(Grand Cayman – 13 March 2017) The finalists for the annual Butterfield Young Musician of the Year award met for an informal luncheon hosted at Butterfield Place, 12 Albert Panton Street George Town on Monday, 6 March 2017.

Now in its 10^th year, the Butterfield Young Musician of the Year award showcases the extraordinary young, musical talent in the Cayman Islands.

“We’re pleased to be able to look back on the success of the event over the past 10 years, and are keen to improve each year by introducing valuable items, such as the meet and greet luncheon, as part of the schedule.” explained Mr. Michael McWatt Managing Director of Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited. Commenting on this year’s event: “The level of talent is impressive, we have 10 finalists in this year’s competition and any one of them could claim the award.”

“The Department of Education Services is proud to continue to our partnership with Butterfield for the Young Musician of the Year competition. Now in its tenth year, the caliber of our students continues to astound us. It evidences the importance that is placed on this element of our children’s overall development by their families, teachers and community at large. We would like to extend a hearty congratulations to all our finalists who have displayed such diligence and dedication to reach this stage.” commented Mrs. Nicki Samuels, Senior Customer Service Officer at the Department of Education Services.

The finalists will perform two contrasting pieces in their chosen category of either Vocal, Piano, Strings, Woodwind or Percussion, and an overall winner and runner up will be selected by the judges. Similar to previous years, there will be three international judges who will adjudicate the competition. The organisers welcome back Mr. John McLaughlin Williams, Grammy Award-winning artist and Ms. Stephanie Williams a highly accomplished pianist, education and one of the individuals who collaborated to form the National Children’s Festival of the Arts from which our finalists are chosen; and introduce Dr C. David Ragsdale, Department Chair of Music in the University of Alabama Hunstville.

The public is invited to attend this special event on Saturday, 1 April 2017 at the Prospect Playhouse. The competition will begin at 6:30 p.m., doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Photo Caption: “(Back row L-R) Managing Director Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited Michael McWatt, Dequan Smith (no longer competing), Mark Plowright, Carlton Wright, Marcus Bertran, Nathaniel Williams, Adrian Anglin, Senior Customer Services Officer, Department of Education Services Nicki Samuels. (Front row L-R) Aleah Copeland, Jamie Ebanks, Liana DaCosta, Jhosta Williams, Jaedyn Hanna.”