QEH Musician of the Year 2026

It was a wonderful evening celebrating the culmination of our QEH House Music Solos Competition, which began in September 2025. The final was hosted at Bristol Music Club, providing a fitting and atmospheric setting for such a special occasion. Pupils, families and members of the Music staff came together to support the performers, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

All of the pupils performed incredibly, showcasing not only their musical talents but also the dedication and hard work they have invested throughout the competition. The standard across every category was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decisions no easy task.

This year’s competition was judged by Claire Alsop, a shining light in the Bristol musical community. As a piano and organ teacher, music director and inspirational performer, her expertise and thoughtful feedback made the occasion even more memorable for our young musicians.

The Categories

The competition featured three categories:

• Junior (Years 7–9)
• Intermediate (Years 10–11)
• Senior (Years 12–13)

Junior Category (Years 7–9)

Four students took part, two from Year 7 and two from Year 9.
The winner of the Junior category was James T. (Year 9), who impressed the judges with a confident and polished performance.

Intermediate Category (Years 10–11)

This category also featured four students, two from Year 10 and two from Year 11.
The winner was Ben R. (Year 11), delivering a standout performance full of musicality and assurance.

Senior Category (Years 12–13)

Five students competed in the Senior category, three from Year 12 and two from Year 13.
The winner was Michelle N. (Year 12), whose performance demonstrated both technical skill and expressive maturity.

At QEH, we are immensely proud to celebrate and champion the musicality and natural talent of our pupils, as exemplified through the Musician of the Year. Through specialist teaching, ensemble opportunities and personalised guidance, our pupils are supported to refine their technique, deepen their musical understanding and grow in confidence as performers. This occasion reflects not only individual excellence, but also the school’s deep commitment to nurturing artistic potential alongside academic achievement.

Congratulations to all who took part in this year’s competition. The evening was a true celebration of the depth of musical talent within our school community.