Tyler Dykstra, a 14-year-old student from Cayman Prep and High School, was crowned the 2025 Butterfield Young Musician of the Year on Friday, 14 March. Dykstra triumphed over seven other exceptional young musicians, each showcasing their incredible talent in a bid for the prestigious title.

Representing Cayman Music School, Dykstra was the final performer of the evening, captivating the audience with a stunning piano performance of two carefully selected pieces. Reflecting on his victory, he shared, “I am really pleased. I worked hard for this, spending a lot of time refining and polishing my pieces.” He also spoke about his passion for music, saying, “What I love about music is that it offers endless possibilities. There is no wrong way to play a piece, and each person brings their unique style to it. I love that.” 

Lorena Peterson, a student from Triple C School, earned the title of runner-up for the second consecutive year, having also claimed the runner-up position in 2024. She delivered a vibrant and unique performance featuring a remix of Beethoven’s Für Elise and Michael Jackson’s We are the World.

The competition also featured talented pianists Alexa Valencia, Justin Sy, and Jude Solomon from St. Ignatius Catholic School, Ryan Nock (Cayman International School), Jessica Dawson (Cayman Prep and High School), alongside Thian Bodden (John Gray High School), the sole violinist of the evening.

The esteemed panel of adjudicators included Dr. Mark P. Johnson, a renowned band director from the United States, and local music experts Ms. Stephanie Williams and Mr. Arek Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson expressed his admiration for the performers, sharing, “Each performer brought something unique to the stage. The level of potential is remarkable. Music is alive and thriving in the Cayman Islands.” He also gave some advice for aspiring competitors, sharing, “I encourage them to carefully select their music choices and think about the intention behind the pieces they perform. When performers connect with the music beyond the notes and rhythms, they truly communicate their personal interpretation to the audience.”

In his welcome message, Michael McWatt, Managing Director of Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited, commended this year’s performers, stating, “Each year we are privileged to witness the passion, skill, and dedication of our island’s top young performers.” He also expressed gratitude to the Department of Education Services and the Ministry of Education for their support of the event, while acknowledging the parents, guardians, and teachers who guided these young musicians on their journey.

For more details about the Butterfield Young Musician of the Year, contact DES Senior Customer Service Manager Kimberly Kirkconnell by telephone at 945-1199 or by email at DESSchoolEvents@gov.ky.