Solo Performer of the Year 2026
Expertly compered by Ian Mills, chair of MEPG Board of Trustees, the fifth Solo Performer of the Year competition saw outstanding performances from 33 of Scotland’s finest young musicians who represented every Scottish local authority and the independent schools at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 24 May.
The Final was dedicated to John Wallace CBE, who was a champion of music education and an inspiration to so many and a valued supporter of Scottish Young Musicians from the very beginning.
The panel of judges was led by Miloš the world leading classical guitarist. Miloš was joined by Head of Woodwind at The Royal Academy of Music Fraser Gordon, Director of Live Music Now Carol Main MBE, soprano Jane Irwin and Director of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Professor Aaron Shorr.
Winner
Kai Fitzharris, aged 18, from Greenock wins prestigious nation-wide competition Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2026.
Kai, representing the Inverclyde region, gave beautiful performances of The Roadside Fire by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Die Nacht by Richard Strauss that wowed the audience and judges and saw him take home not just the overall winner’s trophy, but also the voice category and the collaboration award for his interaction with accompanist Claire Haslin.
Kai receives £1,000 to further his musical career and the Maid of Morven Trophy, crafted by Alexander Stoddart FRSE, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland. As part of his prize package from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Kai will benefit from a professional coaching session, the opportunity to participate in a masterclass, and a studio recording session to help develop his performance skills.
Runners up
Jake Kenny (aged 17) from North Ayrshire and Daniel Small (aged 16) from Falkirk shared second place.
A selection of photographs from the 2026 final will be added here soon.
