Bill Ko Tsz Hin has been named the Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year.

The 15-year-old Cheltenham College student won the top prize at the final, where he performed two challenging pieces on viola.

“The finalists were all fantastic,” he said. “After finishing playing my piece, I felt relieved yet very nervous about the results. When the winner was announced, so many thoughts were running through my head and it was nerve-wracking.

“The moment I heard I was the winner, the thrill and excitement gushed through me and I was on cloud nine, I couldn't believe it! I looked at my friends, my teachers and finally made my way up to the judges.”

Bill, who is originally from Hong Kong, has been playing instruments for most of his life, and cites support from his parents and teachers as one of the major factors leading to this win.

He continued: “I first played the violin when I was about six years old, and I was introduced to the viola in 2017 in the Spring.

“I found out I was more sensitive and attached to the viola than playing the violin after a few performances. After I signed up for the competition, I knew I had to commit to it and to grab the opportunity I had been given.

“I have not ceased to practice for at least one and a half hours every day for the past three months. I have given a lot of my free time and study time towards the competition, fortunately, all my efforts brought about my reward!”

The final saw Bill go up against pupils from Dean Close School, Pate’s Grammar School, Stroud’s Marling Grammar School and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

He was presented with the Hewitt-Jones award by composer Thomas Hewitt-Jones and a cash prize of £500.

Director of Music at Cheltenham College David McKee said: “Bill is a phenomenal student with an inspirational work ethic.

“He is deeply musical and every performance is heartfelt as well as immaculately prepared. His performances are as successful as they are because of his careful combination of musical feeling with technical rigour, coupled with a highly intellectual approach to his interpretation.

“We are incredibly proud of his achievements and are hugely excited about seeing his progress over the next few years at College.”

The win means Bill will also be invited to play alongside the Gloucestershire Symphony and Youth Orchestras, as well as a spot at the Cheltenham Music Festival.

He added: “I can’t wait until my first performance with the orchestra!

“I am now preparing for my concerto as I still have a long way to go in perfecting it and advancing to a more professional and sensitive level of music playing.

“I hope to provide a relaxing time to my audience when they hear my music and also to now inspire people to pick up any musical instrument and explore the world of classical music!”