York flautist wins national music award after 20-year break

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:05 · Archive

Jen Townsend from York has won the 40+ category of the BSO Music-Making Competition for non-professional musicians.

Jen Townsend, a flautist from York, has been named one of three winners in the BSO Music-Making Competition, a national contest designed for non-professional musicians across the UK. Now in its second year, the competition is run by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and sponsored by Lark Music. Ms Townsend won the 40+ category.

Ms Townsend paused her musical journey for more than 20 years while working as a midwife and carer. She returned to music in 2024, inspired by her new partner and determined to reconnect with her passion. After rising through music exams and county ensembles in her youth, she had begun undergraduate study before life took her in a different direction. She resumed formal studies last year at the University of Leeds before enrolling at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Judges described her performance of Edwin Roxburgh's Stardrift as 'extraordinary' and 'virtuosic'. She was introduced to the piece by her teacher, Dr Carla Rees, who studied with the composer. Ms Townsend said: 'I hope my story will inspire other people to return to making music.'

More than 100 people entered the competition, which invited UK residents to share their music under the theme 'your music, your way'. Thirty finalists were selected, and three winners were awarded the top prize. Ms Townsend plans to use her £1,000 prize money to help fund her postgraduate studies.

How it is being reported

• York flautist wins national music award after 20-year break from performingJen Townsend, a flautist from York, has been named one of three winners in a national music competition.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Oct, 05:00
• York flautist wins national music award after 20-year break from performingJen Townsend, a flautist from York, has been named one of three winners in a national music competition.The Press (York) · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Jen Townsend · York · Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra · Royal Northern College of Music · University of Leeds · Lark Music

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