Only four vocalists have ever won Jersey’s most prestigious young music title – and now 16-year-old Savanna Vogt has joined their ranks.
The Jersey College for Girls student wowed judges at this year’s PwC Young Musician of the Year final with a spellbinding setlist that spanned Mozart to Rachmaninoff, folk to opera.
But behind the £1,000 prize and title was a story of nerves, soaring high notes, and a teenager determined to sing her way into Jersey musical history.
Savanna described her victory in the “intense” event as “one of the most significant moments of [her] life”.
With the win still fresh, Express caught up her talk about telling stories through song, why it felt more like a concert than a contest, and how she hopes to make singing her future…
What was the level of competition like?
The level of competition was intense, with all the finalists delivering outstanding performances. It was truly an honor to perform alongside such talented musicians.
I have always loved performing, as it gives me the opportunity to express myself to an audience, but this time, I felt an added layer of nerves since it was my first time competing against instrumentalists.
However, as the evening unfolded, it became less about competing and more about celebrating music. For me, it felt more like a concert than a competition; a chance to sing among the finest musicians in Jersey, surrounded by my family and friends.
The atmosphere was electric, and I believe it was an unforgettable experience not just for the performers but also for those watching.
Were you pleased with your performance?
I was very pleased with my performance. I felt that I was able to convey the depth of emotion in my pieces, which can sometimes be lost in a competitive setting.
Technical precision is important, but for me, the real success of a performance comes from making a connection with the audience. I wanted to ensure that each song told a story and evoked genuine emotion, and I believe I achieved that.
There is always room for improvement, but overall, I felt proud of what I delivered on stage.
Why did you want to sing your chosen pieces?
I opened my performance with the Italian operatic aria ‘Non si più cosa son faccio’ from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. This piece required a strong sense of acting and storytelling, as it follows the playful and dramatic journey of a young boy experiencing love for the first time.
Following that, I performed ‘Ma Bonny Lad’, a traditional folk song. This was a stark contrast to the rest of my programme, as it was unaccompanied and much lower in my vocal range. It gave me a chance to slow things down and immerse myself in the simple yet poignant story of a woman longing for her husband, lost at sea.
Next, I sang Handel’s ‘Ch’io Mai Vi Possa’, a technically challenging piece that added another layer to my programme with it’s intricate ornamentation and joyful character.
Finally, I ended with Rachmaninoff’s ‘Vocalise’, a stunning composition sung without words. Originally written for voice, ‘Vocalise’ is now often played by instrumentalists, but I love bringing it back to its vocal roots. It’s an incredibly powerful piece, demanding long, sustained phrases and includes a soaring top C-sharp in the final phrase.
I chose these pieces because together they showcased my versatility as a performer, highlighting different vocal techniques, emotional depths, and musical styles.
How does it feel to be the fourth vocalist ever to win?
To be counted among the vocalists who have won this title before me is an incredible feeling. I grew up looking up to some of these singers, admiring their talent and dedication, so to now be recognised in the same way is truly surreal.
Winning this competition as a vocalist means so much to me because it affirms that my approach to music, both technically and emotionally, has resonated with people. It also gives me the chance to represent my community in a meaningful way, and that is something I will always be proud of.
Does winning encourage you to pursue singing professionally?
Singing has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and this experience has only reinforced my dream of pursuing it professionally.
To be recognised for my hard work and dedication is incredibly encouraging, especially considering the challenges and setbacks I’ve faced along the way. Like any journey in the arts, mine has had its fair share of obstacles, but this achievement has strengthened my belief that I can overcome them and continue moving forward.
It’s a reminder that my hard work is paying off and that I have the potential to achieve my goals. This competition has given me a renewed sense of confidence, and I am more determined than ever to keep striving for excellence in my singing career.
Will you hope to build on your success in any other competitions?
Yes, I plan to continue building on this success in the coming months.
One of my next major opportunities will be competing as both a soloist and a choir member at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. It’s an incredibly prestigious festival, and I am honored to have the chance to perform there. I will be singing two of the same pieces I performed [in Jersey], which will allow me to refine and develop them even further.
Beyond Llangollen, I am excited to explore other opportunities that may arise throughout the year. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself, grow as a performer, and share my love for singing with new audiences.