Queensferry High 'thrilled' as schoolboy to represent Edinburgh at Scottish Young Musicians competition 2026
A pupil from Queensferry High School will compete for the title of Solo Performer of the Year in next month’s national final of Scottish Young Musicians.
Pianist Joshua Gibson secured the top award at the recent Edinburgh regional final, impressing judges and the audience alike with an outstanding performance of Liszt’s Liebestraume No3.
Joshua will now vie for the national title at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on May 24.
All schools in the Capital were invited to take part in the contest, held at Portobello High School on March 30. The adjudicators faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an exceptionally talented group of musicians.
Runner-up was singer Liza Aquado, an S6 pupil from St Augustine’s RC High School, who performed Times are Hard for Dreamers, from Amelie.
Guitarist Ivar Mackie, an S6 pupil at Portobello High School, took the title of Most Promising Young Musician with a performance of Unholy Confessions (Avenged Sevenfold).
Open to all pupils who attend school in Scotland, whatever age or standard, Scottish Young Musicians gives young people the chance to compete for the titles of Solo Performer of the Year, Ensemble of the Year and Brass Ensemble of the Year. Each local authority hosts local and regional heats to select a their representatives for the national final.
In its four years, it has become the largest and most important national music competition in schools, giving young people a life-changing and unforgettable experience, as well as the confidence to continue to compete at the highest level.
Douglas Anderson, curriculum leader of expressive arts at Queensferry High, said: "We are thrilled for Joshua winning the regional round of the SYM competition.
“Joshua is an incredible performer and we are so glad that his talents are being recognised through this competition.
"From the dedicated practice sessions, to the handling of nerves when on stage performing, Joshua always puts in 100 per cent to the create a stand out performance as well as staying extremely humble about his abilities.
“Joshua has been involved in the music department for the last few years sitting his NQs as well as taking part in various concerts and shows.
"We wish him all the luck for the national final and we will be in the crowd cheering him on."