Harmonious talents

Aspiring young musicians and singers gathered to display their harmonious talents at the town hall summer concerts, where the prestigious Music Hub Awards were presented.

The awards were launched last year to celebrate and support young musicians, with one dedicated to the memory of courageous schoolboy Harrison Ledsham – a pupil in the council’s Music Service – who died aged 12 in 2015 after battling bone cancer.

The awards are open to 10-18-year-olds who live or are educated in St Helens. Applicants were nominated by their school teacher, instrumental tutor or other adult mentor connected with their music making, like a band or choir conductor.

Guitarist Toby Barker of Lansbury Bridge School won the Harrison Ledsham Award for showing exceptional musical talent and potential, nominated by guitar teacher Mr Garner.

Harrison’s parents Karen and Paul Ledsham presented the award to the Year 8 student who performed as an electric guitar soloist at the summer concerts.

Nathaniel Chesworth, Year 10 Cowley International College violist, and Dominic Francis, Year 11 Rainford High trombonist and pianist, a member of the St Helens youth brass band, both received a Music Hub Award for musical achievement.

All three winners were invited to a musical development weekend with the music service, and have been given personal development plans to support their musical progress over the next year.

Councillor Pearson said: “It was wonderful to see so many young people show their passion for music – to perform in such a cohesive way clearly shows the great lengths they’ve gone to in rehearsals.