Island pianist aiming to become BBC Young Musician 2020

An Isle of Wight teenager will be taking part in this year’s prestigious BBC Young Musician 2020, the longest running leading UK talent contest for classical musicians.

Thomas Luke, 16, comes from the Island, is currently studying for his GCSEs and attends the Junior Academy of Music in London on Saturdays.

Highly-accomplished pianist Thomas will be competing in the first of the category finals, for keyboard, which will be broadcast this Sunday, May 3, with the other categories to be broadcast over the next five weeks.

The biennial BBC Young Musician competition’s Category Finals were recorded in Cardiff before social distancing measures came into place. Now into its fifth decade, this is the talent show that has stood the test of time. It is an inspiring celebration of young musical talent, featuring contestants based all over the UK.

Concerts will be available in full on the BBC iPlayer. There will also be complementary coverage on BBC Radio 3 and lots more content on the BBC Young Musician website. Highlights on BBC Four will be hosted by rising star organist, conductor, music education advocate, and #playitlikeagirl initiator Anna Lapwood, 24 years old and making her TV presenting debut.

The BBC Young Musician Semi Final and Grand Final are currently scheduled for broadcast in the autumn, along with the Final of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020, which will be staged as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival in November.

BBC Young Musician Executive Editor Paul Bullock said: “This year, more than ever, the series provides the opportunity to witness supremely talented and dedicated young people performing to the highest standard, reminding us of the power great music has to lift spirits, provide solace and inspire us all.”