An accomplished young Malvern musician will perform at the Worcestershire Young Musicians 2003 competition at Huntingdon Hall.

Pianist Liam Cartwright, a former pupil of The Chase, will play six pieces as a guest performer at the event on Wednesday (November 26), including works by Bach, Leon Boellman and John Rutter.

Liam was named Young Musician of the Year in 2000, for his interpretation of Rachmaninov's Prelude in C Sharp Minor.

Since then, he has remained much in demand. After his A'Levels, he took a gap year and became assistant organist at St Martin's Church, Worcester, a duty that involved playing, directing the choir and organising concerts.

He also took part in a tour of Germany during the summer and is now studying at the Royal College of Music in London, after being awarded an organ scholarship.

Liam said: "I really enjoyed my gap year and, although it's hard work in London, I'm really enjoying that too.

"I'm also looking forward to playing at Huntingdon Hall again. It has a lovely organ which is hardly played, so it's good to think that it's being put to good use. It will be good to hear the competitors this year, especially as I know exactly how they will be feeling."

Six talented soloists will perform alongside six ensembles from across the county, to demonstrate their musical skill and compete for the title of young musician or young ensemble of the year. Among those competing for the awards are pupils from the King's School, Worcester, Bromsgrove School and Tenbury High School, as well as ensembles from Droitwich Spa High School and the Elgar School of Music in Worcester.

The evening will begin at 7pm. Tickets are £5 (concs £1.50), from the Huntingdon Hall box office on 01905 611427