Jersey Eisteddfod – Music 2025
The 2025 Jersey Eisteddfod – Music section was a truly inspiring week for our students, adult learners, ensembles and choirs. We are incredibly proud of every Da Capo performer who stepped on stage, supported their peers, and represented the academy with musicality and confidence. Below is a full roundup of the highlights.
Major Award Winners
- Lottie – Winner of the Strings and Things Award, performing Romance by Fauré.
- Thomas – Winner of the Dorothy Chapman Trophy performing Falling Leaves by Blackwell.
- John – Winner of the Sarah Wakeling Recorder Trophy.
- Charles – Winner of the Ray Kitchen Award for Woodwind.
- Rose – Winner of the Arthur Family Trophy for Under 18 Woodwind.
- Prutha – Winner of the Dorothy Chapman Trophy for Violin.
Vocal & Instrumental Class Successes
- Emilia and Madeleine – Winner and runner-up in the Under 11 Vocal Own Choice class.
- Madeleine and Georgia – Winners of the Jodie Lee Performing Arts Award for a brilliant performance.
Ensembles & Orchestral Achievements
- Da Capo Adult Orchestra – Winners of the Securicor Senior Trophy. Many members have only had a handful of lessons, making this achievement remarkable. New members are always welcome!
- Chant’tie Choir & Inters Orchestra – Achieved Gold and runner-up awards. Although we didn’t capture photos due to the quick stage turnaround, the performances were outstanding.
- Lottie and Sofia – Winners of the Instrumental Ensemble class.
- Instrumental Ensembles – Several groups performed superbly, including debuts from adult ensembles. Rose was runner-up in her flute duet with Claire.
- A.H. Langley Trophy – All ensembles performed confidently. Flutasia were crowned winners.
- St Lawrence Recorder Club – Coached by Julie, they won the Under 11 Orchestral Section with a Gold certificate.
Premier Awards Concert Highlights
- Rose Overland – Winner of the Lucienne Sohier Award for Most Promising Performer Under 14.
- Charlotte Willmott – Joint winner of the Jagger Trophy for Junior Instrumentalist (shared with Emma Mwanga from Flutasia).
- Sofia Tsang & Charlotte Willmott – Winners of the Jersey Academy Award for Junior Instrumental Ensemble/Band.
A Fantastic Week of Music
From soloists to ensembles, from beginners to advanced performers, our musicians demonstrated dedication, joy, and exceptional progress throughout the week. We are already planning ahead for next year’s Eisteddfod and cannot wait to see what they achieve next!
Congratulations to every performer, and thank you to all teachers, families and supporters who made this week possible.
Music, Memory and Community: A Speech by Claire Harvey
Chair of the Jersey Eisteddfod Music Section
The Jersey Eisteddfod Music Section brought its annual festival to a resounding close this week with the Premier Awards Evening — a celebration not just of musical excellence, but of community, dedication and lifelong learning.
Held at the culmination of the festival, the Premier Awards recognise the most outstanding performances across a wide range of categories. Yet, as Chair of the Music Section, Claire reminded the audience that this evening is “not only about the prizes, but about the spirit of participation, growth and connection that defines the Eisteddfod.”
A Tradition That Unites Generations
The Jersey Eisteddfod has long been a cornerstone of the island’s cultural life. Since its early beginnings, it has provided a stage where musicians of all ages can challenge themselves, share their art, and experience the joy of live performance.
Reflecting on her own journey, Claire shared how her relationship with the Eisteddfod has evolved — first as a child entrant nervously clutching sheet music, later as a parent watching her own child perform, “this time from the audience or the piano stool as accompanist”, and now as a tutor helping others prepare for their moment on stage.
“Each stage of that journey has deepened my respect for what the Eisteddfod stands for — not only a celebration of talent, but a nurturing ground for confidence, perseverance and joy.”
More Than Music: A Lifelong Lesson
Research continues to highlight the transformative power of music. Musical performance strengthens concentration, memory and emotional intelligence, while ensemble work builds teamwork, empathy and listening skills.
“The courage to step onto a stage, to share something deeply personal, builds resilience that lasts a lifetime.”
Claire also highlighted the rise in adult participation: “Music is not confined to youth, but a lifelong companion that grows with us. Every adult who stands on this stage sends a powerful message: that creativity, curiosity and courage do not fade with age — they deepen.”
A Festival of Celebration
This year’s festival featured hundreds of performances — from the youngest beginners to accomplished soloists, ensembles and choirs. The Premier Awards Evening provided a fitting finale, celebrating not only the winners but every performer who found the courage to step on stage.
“The true success of the Eisteddfod lies not only in the trophies, but in the community it creates, and the inspiration it spreads.”
Thanks were given to the many people who make the festival possible each year: the organisers, volunteers, teachers, accompanists, adjudicators, and the families who support every performer.
“As we close another festival,” Claire concluded, “let us remember why we do this — why we practise, why we perform, why we teach, and why we listen. Through music, we connect. We grow. We celebrate what it means to be human.”