard is set. Next to play in in

this final is 15-year-old recorder player Sophie Westbrooke. This is

the second competition in a row in which ard roar player has made it to

the final, and Sophie is bit of an am a ambassador for the instrument.

He says her success so far will make it cool to play it again. You were

in the semifinal for her performance, she captivated you. She

did. I think at the time I described it she was casting a spell over the

audience, her programme was very clever, it was very much designed to

tell a story and all the pieces were joined together, they were all in

the same key, it did convince me, I wasn't expecting what I heard from

her, and she is just beguile, and again, it is looking past the fact

we have these stereotypes about the recorder, and listening to her

express herself, I am excited to hear this.

Nicola, how have you found working with her? I think she has a sort of

quality that draws you in. Obviously, the projection of the

recorder is, has its own space, and she understands that, she

understands that in order to express herself she needs to beckon everyone

into her sound and her expression, she is also a very naturally still

person, she is very calm, she is very sweet, and that is, it is like

she is not planning to show off to anyone, she is just bringing you

into her space, and and telling you, telling you it is like she is

telling you a secret. It is so refreshing, in a noisy busy world,

it is refreshing to have that sense of calm and to experience that with

her. Very calm, I saw her earlier and she looked so zen, I thought I

don't know how do you that! We caught up with her to find out how

preparations were going for the final.

The competition has been a good thing for me, I have learned the

importance of being creative and enjoying myself and performing, to

an audience instead of playing the right notes.

I think it has been a real learning curve for me, it is still going, I

am still learning more. When Sophie got through to the

final, I was shocked. Really pleaded for her, excited because the

opportunity to play with such a wonderful orchestra is something you

rarely get 59 this age. -- at this age.

To prepare for this final she has been rehearsing with the orchestra

at the junior Royal Academy of Music.

The concerto performance is a different thing to presenting a

short programme in a recital situation, it is obviously a more

complex issue for the recorder. It has been exciting because it has

made us look outside the box a little #3wi9. Sophie will be playing

a concerto by Gordon Jacob and we have commissioned a new arrangement

of it. There is always an issue but

recorder because it is a small light instrument.

I have been careful to add instruments which perhaps had lots

of colour but not too much volume. We wanted colour, and lightness in

the orchestration. Support comes from fellow player

Charlotte who made it through to the BBC young musician final back in

2012. Charlotte has given me advice, she is a very kind of calming

person, if ever I am stressed or worried about anything.

When I heard she got through I wasn't surprised. She has the

strongest musical intelligence and amazing technique.

I am so excited about playing with the professional orchestra, it is an

amazing opportunity, and hopefully, it will be a bit of a new expense

for some of them as well, playing with a recorder.

But before meeting the orchestra there is a chance for Sophie and

Kirill Karabits to work through the piece.

I find all #r0rder players I have seen and worked with, they are very

delicate people. -- reporter. Everything we are doing

is chamber music, it is not overwhelming, it is little thing,

which we improved in the last days. I can give you this entrance. That

is normally fine. Sophie the countdown is well and truly under

way, how does it feel to be here? It is crazy, it is surreal. It doesn't

really feel like it is really happening. It is good. It is good to

finally be here, before I was coming, it was nerve-wracking, but

now I am here and rehearsals are going on, I feel calmer and much

more ready. Sophie will be accompanied by

members of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

It is my flesh to welcome Sophie Westbrooke. It was daunting and

nerve-wracking to stand up in front of so many professional musicians

who have been doing this for year, but it was nice and it was relaxing

to go through it, and I feel much more prepared now.

Someone who knows how daunting the experience can be, is Nicola

Benedetti. Sometimes I find it difficult to speak up, in front of

an entire orchestra, you feel like you don't want to hear the sound of

your own voice in front of those people. I know that feeling, after

years of doing it, I can promise you you are there, all with the best of

intentions, and they want to be able to enjoy the music with you.

I hope people watch this and think the recorder is a proper instrument

and people can do amazing things on it. I certainly found that when I

watched Charlotte. How would it #2350e8 to you to win and be the

first recorder player to take the title? I tried not to think about

it, because this has never been a competition for me, it has just been

a really good opportunity to perform, and play pieces that I

love. Winning it would just be incredible,

the winners who have played before are musicians I admire hugely, and

to kind of join them would be amazing.

15-year-old Sophie Westbrooke looking completely calm as she waits

backstage, unfeesibly relaxed you might say. She doesn't seem to be

get tressed -- stressed or worried. There she is tuning her recorder.

Her musical intelligence is anything but delicate. It is ferociously

refined and sophisticated, having watched her in rehearsals the last

few days. She is going to be played the Suite

For Recorder and Strings by Gordon Jacob in a new version commissioned

especially for her, for chamber orchestra, by David Knotts. The BBC

Scottish Symphony Orchestra once again conducted by Kirill Karabits.

how much she enjoyed that final bit when he showed off that recorder.

