Cellist Finn Bantock, a Fifth Form Music Scholar, has recently been awarded the prestigious title of Toddington Music Society Young Musician of the Year for 2024. The competition was open to all musicians aged between 12 and 18 from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire.
Finn competed in the live final round last Sunday, delivering an impressive performance of Hungarian Rhapsody by Popper and the Third Movement of Rachmaninoff’s cello sonata.
The adjudicator, Katie Fenner, commended Finn for his expressive performance and engaging stage presence. Finn, who was invited to masterclasses at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Open Strings Masterclasses in Denmark, has also won prizes at the Bedfordshire Festival of Music and Drama.
Finn hopes to study at a Music Conservatoire after school and become a professional musician.
Reflecting on his achievement, Finn shared:
“I have been playing the cello since I was around five years old and achieved a distinction on my Grade 8 towards the end of the Fourth Form. As well as the cello, I also play jazz piano. I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition, and it inspires me to keep playing and growing in my musical career. Bedford School has helped me achieve this by providing regular lunchtime concerts and opportunities to perform, which have helped me prepare. I have also found it very helpful that I have been able to have full access to the Music School. This has enabled me to practise up to four hours a day in this highly inspiring environment.”
Congratulations to Finn on this remarkable achievement! His dedication and passion for music are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing his future successes.
