A TALENTED award-winning Irvine musician has now secured an international music prize.

Ex-Greenwood Academy pupil and senior concert band member Adam Lee was delighted to receive a top distinction award in the Brass and Wind section in the 2021 Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition – performing Michael Whalen’s The Shadows of October:

The competition, held virtually this year, is recognised around the world for outstanding young musicians as they embark upon their professional careers and has supported many internationally celebrated musicians.

During the event, the judges said: “Adam’s playing has the ability to make time stand still, John and I were both extremely moved by his musicality, his exquisite phrasing as well as incredible clarinet playing – but with a player like this you forget what instrument it is you are listening to or they’re playing its just so powerful, and that is certainly the case with Adam’s playing..”

Adam Lee said: “I’m absolutely delighted – it was a complete shock. Thank you for your comments and kind words and thank you to the organisers for putting it together – its great to have a platform to share music at a time like this when we’ve not been able to perform for audiences.

“And thanks accompanist Ashley who stepped in and did it last minute, I really enjoyed playing it. Thank you.”

We previously reported Adam would be studying at London’s Royal College of Music after he secured a place on the top school’s Masters in Performance course.

Adam also scooped the top prize in the Royal Scottish Conservatoire’s coveted woodwind music performance competition and was awarded the Governors’ Recital Prize for Woodwind.

Cllr John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Employment, said: “From his early days at Greenwood Academy, Adam has been a source of inspiration to his fellow young musicians.

“I am constantly amazed by the enormous musical talent of our children and young people and am grateful for the nurturing leadership of our music services team who ensure that young musician’s aspirations are both realised and celebrated.”