She is a beguiling player. Remarkable search possession for

someone so young. She goes to the same school as Emma Johnson who took

the title in 84. Emma sent her an e-mail before the competition to

wish her good luck. She will be proud of Sophie, I am sure.

That was good. Sophie Westbrooke making such a

convincing case to perhaps become the first recorder player to win BBC

Young Musician. Alison, she is a very special play e there is no

doubt about it. Extraordinary grace and poise for someone so young

Absolutely, and what I find fascinating is people play their

personality, etch time I have heard her, I feel like I have got to know

her more and I love her. Such grace and poise but so expressive and

romantic, I thought it was very beautiful. I was impressed by the

fact the fact a recorder is a quiet instrument she wasn't afraid in the

quiet bits. She didn't shy away from it. She owned that. Nicky, she

doesn't have the same repertoire choices as a vile Lynnist. Did she

make the right call? I think she did. The piece is diverdicts it

shows huge amount of character contrast, it is tough to be able to

pick something that is really going to allow you to shine, I think a lot

of people were concerned about the orchestration, the reorchestration

of this piece, including any instruments that may interfere with

her projection in the hall, but we heard her the whole time. I thought

the colours were wonderful, between her and the orchestra, I thought it

was very effective. They were. Let us hear how Sophie thought that

went. She is backstage with Milos. Thank you Clemmie, I am indeed, and

whenever Sophie plays she manages to transport me to some far away

beautiful land, now the Princess of recorder herself is next to me. It

was a lovely performance but how was it for you? It was amazing, I wasn't

nervous, as soon as I walked out and it was so much fun, it was, there

were so many people there and I felt they were all kind of be mind me and

supporting me, and, yeah, it was so much fun, I love the piece, I love

playing it, and, I had a really good time. Nobody was breathing, you... I

was trying to breathe. You were incredible. And congratulations, you

an inspirational young lady. -- you're an inspirational young lady.

We have heard two of the finalist, Sophie Westbrooke and Elliot

Gaston-Ross. Completing the line up pianist Martin James Bartlett. He

reached the Category Finals two years ago aged 15. He said that

spurred him on to study even harder. Alison, you were taken by his

performance in the semifinals weren't you? I was, in the Category

Finals as well. Obviously, no pressure, he is about to go on stage

now, I have to say within the first few seconds of hearing him I was

open mouthed. My breath was taken away by him he is a very rare gifted

musician. I remember that feeling, those goosebumps from two years ago.

You have been working with him, what are your impressions Nicky? He lives

and breathes musicians, I mean, he has such delight -- music. His body

and imagination is just shifting with every note and character he is

trying to feel, he is rare. Very very rare. Well, let us find out how

Martin has been getting on since winning his place in the final.

Being involved in BBC Young Musician has been a lot of fun and I have

enjoyed performing and I love the pressure, because I think it makes

you grow as a musician and a person. It means so much to me, to play in

the final, because in a way I prefer playing concertos to solo

repertoire, so for me this is what I love doing.

Martin attend the Purcell School of Music, where his teacher Emily

Geoffrey is on hand to help him refine his performance I have been

practising much more for the final. I am playing Rachmaninov, Rhapsody

on a Theme of Paganini, and I think this piece sums up my personality

very well. There were beautiful passionate moments but it is

mischievous. It's a piece that suits him so well. Fits him like a glove.

It just is able to show so much of what Martin has to offer.

Since he began learning it has not looked back. Loves it and I think it

loves him. It is one of the most challenging

pieces in the piano helptory, with orchestra, I mean, also it is a very

famous work, so to put your own mark on a piece like that, is a huge

challenge. Having Emily to help me with the

piece is great. She makes me think of it more or the -- orchestrally so

we have a lot of fun working on. That was nearly good. Don't make me

laugh! I chose to get some nice tailored

tails, which, I think, it is kind of an old school way of playing and

lots of people wear suits. I think it's a tradition that should be

brought back in. I have never been to Usher Hall and I have looked on

the internet. It looks amazing. My mum and dad should be here and we

are going to go there. They are plying up. I am driving one the

tails and suitcase, so nothing gets cruised.

-- flying up. He is very excited. Words cannot say how excited he is.

Yes, he is really really looking forward to it.

Gosh, I am starving, can we get a burger on the way? Now in Scotland

Martin has his first rehearsal with Kirill Karabits, under the

experienced eye of Nicola Benedetti. The only advice I could give you if

I may be so bold. Please do. Would be to focus all your energy as much

as possible, on the relationship between you, piano, piece of music,

and musicians. Like that should be your protection. That is what I am

trying to do and have a good relationship between the

orchestra... Focus absolutely on that. When you take the tempo it

doesn't change. I shouldn't change. It was almost an immediate

understanding, it was an intuition, so we played the piece twice, in the

first rehearsal from the beginning to the end, and I could hardly say

anything, it was just little things that improved mostly by themselves.

