Solo Performer of the Year 2025
Expertly compered by Ian Mills, chair of MEPG Board of Trustees, the fourth Solo Performer of the Year competition saw 33 incredible performances from Scotland’s young musicians who represented every Scottish local authority and the independent schools at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 25 May.
The panel of judges was led by Paul Hughes freelance consultant to the Classical Music Industry. Paul was joined by violinist Laura Ayoub, flautist Katherine Bryan, soprano Jane Irwin and virtuoso trumpeter Professor John Wallace.
Winner
Inver Shand, 17-year-old accordionist from Dunfermline High School, wins prestigious nation-wide competition Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2025.
Inver, a pupil at Dunfermline High School, started accordion lessons at the age of 6 under the guidance of top tutor Keith Dickson. He blew the judges away with his rendition of ‘Carnevale’ with its fun and fiddly jazz rhythms, Latin influences, fast finger-work and his masterful tackling of runs and trills that truly evoked that carnival party feel. This contrasted perfectly with his beautiful take on the much-loved Scottish piece ‘Loch Katrine’s Lady’, with Inver’s fantastic command of dynamics and subtle nuances, to showcasing his serious skill through the intricacies in the melody singing out over the long-sustained notes. An impassioned performance that really painted a picture and had the audience engrossed right up until the final perfect cadence, earning him the title of this prestigious competition.
Inver receives £1,000 to spend on furthering his musical career and the Maid of Morven trophy made by the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland Alexander Stoddart FRSE. Inver also receives a package of opportunities provided by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland including a coaching session, participation in a masterclass and a studio recording session.
Runners up
Aeronwyn Gault (aged 15) from East Dunbartonshire and James Rippiner (aged 14) from Aberdeenshire shared second place.
A selection of photographs from the 2025 final will be added here soon.
