Two talented young composers have been announced as the winners of 'New Sailing Sounds', a national competition run by The Purcell School in collaboration with the Met Office to celebrate 100 years of the broadcasting of the Shipping Forecast on the BBC.
Squall and Gales
Samuel Hunt (aged 11) was named Junior Winner for his work 'The Squall' whilst Tamara Brown (aged 13) was named Senior Winner for 'Gales in Viking'. They were selected from entries submitted by young musicians, schools and music centres from across the UK.
Both pieces were inspired by 'Sailing By', the iconic work by Ronald Binge, long associated with the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4.
The winners were chosen by a judging panel comprising Alison Cox OBE (Head of Composition, The Purcell School), Christopher Binge (son of Ronald Binge) and Professor Penny Endersby (CEO of the Met Office).
Winning performances
Ten young composers were shortlisted overall, with entries demonstrating remarkable creativity and musicianship.
The two winning pieces will be performed at a maritime stakeholder summit in Central London on 1st July, as part of the official centenary celebrations.
Excellent entries
Speaking about the competition, Alison Cox told 4BR: "We were thrilled to receive so many excellent entries from young composers around the UK (including many from coastal regions), broadening access to classical music opportunities.
I would like to warmly congratulate our two young winners, Samuel and Tamara, as well as all those who reached the shortlist."
Outstanding
Professor Penny Endersby added: 'We are delighted to collaborate with The Purcell School for the New Sailing Sounds competition. The winning performances will enrich our maritime summit recognising 100 years of the Shipping Forecast on radio and support the talents of outstanding young composers from across the UK."
The Shipping Forecast is produced by the Met Office on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) as part of the UK's statutory obligations to provide Maritime Safety Information to seafarers.
