Bedales student recognised in BBC Young Composer 30 Second Composition Challenge

An original composition by a Bedales student has been selected as a winning entry in the BBC Young Composer 30 Second Composition Challenge.

Block 3 (Year 9) student and Music Scholar Shoshana Yugin-Power composed her short piece, The Return to School, after learning about the BBC Young Composer 30 Second Composition Challenge during lockdown.

The competition, aimed at young composers aged between 12 and 18 years old, challenged them to “define their sound in just 30 seconds using only one instrument or voice”.

Shoshana, who plays several instruments, chose to compose her piece for the flute, which she has been playing since she was six and is currently working towards the ARSM Performance Diploma after achieving Grade 8 with Distinction last summer.

As one of the entries chosen to be showcased on the BBC Proms website, Shoshana’s piece was performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra flautist Kathleen Stevenson.

Shoshana said: “I composed The Return to School to describe my feelings after being able to return back to school after lockdown. I was slightly nervous and concerned about going back to school and I tried to portray this as well as the overwhelming feeling of excitement, anticipation and joy at the thought of seeing my friends and teachers again. The challenge of playing a piece with seven sharps is a metaphor for the upcoming difficulties I thought I might encounter; however, with practice it all becomes familiar.”

Bedales Director of Music Doug McIlwraith added: "We are very proud of Shoshana’s success in the BBC Young Composer 30 Second Composition Challenge and commend her for taking the initiative to enter. Her piece was full of great ideas and it is fantastic to hear it brought to life in this way. Shoshana is an extremely talented musician who, as a Music Scholar and a member of the National Children's Orchestra, has already achieved so much."