SWSO Barker Bursary Winners 2025

Senior Prize Winner: Alice Cumberbatch

The Senior prize was won by 11-year-old violinist Alice Cumberbatch, who started her studies at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey this year. For her audition she performed ‘Romance’ by Amy Beach and a caprice by the Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz. The judges were impressed by the range and intensity of her playing, and the amazing maturity of her musical expression.

Alice has been awarded £3,000.00 and is hoping to use it to attend an international masterclass. She will also take up a professional solo performance opportunity as part of her prize. Alice attends the Royal College of Music Junior Department and already has considerable experience playing in string quartets and orchestras, as well as solos.

Intermediate Prize Winners: Lana & Melissa Norman

In the Intermediate category the judges were unable to separate twins Lana and Melissa Norman, and decided to split the £1,250.00 prize between them. Lana performed Massenet’s ‘Meditation’ from Thaïs with effective dramatic intensity, while Melissa was commended for her expressive performance of Chopin’s Nocturne No. 1. Both girls attend the Saffron Centre for Young Musicians and the prize will help to pay for musical tuition.

Junior Prize Winner: Holly Bowyer

Thirteen-year-old percussionist Holly Bowyer from Haverhill won the Junior prize with a characterful and compelling performance of ‘Malletrix’ for marimba. Holly also attends the Saffron Centre for Young Musicians and plays in the Haverhill Youth and Community Band. She hopes to use some of her prize money to pay for the National Children’s Orchestra course in 2026.

Holly Bowyer: Junior Prize Winner