On 18 January, the 32nd Norfolk Young Musician Competition took place showcasing an array of young talent across a variety of musical disciplines. Founded in 1993 by Music at St George’s (later the Norfolk Youth Music Trust), the competition offers a variety of prestigious prizes, including the Michael Badminton String Prize, Mrs E. Sturgeon Piano Prize and Jane Roberson Prize. Promoted by the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust, this year’s adjudicator was Martin Outram, Lionel Tertis Professor of Viola at the Royal Academy of Music, who was supported by Jonathan Wortley, Chairman of the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust. This year, of the 18 competitors, ten were current or former pupils of Norwich, with another participant who will be joining the Sixth Form as a Music Scholar in September 2026 - something we are immensely proud of. Each competitor, who is required to have gained Grade 8 with Merit (or higher), is invited to play a 15-minute programme in front of an audience. Of the 18 competitors this year, 3 of our performers received honourable awards for their performances. Min Ying Deng (M5) was awarded 2nd overall prize for her renditions of Prelude in C# minor Op.3 No. 2, Trois Etudes de Concert ‘Un Sospiro’ in Db major and Fantasie-Impromptu in C# minor. Isaac Schaad (M5) received the Michael Badminton String Prize for Most Promising Young String Player for the third consecutive year, for his performances of Adagio in E major KV 261 and Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate and Ben Griffiths (U6) was awarded the Jane Roberson Prize for voice, performing Aufenhalt by Schubert, Caro mio ben by Giordani, Clair de Lune by Faure, Silent Noon by Vaughan Williams and Oliver Cromwell by Britten. Other notable performances came from pupils as young as Jessic Li on the piano and Jacey Ng on the euphonium, who are both in Middle 5; Upper 6 pupil Caio Boyero on the cello; and ONs Finnian Smith on the French horn and Colette Maxwell-Preston on the cello. Congratulations to all that participated! The competition proved to be a memorable celebration of commitment, musicianship and talent, and the high standard of performances across all disciplines reflected the centre of excellence that is the Norwich School Music Department.

On Thursday 11 December 2025, in the Cathedral Close we welcomed 12 Special Schools to the annual Special Schools Nativity Carol Service - our Lower Six pupils had such fun performing the Nativity story to a full Nave of around 400 Norfolk pupils and school staff. The audience enjoyed listening to beautiful songs from the Norwich Cathedral Choristers and enthusiastically joined in with some well-known carols together. Some of the many highlights include pupils from Harford Manor turning on the Christmas lights whilst also assisting the Three Kings with the gifts. Budge even made an appearance to check out the manger and to say well done to the cast at the end. The donkey (performed by Daisy) opened the show and between her and Budge they certainly entertained the audience from beginning to end! Ashley Grote, Master of Music from the Cathedral says: “The annual carol service for Special Schools is one of my highlights of Christmas at the Cathedral and, in many ways, it’s the most important carol service we do. It’s a privilege for us to be able to sing for all these wonderful children and for their amazing carers, and to bring some of the joy of Christmas to them through our singing” Rebecca Price, one of our parent volunteers who has been helping with the Community Service programme this year says: "It was wonderful to be involved in the service, and I feel very proud of how the students put together their performances. It was joyful to see so many children, and their supporters, enjoying the service, and a big thank you to the cathedral team for making the experience accessible and engaging for all." Will - (who played Joseph, our U6 pupil who was part of the nativity performance for the 2nd year in a row) says ‘I had a great time, and seeing how happy the experience made the kids was really heartwarming’ Daisy (Donkey) ‘I had a very fun time and loved how much uplifting and entertaining the kids were’ Benji (Angel Gabriel) 'I really enjoyed helping with the nativity to bring Christmas joy to all the kids' Izi (Mary) ‘I loved performing the nativity and seeing the children’s faces light up’