2017 Young Theatre Organist of the Year

The 2017 ATOS UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition (YTOY) was held on Sunday 30th July at Fentham Hall, near Solihull, home to a splendid Compton theatre organ, owned and operated by the Midlands and Wales District of the Cinema Organ Society (COS), to whom we are deeply indebted for their support, encouragement and enthusiasm. 

Here we see the certificates and trophies before the competition began.

This years panel of judges was, from left to right, Jon Ledwon (one of the resident organists at Disney's El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard), Len Rawle MBE (international theatre organist and Musical Director for the London & South of England Chapter of ATOS) and Tom Horton (YTOY winner in 2000).

Whilst the judges were deciding who the 2017 winners were to be, Michael Wooldridge accompanied Holly Eldridge, sister of entrant Robert, as she sang "Ain't Misbehavin' (pictured below), and then Jayden Vicarey, brother of entrant Freya, sang 'On The Street Where You Live'.

Also performing during the competion was 2016 YTOY winner Lewis Scott, wearing the Chain of Office for the last time before he had to pass it on to this years winner.  But who would that be?

The judges decided to award the Christie Cup to Jamyma May Hanson

The Dean Herrick Memorial Award was presented to Lewis Scott who, since he won the competition in 2016, has been developing his skills and and promoting the theatre organ world generally. Lewis is seen here receiving the trophy from YTOY Chapter trustee and Secretary Judith Rawle.

The Young Theatre Organist of the Year 2017 was Robert Eldridge, seen here at the Fentham Hall Compton with his entrants certificate, trophy and wearing the YTOY Chain of Office.

The first winner of our new YTOY Senior Section was Aaron Hawthorne, seen here with the brand new trophy.

The full competition report may be viewed here. 
Finally, here are our two 2017 comptition winners by the Fentham Hall Compton.  Congratulations gentlemen!