Trombonist, 12, wins national award

May 11 2008 Media Wales

A 12-year-old trombonist today became the youngest ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year award.

Peter Moore, of Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, battled against four other talented youngsters in the grand final of the competition, staged at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, this weekend.

Even the news that his football team Manchester City had suffered an 8-1 defeat this afternoon couldn’t wipe the smile off Belfast-born Peter’s face.

He said: “It’s not sunk in at all. It probably won’t until next week. I couldn’t believe it when they read my name out, and it all seemed to happen quickly.

“It feels so good to join all the big names that have won before, and think of how prestigious it is.

“To be the youngest winner is just amazing. But I don’t think age really matters in a competition like this.”

Peter, who moved from Northern Ireland at the age of eight, has held the position of Principal Trombone of the National Children’s Band of Great Britain for the last three years.

His choice of instrument didn’t come as a surprise for his family, who are all brass players.

Peter, who is in his third year at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, and enjoys doing magic tricks, said: “I think playing the trombone is fun. It’s something I always wanted to do. I didn’t want to pick a boring instrument.

“In the future, I’d love to give concerts and entertain people, because I just enjoy playing so much.

“I think more young people should get into classical music, as it’s a good way of educating you about music.”

Peter’s mum Jane, 46, said his family were “proud and delighted” by his win.

She said: “It’s amazing to think that a year ago, I was rushing to Tesco to get Tipp-Ex as I’d filled the form in wrong.

“Peter wasn’t pleased about having to go there on a Saturday, but I think he’ll forgive me now.”

She met husband Grenville, also 46, when the pair were playing French Horn with the Ulster Orchestra. They are also parents to 18-year-old twins David and Helen, who joined Peter in Cardiff for the grand final.

Helen said: “Peter really deserves this. He was fantastic.

“He just loves playing, and wants to do it in as many places as possible. He’s been so bubbly and excited about the contest all week.”

Mrs Moore said the family were planning a celebration when he returns to Manchester, but added: “He’s still got to go to school in the morning.”

Judges for the competition included former royal harpist Catrin Finch, 27, and violinist Nicola Benedetti, 21, who won the competition in 2004 and was named best young British classical performer at the Classical Brit Awards this week.

They were joined by Dr Who orchestrator and conductor Ben Foster, award-winning conductor Paul Daniel and music critic Richard Morrison.

Peter’s fellow finalists were: Sheffield-born Jadran Duncumb, 18, on the guitar; flautist David Smith, an 18-year old from Fife; 17-year-old Jim Molyneux, a percussionist from Littleborough; and Ipswich student Erdem Misirlioglu, an 18-year-old pianist.

The competition, celebrating its 30th year, has no lower age limit.

For the full story and pictures, see tomorrow's Western Mail