Robert wins RIBI Young Musician!

Robert Cheung, a young classical pianist who lives in Old Windsor, became the winner of the Rotary Young Musician Final in Truro at the beginning of May


Thames Valley pianist wins Rotary GB&I Young Musician

Beating off strong competition from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and other areas of England, Robert won with a superb performance of Liszt's "Liebestraum", followed by "The Cat and the Mouse" by Aaron Copland. 15 year old Robert’s path to the top began with his winning the local heat of this prestigious competition which was organised by the Rotary Club of Ascot at Charters School in January this year. He then progressed to win the Thames Valley District final in Reading in March, and then the South-east regional final in Kent later in the same month, which gained him a place in the national final. Robert is home-tutored and a pupil of Dr Nigel Wilkinson.

At the final in Truro School chapel, the best young instrumentalists and vocalists from across the British Isles came together for what was a stunning afternoon of musical performances. A team of supporters from the Thames Valley Rotary District and the Ascot Rotary Club were there to support our candidates and were delighted when Robert was named as the winning instrumentalist. Our vocalist candidate, Francesca Power of St Mary’s School, Ascot, also gave a splendid performance, but sadly was unplaced in the vocal section, where she was competing against singers several years older than herself.

The event was sponsored by Harrods, who donated a £500 Harrods Gift Voucher to the winning Instrumentalist and the winning vocalist.
After the competition, Rotary Club of Ascot President Alan Clare said “It has been a stupendous afternoon with outstanding performances from all these young people. Being the sponsor Club to a national winner is the icing on the cake.”

Robert's winning performance

For more information on this quite brilliant young pianist,  please see Robert Cheung's website at www.robertcheung.co.uk

Photos courtesy of DeeGee Goodridge

www.deegeephoto.co.uk/

Additional photos by Ian Valentine

Rotary GB&I organises a range of youth competitions to encourage young people to develop their skills and talents and the national finals are held each year in a different location. Ask your local club for details

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