A 15-YEAR-OLD violinist from Moldova has won an international music competition held at Brentwood School.
Sofia Stiucă was named Grand Prize winner at the second Brentwood International Music Competition.
The grand final took place in the school’s Memorial Hall and featured five exceptional young musicians from London, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Moldova.
Sofia said: "I am very proud and grateful to be the Grand Prize winner of the Brentwood International Music Competition and for the many opportunities it offers, opening doors for young musicians."
Her win comes with a fully funded place at Brentwood School, valued at up to £60,000 per year.
Sofia will enrol in the school’s Specialist Music Programme, which provides elite musical training alongside a full academic and co-curricular education.
The chairman of the competition, Lord Black of Brentwood, who also chairs the school’s board of governors and the Royal College of Music, praised this year’s finalists.
He said: "The musicality on display this evening demonstrates that this competition has become a true benchmark for young international talent.
"Sofia’s performance was deeply impressive, and we look forward to welcoming her to the Brentwood family, where specialist discipline and holistic education go hand in hand."
The competition supports Brentwood School’s goal of becoming a leading centre for musical education within the independent sector.
The school believes that musical excellence should be nurtured within a supportive environment, making high-level training accessible to talented young people regardless of background.
The audience at this year’s final included the Moldovan Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Ruslan Bolbocean, who celebrated Sofia’s achievement.
The first winner of the Brentwood International Music Competition was Kate from the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Other finalists from last year, including Gabriela from Bolivia and Revin from the UK, are now performing in Brentwood’s premier ensembles.
Applications for the third annual Brentwood International Music Competition will open in September.
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The competition is open to classical musicians aged 13 to 17 from around the world and offers masterclasses, performance opportunities and up to 100 per cent means-tested financial support.
The scheme aims to help young musicians take their first steps towards professional careers in music through long-term support and development.
Information on how to apply for the initial online selection stage will be available on the Brentwood School website in September.
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