Music Success In Eurovision Young Musicians 2024

Published by Canford School on Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Many congratulations to Fifth Form pupil, Hugo, on being selected to represent Sweden at Eurovision Young Musicians 2024 in Bodø, Norway on Saturday 17th August 2024.

Hugo, a talented cellist was selected after winning Polstjärnepriset 2024, a competition for young musicians from Nordic countries. Hugo’s father is Swedish and Hugo often visits Sweden. After the four finalists each played with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in front of an audience at the Gothenburg Concert Hall on Friday 5th January, a jury then selected Hugo as the winner. In April, Hugo will perform concerts in Borås and Gothenburg.

The competition for musicians between the ages of 12 and 21 and has been held since 1982, as the first spin-off contest of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Hugo takes up the story of his success:

“I decided to apply as the Pole Star Prize is the most famous youth music competition in Sweden and I hoped to make it to the final round to play as a soloist with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. I’ve been practising for many months on the pieces I needed for the various rounds of the competition. In the final round I performed the first movement of the Schumann Cello Concerto which is really beautiful piece. (Add link to performance video if available). When I heard I had won, I was so happy as I had worked very hard for it. I’m excited for the opportunities winning the prize will bring, as I will have further solo performances with the main Swedish orchestras as well as competing in the Eurovision Young Musicians in Norway in August. I really enjoy music studies at Canford, both performing opportunities as well as my GCSE music course. I’m looking forward to going to London in March to perform with the Canford Orchestra at St John’s Smith Square, and would like to keep developing my cello playing as I want to pursue a career in music.”

Christopher Sparkhall, Director of Music at Canford, is delighted for Hugo:

“We are all extremely proud of Hugo’s exceptional achievement, and impressed that he has managed this whilst also studying hard for his GCSEs and contributing so fully to the musical life of Canford. We wish him every success as he prepares to perform at Eurovision Young Musicians in August.”