You have been working with Kirill and the orchestra, do you think your

piece has developed in that time? I think it has. There are some things

I think maybe work very well when I play it through, with the orchestra

you have to make different allowances and there are some things

where I think I am playing big, but with an orchestra behind you I have

to. You made a huge impact on the competition two years ago, do you

think you have developed in that intervening time? I think, so I

think I have worked as hard as I would in a decade, probably, in the

two years, so I think that lots of things, maybe my mind and my musical

mind has developed much more than it was two years ago. How does the

experience compare? Does it feel different being back here this time

round? It feels different, because this time, I think I am more

focussed. I am just enjoying it more. I am going to guess there is

nowhere else you would like to be than on stage, you feeling that this

year? Even more than two years ago, it is where I feel most comfortable.

When I am on stage I feel comfortable and I enjoy myself.

So two years on from Martin's first appearance in this competition, #4iz

wait to get up there on stage for a final is nearly over. -- his. I was

gobsmacked by his playing two years ago, I can't wait to hear what he

does today, he is going to perform Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by

Rachmaninov, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted once

again by Kirill Karabits. A rap so Dick reaction for --

rhapsodick reception for his magnificent performance of Rhapsody

on a Theme of Paganini. Bringing this final to a great close. The

last of our three performers competing in this BBC young musician

final and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra once again conducted by

Kirill Karabits and led by Laura Samuel. This is the piece Freddy

Kempf won with in 1992. Can it do it again? At this 2014 final.

Well, we always knew this was going to be a very special final, it is

blown my mind. 17-year-old Martin James Bartlett bringing this final

to a close. Nicola, before we began, before he began you said he was

rare. That performance astonishing, he has it all, not only the talent,

the technical ability, the charisma on stage but the soul. I looked at

both of you and you were open mouthed and weepy eyed. I would say

he is one of those that manages to bring in every component you need at

every one time. He which is very difficult.

APPLAUSE A rousing cheer for the BBC Scottish

sieve Snip orchestra, they are doing sterling work. You loved him in the

Category Final, did he deliver for you? Completely. I was thrilled with

that, I have to say I was weeping, not in the bit everyone weep, long

before that. I feel he is the kind of musician that reminds me why I

have dedicated my life to being a classical musician, that is what it

is about. It is life affirming. It is. When you hear music played like

that, that is how to spread the message about classical music with

playing like that, he is 17, he is just a normal boy, apart from this

ridiculous talent he has got. You talked about the bit that everyone

cries at. It is a very famous piece. Freddy Kempf won with it in 1992. Do

you think it was the right piece for him? There is no question about

that. He loves this piece like it were his baby. He takes care of it,

you can tell he is moved by so many places in the piece, that is what is

extraordinary about him,he is so moved as he is playing, but he

manages to stay disstand enough to be in control. -- distant enough.

The combination of the two extremes is very difficult. He had a lot to

contend with as well. There are ensemble difficulties throughout

that, Ritz Mick -- rhythmically it is challenging and balance wise with

the orchestra, you see a piano that size you think it must carry but

there were a lot of challenges he has to face and he kept his cool.

Said what he had to say and, and delivered, yeah. Well, we know that

he loves being on stage. Let us hear from Martin himself and how he

thought that went. He is backstage with Milos. Hello from backstage,

what an explosive finish. Our final competitor, Martin, we felt your

inner and outer smile. Are you happy? I am very happy. I just had a

lot of fun, it was very exciting and I love the piece so much so it is

great to perform it. When you are on stage it feels like you are at home,

when you are with an orchestra it feels like second nature. I suppose

I feel comfortable, and I really enjoy being on stage, yes. Is this

something you want do for the rest of your life? Yes, You certainly

will. Over to you girls. Thank you very much indeed. Well, it is a very

very tough task that the jury have ahead of them, isn't it. You

wouldn't want to be in their shoes. I am glad I am not. It is just

impossible to compare the three, I think you just have to probably in

the end go on what were you most moved by, there are so many things

that have to come together to make a great performance, between the

choice of the repertoire, their stage presence, their sound through

their instrument, and their soul, what do they have to say to you? All

of the judge also have had distinct different feelings. And I am glad I

am not them. You said this was a privilege to hear, it was a

remarkable opportunity to hear music by people so young. It is a

privilege to hear music like this live, it really is. And, it is like

a kind of alchemy. There are many components have to come together.

You never know it untonne -- until it is happening whether the magic is

going to be created. I think for all three they did that this evening, so

yes, again, I am glad I am not doing it. Thank you both very much for

now. If you are already wondering how you are going to fill your

Friday nights once BBC Young Musician 2014 has reached its

thrilling conclusion I have good news. This year the competition has

introduced a brand-new award for jazz performers, the final was hell

in Cardiff and you can see highlights next week on BBC Four at

7. 30. Here is is a quick taste of what we have to look forward to.

