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Waterloo Hall was filled with focus, flair and musical ambition as our top instrumentalists took to the stage for this year’s Montgomery Recital Competition, competing for one of the College’s most prestigious musical awards.
Founded in 1964 by Brigadier A. H. Montgomery to mark his gratitude to the Music School on the departure of his son from Wellington College, the Montgomery Prize continues to celebrate and foster outstanding musicianship within the College. The award is presented to the instrumentalist who delivers the most compelling short recital of up to 11 minutes—a demanding format that calls for technical excellence, musical maturity and confident communication.
This year’s competition showcased an impressive breadth of repertoire and instrumentation, with performers demonstrating both individuality and polish across their programmes. Each recital reflected careful musical choices and a clear sense of artistic identity, making for an engaging and high-calibre afternoon of music-making.
The competition was adjudicated by Rosie Whitfield, whose thoughtful and perceptive feedback highlighted not only technical accomplishment but also expressive intent and stage presence.
Following adjudication, Lucille R was awarded the Montgomery Prize. Her recital programme included The Lark by Mikhail Glinka, in the arrangement by Mily Balakirev.
Marcus Y was named runner-up, performing To an utterance – study by Rebecca Saunders.
Also runner-up, Elena T presented a violin programme featuring Obsession: Prelude by Eugène Ysaÿe and Romance from Albumblatt WWV94 by Richard Wagner.
Warm congratulations go to all performers who took part in this year’s competition. The Montgomery Recital Competition remains a powerful celebration of musical excellence at Wellington and a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Prize.
