Millfield Pianist Hannah Yap Wins 2026 Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Competition
Millfield School student and pianist Hannah Yap has been crowned winner of the 2026 Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Competition following the final held on 23 January at the Bristol Beacon.
The Year 10 musician impressed judges with performances of three contrasting piano works, securing first place and progressing to the regional and national stages of the prestigious Rotary Young Musician Competition.
The event, organised by seven Rotary Clubs across the Greater Bristol region, featured instrumentalists and vocalists aged 13–17 performing at Grade 7 standard or above. Judges praised the overall standard as exceptionally high, highlighting the performers’ potential for future professional musical careers.
Key results
Winner: Hannah Yap (Piano, Millfield School)
Runner-up: Emilia Eggers (Violin)
Third place: Tsz Wan Wong (Flute)
Hannah, from Street, began learning piano at the age of four and now practises for around two hours each day alongside regular violin and vocal study.
Speaking after the final, she said:
“Winning the Young Musician Competition meant a great deal to me. It was incredibly rewarding to see my hard work recognised, and it gave me confidence and motivation to continue developing as a performer.”
She credited Millfield’s structure for helping her balance academic studies with intensive practice:
“I plan my practice around my schoolwork and make good use of free periods and weekends. Millfield’s supportive environment has made it much easier to manage both at a high level.”
Hannah also praised the school’s music department for providing performance opportunities and mentorship:
“The programme really allows students to grow both technically and musically.”
Kirsty Barry, Director of Music at Millfield, added:
“This is just one in an amazing array of successes, demonstrating her love of music-making and hard work through practice and commitment.”
Looking ahead, Hannah hopes to perform more concerto and solo repertoire and to compete internationally, with ambitions to pursue music at a higher level and share it with wider audiences.