The WMSO’s competition for young musicians takes place in October each year and attracts players of exceptional musical ability up to the age of 19. The Competition is open to young players of piano, string, woodwind and brass instruments who are resident or studying in the UK or in one of the twin towns of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Previous WMSO competition winners have subsequently been successful in nationally and internationally renowned competitions such as the BBC Young Musician of the Year, and many now have prestigious musical careers. You can see the progress of our former winners here.
The winner of the 2025 competition was the violinist Sasha Parker, age 19. Sasha received a cash prize of £1,000 and a trophy, and will have the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Windsor & Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra during the next season.
Reuben Moisey, a pianist age 17, was placed second, and received a cash prize of £250.
The Aubrey Thonger Silver Cup for the most promising talent was presented to Sergey Druzhinin, a pianist age 12.
Applications for the 2026 competition will open in the spring of 2026.
The Orchestra is most grateful to our sponsors: Handel Pianos Ltd for sponsoring and providing a grand piano for use in the Final, and the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust for their financial support.
Any queries can be sent to the Competition organiser through our Contact Form - please choose the category Young Musician Concerto Competition.
You can read about our 2025 competition here.