Last Sunday, Year 10 pupil Maya participated in the final of the Rotary Advanced Singer competition at the Bromley Youth Music Trust.
Starting her preparations in December, Maya’s initial audition featured her rendition of “How could I ever know” from The Secret Garden. Progressing to the final, she dedicated the month of January to working with her remarkable singing teacher, Carys Snipp, perfecting two contrasting pieces: Mozart’s Recit and Aria from The Marriage of Figaro and Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from West Side Story. Maya found the similarities of these songs fitting, as both conveyed characters expressing their feelings for their lovers, despite being very different styles.
On the final day, Maya performed before external adjudicator Nina Bennet, a professional singer, with her family and friends cheering her on. Following the performances, last year’s winner showcased two beautiful classical pieces while the adjudicator deliberated. The hall was reconvened for feedback and the announcement of the winner, which turned out to be Maya, a surprising and exhilarating moment for her as the youngest participant.
Invited to compete in the regional finals in March, Maya is eagerly anticipating the next challenge with fingers crossed for success!