NHEHS Musician of the Year 2026

12 February 2026 | Share:

By Miss Goodsell, Director of Music

Always a highlight of the musical calendar, the Notting Hill and Ealing High School Musician of the Year competition burst onto the stage this Monday.

The event featured two categories: the Junior Award for Years 7 to 9, and the Senior Award for Years 10 to 13, where competitors vied for the honour of having their names engraved on the prestigious shield. Adjudicating the event was composer, conductor, and educator Nathan James Dearden, who brought a wonderful energy to the process and provided real inspiration through his detailed judging and feedback.

Following competitive morning heats, the winners advanced to the evening final

Junior Category

The standard was incredibly high, with half of the participants coming from Year 7. Arisa won the award with a performance of Beethoven’s Allegro from Sonata No. 14, while Martha took second place with Chopin’s Waltz in E minor.

Senior Category

This section was equally hard-fought. Last year’s winner, Kat, delivered an excellent performance of Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor, Op. 2 in her bid to defend the trophy. Other standout performances included Matilda, who opened with an energetic rendition of Poulenc’s Flute Sonata; Caterina, who gave a passionate performance of Fauré’s Élégie on cello; and Kyra, who performed a moving version of Sea Rapture by Anne Macdearmid.

Nathan James Dearden remarked on how difficult the competition was to judge given the exceptional quality of all the performances. A huge “well done” to everyone who took part, and congratulations to our winners!