Three students from Jumeirah College and a student from GEMS World Academy walked away with top laurels at the 11th Young Musicians of the Gulf competition 2009 held in Bahrain.
Fourteen-year-old Nahum Strickland from Jumeirah College won the ‘Young Composer of the Gulf Lifetime Trophy’. He is also a highly accomplished violinist and pianist and his composition will be recorded by the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music in London. Another student from Jumeirah College, Ben Kavannagh, aged 18, was runner-up in the same category for his piece, ‘L’Adieu’ composed for violin, flute and piano.
Jumeirah College students continued their four-year winning streak by once again bagging the ‘Vocal Ensemble Lifetime Trophy’ for students aged 16-18. The school also secured the second place in the same category. George Agius (aged 17) and Sara Smyle (aged 16) from Jumeirah College also jointly won the ‘Spirit of the Young Musicians Award.’
The ‘Bowed String Award Lifetime Trophy‘ was won by another GEMS school student Henrikka Pentti, a 14-year-old from GEMS World Academy, won the honour for her excellent skills in playing the cello.
Students from four GEMS schools made up 25 per cent of the total number of competitors at the event. GEMS World Academy, Jumeirah College, Wellington International School and Dubai American Academy were represented in the competition, which is open to schools across the Gulf region.
Students of GEMS schools are encouraged to develop their skills and talents in music through GEMS Music Academy, where music is approached as a skill-set for enhancing self-esteem and confidence in the youngsters.
Elizabeth Mummery, Director of GEMS Music Academy, said: “We are proud of the outstanding achievements of our students at one of the most prestigious musical competitions in the region. We regularly participate in regional and international events that give students ample opportunity to demonstrate their talents in music.”
With GEMS Music Academy as well as advanced music training facilities and equipment, GEMS schools provide the ideal environment for students to identify and nurture their skills.
