It seems barely possible that just a week ago 32 talented BSAK musicians were competing in Bahrain at the BSME Young Musician of the Gulf (YMOG) competition.

This prestigious event is the highlight of the musical year holding high accolades for competitors and winners. Over one hundred young musicians from across the Gulf region participate in three days of competition, and the standard of performing is consistently very high. BSAK students enjoyed great success with Solo Bassoonist Monty, Senior Flutes, Guitar Trio and Funky Brass reaching the semi-finals. The gifted Guitar Trio of Saleh, William and Christian won the Best Small Ensemble category, giving them the title of "Best Trio" in the Gulf! As part of the winning trio, William went on to win the coveted Best Plucked Strings Award (for guitar) for the second year in a row.

William joined BSAK in 2016 as a Music Scholar, now aged 15 he has played the guitar since the age of 7. A natural performer, he has enjoyed playing in festivals in the UK and performing at school concerts both solo and as part of ensembles. This year was William's third YMOG where he successfully defended both the Best Plucked Instrumentalist Award and Best Duo/Trio, this time with the sublime Guitar Trio after winning last year as part of a Guitar & Cello duet with Lily Innis.

'William's passion is electric guitar where his heroes are Tom Morello and Josh Homme, and he can often be heard playing Queen of the Stones Age if he is not listening to them!' says proud Mum Natalie. 'William has been lucky to have brilliant guitar teachers; Mr De Silva here at BSAK and before that James Jervis from the Aquarelle Quartet in the UK where he was also able to attend several masterclasses at the RNCM with Craig Ogden and perform at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.'

Mr De Silva acknowledges Will's enormous talent not only in playing the guitar but also with the Piano and Violin where he has passed Grade 8 & 7 exams respectively. William is currently working towards his GCSE in music this year and we wish him every success.

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