FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 27th June 2025

Two talented young composers have been announced as the winners of New Sailing Sounds, a national competition run by The Purcell School in collaboration with the Met Office to celebrate 100 years on air of the Shipping Forecast on the BBC.

Samuel Hunt (aged 11) was named Junior Winner for his composition ‘The Squall’ and Tamara Brown (aged 13) was named Senior Winner for ‘Gales in Viking’. They were selected from entries submitted by young musicians, schools and music centres from across the UK. Both pieces were inspired by ‘Sailing By’, the iconic work by Ronald Binge, long associated with the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4.

The winners were chosen by a distinguished judging panel comprising Alison Cox OBE (Head of Composition, The Purcell School), Christopher Binge (son of Composer Ronald Binge) and Professor Penny Endersby (CEO of the Met Office).

Speaking about the competition, Alison Cox said: ‘It was a huge pleasure and privilege to be able to work with the Met Office and help celebrate 100 years of the Shipping Forecast on air with a special competition! We were thrilled to receive so many excellent entries from young composers around the UK (including many from coastal regions), broadening access to classical music opportunities. I would like to warmly congratulate our two young winners, Samuel and Tamara, as well as all those who reached the shortlist.’

Professor Penny Endersby added: ‘We are delighted to collaborate with The Purcell School for the New Sailing Sounds competition. The winning performances will enrich our maritime summit recognising 100 years of the Shipping Forecast on radio and support the talents of outstanding young composers from across the UK.’

Ten young composers were shortlisted overall, with entries demonstrating remarkable creativity and musicianship. The two winning pieces will be performed at an important maritime stakeholder summit in Central London on 1st July 2025, as part of the official centenary celebrations.

The Shipping Forecast is produced by the Met Office on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) as part of the UK’s statutory obligations to provide Maritime Safety Information to seafarers via approved broadcasting methods. The Shipping Forecast is also shared with the BBC for its own broadcast.

The Purcell School is the UK’s oldest specialist music school. Situated on the outskirts of London in Bushey, Hertfordshire, the boarding and day school is home to around 196 musically gifted young people, all of whom are passionate about fulfilling their talent. The School delivers the very highest musical instruction and holds the UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal in recognition of its unique contribution to music, education and culture. The Purcell School’s mission is to provide young musicians of great potential with an environment in which they can flourish, irrespective of background or financial means. Entry to The Purcell School is by audition. www.purcell-school.org

The Met Office is the United Kingdom’s national weather service and a world leader in providing weather and climate science and services. Established in 1854, it has been at the forefront of meteorological research and forecasting for over 170 years. As the official provider of the UK’s Shipping Forecast, the Met Office plays a vital role in supporting maritime safety and informing the public about changing weather conditions around the British Isles. Its work helps individuals, businesses, and governments make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. www.metoffice.gov.uk