We have excellent young jazz musicians. It is wonderful they have

a platform to be seen in a come peps they has established itself as one

of the great competitions for jazz musicians anywhere.

-- competition. Having a competition like this is

going to add to the evolution of the music.

I am excited to hear new young talent. I am looking forward most to

hearing great music. It is so mind-boggling courageous for a kid

to be able do that. I place with but it is impossible to say who would

win it, they each have so much to offer. Whatever happens next, who

knows but to win it would be amazing.

Now, as promised while we wait for the juries nail-biting decision we

have a very special treat. No-one who watched the 2012 BBC Young

Musician final will be able to forget that performance of Walton's

Cello Concerto by Laura van der Hedjen, I am delighted to say she is

back to perform for us today. Young Musician 2012. -- here she

is. To form Tchaikovsky's rococo Variations.

MacMillan. In James MacMillan. APPLAUSE

The rococo variations by Tchaikovsky. Laura is a special

talent. All of us who were involved in the competition are hugely

looking forward to seeing her career develop over the coming year, she

has a fantastic rapport with the conductor Kirill Karabits, he was

there at the scene of her triumph. He is back tonight conducting the

Scottish Symphony Orchestra with their leader Laura Samuel.

Well, I understand we have a result which is why I have come to the side

of the stage, but before we hear who is the new BBC Young Musician I am

going to hand you back over to Alison, she has taken my place in

the hall, she is with Nicola and Milos. Thank you. What a concert. I

feel like I lived every second with the finalists, what a perfect

advertisement for classical music. Your final thoughts Nicky? No

pressure. I guess my final thoughts are that no matter what happens it

really is something to bel Britted, the three people that age, from this

country, playing to that standard, and demonstrating seriousness, I

think it is something we, us three can celebrate from this point on

wards, we don't have to make the decision. Milos you were with them

straight after their performance, it must have been emotional. And

through the competition and emotional it was. You see them

blossom from one stage to the next. You see them become these amazing

performers. I forgot we were in a competition. I have no idea how they

will make the decision. They celebrate all that is great about

this country and real inspiration and talent and pride of Britain.

Thank you both. I hear we have a result, so I am going to hand over

the Clemmie for the presentation. /to Clemmie.

Ladies and gentlemen. What an extraordinary concert we have

enjoyed today. I am sure you will a degree it is an exhilarating and

inspiring finale to what has been a wonderful competition this year we

have heard three outstanding young musicians, and on any given day any

one of them might have been a worthy winner.

But, in just a few moments, one will be named BBC Young Musician 2014.

First though, we have another award to announce. The Walter Todd bursary

is named after one of the co-founders of the competition and

it is awarded to a performer or performers who didn't make it to the

final. I am please to announce there are two recipient, they are the wood

wind Category Final and the keyboard Category Final list.

Before we ask them on stage to collect their awards, here is a

quick reminder of their performances in the finals.

APPLAUSE So many congratulations to those

two. Now, the moment we have all been

waiting for, thank you to our conductor Kirill Karabits, our

expert adjudicators Alice Sarah Ott, Edwina Currie, Michala Petri and

Alice Farnham. We are joined by Laura van der Hedjen who won the

title back in 2012. To announce the winner of BBC Young

Musician 2014, on behalf of the jury, here is James MacMillan.

APPLAUSE Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of my fellow adjudicators I would British Library to

congratulate all three finalists and thank them all for the wonderful

music making we have enjoyed tonight, all three of course are

winners. -- thanks to to conductor Kirill Karabits and the BBC Scottish

Symphony Orchestra who have been working with these fabulous

musicians for the last few day, it was a difficult decision to make but

we have made it. And so it gives me congratulate pleasurure to announce

that the winner of the BBC Young Musician 2014 is... Martin James

Bartlett. APPLAUSE

Young Musician 2014 is... Martin James Bartlett.

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE

Martin, throughout this competition you have continually blown us away

with the individuality of your voice, you have so much to say on

that piano, and this evening you didn't just say it you sang it out

to us, thank you and many congratulations, how are you feel

something I can't believe it. It is such an amazing feeling, I have

dreamed of being in this competition and I can't believe I have won it.

It is amazing. Well, I think you deserve your burger now is all I can

say! APPLAUSE

Many congratulations to Martin. Now I am sure you will all want to

join me in giving an enormous round of applause to our sensational

finalist, Sophie Westbrooke and Elliot Gaston-Ross.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE #3

Well, the search for the new BBC Young Musician 2014 begins early

next year and you will see the final stages in spring 2016. Until then,

from all of us, here at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, good night and we

leave you with Martin James Bartlett, BBC Young Musician 2014.