91Èȱ¬

At the end of what proved to be a sensational Final, pianist Lara ÖmeroÄŸlu, 16, from Watford, has been announced the winner of 91Èȱ¬ Young Musician 2010. Her co-finalists, flautist Emma Halnan and violinist Callum Smart also thrilled the audience with their performances.

The Final, held on Sunday 16 May at the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, was broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Two and Radio 3 and was the climax of months of qualifying rounds, with 25 talented musicians making it to five Category Finals.

The five semi-finalists were then reduced to three finalists, who delighted the audience at the Theatre with their exceptional performances. They all performed a concerto of their choice with the 91Èȱ¬ National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Vasily Petrenko.

Lara receives the coveted title of 91Èȱ¬ Young Musician 2010, a £2,000 cash prize and a trophy, specially designed by Swansea jewellery designer Mari Thomas.

Lara is a student of the Purcell School, with a full scholarship under the Government's Music and Dance scheme. She is also the 2009-2010 recipient of the Purcell School Friends' Scholarship. She was chosen by the Purcell School to perform at the Royal Northern College of Music's Scarlatti Festival, where she was one of only three selected for performance and interview on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3.

Her long list of achievements includes the overall winner of the West London Pianoforte Festival and finalist at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Weimar.

Lara loves playing the piano as a soloist and chamber musician, and is also an accomplished viola player, leading the viola section of the Purcell Sinfonia. Her chosen concerto was Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22.

A tearful and visibly shocked Lara was asked for her reaction from the stage.

"I just want to thank everyone who supported me and believed in me and I'm just really happy!" she said.

There was also a treat for the audience at the Donald Gordon Theatre, with a performance by Peter Moore, the youngest ever 91Èȱ¬ Young Musician, who won in 2008.

91Èȱ¬ Wales Communications