Southport Young Musicians: Building a Musical Legacy
Article by Claire Kelly.
As a music teacher and Founding Director of Southport Piano Academy, Claire Kelly has watched hundreds of children grow in confidence through music. Even so, the emotion of this year’s Southport Young Musicians Final took her by surprise.
From the growth of each performer between audition and final to the packed Princess Grace Suite at The Grand, the evening became a celebration of young local talent.
Claire created the competition because she wanted young people to have a platform to perform, grow in confidence and be inspired by friendly competition. After the closure of Southport Music Festival, there was no longer a local event providing that opportunity in the same way.
Months of auditions, rehearsals and planning led to the final. Maisie O’Sullivan became the overall winner and Lachlan Robinson won the audience vote. Alongside the standard of performance, Claire was struck by the kindness and encouragement the finalists showed one another.
Support from EFT Ltd helped develop the event further, including a Green Room at the Waterfront Hotel, sound and lighting from Moonlight Events and table service at The Grand. The event also raised funds for Elsie’s Story.
The competition has already led to new opportunities. Claire has joined the Southport Music Board, while her baby grand piano now has a permanent home in Wayfarers Arcade. Several finalists have already performed there, filling the Victorian arcade with live music.
A free children’s music course in The Junction room at Wayfarers Arcade and the second Mayor’s Charity Arts Gala will create further chances for local performers.
Looking back, Claire sees more than one unforgettable evening. She sees the beginnings of a lasting musical legacy for young people in Southport.
Read Claire Kelly’s full reflection in Issue 18 of Southport’s Journey.
Southport’s Journey remains open to new writers, contributors, businesses and local voices from Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale, Formby and across Sefton.
If you have a story, experience or idea that deserves thoughtful space, contact hello@southportsjourney.com.
Thank you to everyone who has written, contributed, shared photographs and trusted us with their work.
Here’s to the big moments, the quieter ones and all the people helping to shape what comes next.
Lizzie x
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