Talented young composers were celebrated at a festival honouring one of Worcestershire's favourite sons.

The Young Composers Competition took centre stage at the annual Elgar Festival, which annually honours the life and music of the renowned composer.

Organisers revealed the winners of the competition, which was launched at last year's event.

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The competition saw participation from young musicians across two age groups - ages 11 to 16; key stage three and four, and Ages 16 to 18; key stage five.

Participants were asked to compose a solo piece for string instruments using the string quarter format of two violins, viola and cello, with the length of the piece ranging between one and three minutes for key stages three and four, and three to six minutes for key stage five.

Jinwoo Shin was the winning composer for the younger age bracket, while Callum Bisson triumphed for the older.

The winning compositions were performed at the 2024 Elgar for Everyone Concert by members of the English Symphony Orchestra strings section on Wednesday, May 29.

Shin, 15, who lives in Bavaria, said: "I started taking violin lessons when I was 5 years old and composing as a hobby since the age of 12; I enjoy it very much.

"This is the first music competition I have entered and I am looking forward to other opportunities in the future."

Following his win, Callum Bisson, 18, a Rochdale resident currently in his final year at Chethams School of Music, will begin studying at The Royal Northern College of Music in September.

He said: "I am so grateful to The Elgar Festival and members of the ESO who played my piece; everybody was so incredibly friendly, welcoming and supportive of young musicians."

Kenneth Woods, artistic director of the festival, said: "We are delighted to announce Jinwoo and Callum as the winners of this fantastic competition as part of this year’s Festival.

"Encouraging our young composers to help us celebrate the life and works of Worcestershire’s most famous composer not only added a vibrant element to the Festival but also highlights the talent of future musicians."