The International Percussion Youth Competition forms part of the Universal Marimba Competition and Festival Belgium. The competition welcomes percussionists from around the world to compete in three categories: Marimba Solo, Chamber Music and Composition. The International Percussion Youth Competition was introduced to the competition in 2015 and now, in its second year, has welcomed over 700 candidates from all continents.
This year’s competition received the High Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Paola. Winners were awarded a mallet bag, mallets valued at 300 euro, a 250 euro scholarship to the International L. Albert Academy and many other products such as CD’s and scores. Small monetary awards were also offered for special award winners.
Pupil Lewis Isaacs was awarded second place in the 15 and Under category, playing both Marimba and drum kit. The jury consisted of Ludwig Albert, Leo Ouderitis, Igor Lesnik, Eriko Daimo and Rebecca Kite who gave delightful and informative comments and feedback.
Seeing the other competitors has inspired Lewis to continue to grow and develop in preparation for the next competition in 2019.