Dream comes true for PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year

Friday 14 March 2014

Teenage Beaulieu student Lillian Garnier will have one of her dreams come true now she’s become the PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year 2014.

The Year 12 student fought off competition from five other finalists and wowed both the judges and a packed audience at the Jersey Opera House last weekend with her piano performance which included pieces from Beethoven and Gershwin.

The 16-year-old had been practising for about two-and-a-half-hours a day in the run up to the competition which she had to fit in around her AS Music, History and English studies. But she was shocked when she found out she’d won. She said: “It was fabulous, I didn’t expect it when I was sitting on the chair, I was quite shocked, I was just trying to process it in my mind, It was all a bit of blur."

Head of the Jersey Music Service Dr Graham Cox said: “We had one of the biggest audiences we’ve ever had for the final and it was just about a full Opera House. There was an incredibly high standard among all the finalists and a really varied programme. Lillian really captured the audience and took them on a wonderful journey.”

Lillian said: “When we actually performed, the audience were really great, they were really supportive and really lovely to perform to.”

She’s the ninth pianist to win the competition in its 22 year history. As well as picking up the PwC Jersey Young Musician of the Year Trophy and a cheque for £200, Lillian also won a trip for two to the UK to see a concert of her choice.

She said: “My dream is to play Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto Number 1 and when I got home, I went on the internet at the Royal Albert Hall, funnily enough in May Peter Donohoe is playing it with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and that’s what I really want to see.”

It will be Lillian’s first visit to London and she plans to take her mum with her.

Percussionist Nicole Taylor picked up the Jersey Symphony Orchestra Award for her outstanding performance.

PwC’s Karl Hairon said: “The standard of performance from all six finalists was once again outstanding.  This competition has a great track record of inspiring many participants to drive forward with their musical careers and I am sure there are a number in this year’s competition who will go on to experience tremendous musical success. They should all be very proud of their achievements.”