Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason wins young musician of the year

In a profession too often dominated by money and privilege this young Black man from Nottingham, who was educated at a comprehensive school has scooped the prestigious 2016 BBC Young Musician award.

One of the judges, the composer Dobrinka Tabakova said:

He was electric. There was something about the way he drew the audience in. A sincere and moving performance. In today’s society, which seems to be swept by mediocrity, he shows how hard work, dedicated and talent can lift you out.”

The teenager described winning as a “a wonderful feeling”. He added:

I’m so grateful for all the support from my family, the Junior Royal Academy of Music, my teacher Ben Davies and Chineke!-the orchestra he belongs too- that have helped me on this extraordinary journey.”

Above all, Kanneh-Mason’s win will sure inspire other children from minority backgrounds that this could be a route for them too.

Well done Sheku.

Simon Woolley