He went up against trombonist Harrison Caldeira, violinist Emilie Edelenbos, singer Jessica Garton and saxophonist Charlotte Arthur, who had each won their respective heats to earn their place in the final. In the first half of the evening, they performed a programme of music of their choice that showcased their technical skill and powers of expression.
Oliver, who is home-schooled, won the title with his expressive performance of the Prelude and Fugue in E major by Bach, Liebesträume No 3 by Liszt, and the Pathétique Sonata, 3rd Movement, by Beethoven.
Following the interval there was an impressive performance by last year’s winner, pianist Esther Cushen, who showed how much her playing had matured when she performed Waltz in E minor and Polonaise in C sharp minor by Chopin, Danza del Viejo Boyero and Danza de la Moza Donosa by Ginastera and I Got Rhythm by Gershwin.
Competition judge Kate Andrews had high praise for all the performers before explaining how she was impressed by Oliver’s playing and was ‘staggered by his engaging stage presence’.
The Jersey Symphony Orchestra Award, which was judged by Fiona Nelson, went to trombonist Harrison Caldeira.
Paul Silcock of PwC, presented each of the night’s performers with their individual heat awards, as well as the awards for the winners of the PwC Junior Musician of the Year competition sections.
This is the third year of the junior competition, which offers younger musicians live performance experience, and trophies were presented to Adam Kennedy (woodwind), Sophie Le Sueur (string), Eden Powell (pianist) Rebecca Arthur (vocal) and Annabelle Harper, who won the brass section but who was unable to be there on the night.
