Emma was in talented and competitive company, beating five other finalists for first prize by a judging panel consisting of high-profile figures in the arts such as Clarinettist Emma Johnson MBE, Carol Barratt (composer of educational music), Patrick Lemanski (Head of Warner Classics) Sam Jackson (Managing Editor for Classic FM) and former CEO of ABRSM, and a past Master of The Musicians’ Company Leslie East OBE alongside Chairman Sir Karl Jenkins.

The judges had the support of a consultation panel consisting of internationally renowned soloists including Alison Balsom, Nicola Benedetti, Catrin Finch and Dame Evelyn Glennie.