SWSO Barker Bursary Winners 2026

Senior Prize Winner: Josh Lucas

The Senior prize was won by Josh Lucas, now 22 years old. Josh is from Saffron Walden and studies cello at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. For his audition he played unaccompanied Bach, and the judges were impressed by his immaculate technique, lovely sound, and the way in which he communicated complete immersion in, and ownership of, his performance.

Josh has been awarded £3,000.00. He has been using the same bow since his early teens and is planning to use his prize money to replace it with a better one. He will also take up a professional solo performance opportunity as part of his prize.

Intermediate Prize Winner: Naomi Ellershaw

12-year-old violinist Naomi Ellershaw won the Intermediate prize playing Sarasate’s Malaguena. The judges commented on her rich tone and dazzling pyrotechnics. They were also impressed with the way in which she communicated musically with her accompanist. Naomi lives in Coton and attends the Perse School. She is hoping to spend her prize of £1,250 on additional music lessons and attending masterclasses.

Junior Prize Winner: Ben Korshidchehr

The Junior prize of £750 went to Ben Korshidchehr, a 12-year-old alto saxophonist from Little Hallingbury, who attends Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishops Stortford. The panel loved his characterful playing of a tango and a samba, with great variety of colours and dynamics, and a real lightness of touch. Ben currently has to share his saxophone with his older brother, and he is hoping to put his prize money towards buying an instrument of his own.