Xaverian College welcomed six senior representatives from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) for two exceptional days of performance masterclasses this month, culminating in the highly anticipated Xaverian College Young Musician of the Year Competition. 

The RNCM tutors, renowned figures in their fields, visited on the 5th and 12th of November 2025 to deliver three hours of intensive, simultaneous coaching to students preparing for auditions, competitions, and recitals. The visiting team included: 

• Kevin Gowland (Head of School of Wind, Brass and Percussion / Director of Woodwind) 
• Catherine Yates (Deputy Head of the School of Strings) 
• Iyad Sughayer (Professor of Subsidiary Piano) 
• Nico De Villiers (Deputy Head of the School of Vocal Studies) 
• Murray Greig (Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion / Director of Brass) 
• Matt Steele (Curriculum Lead – Production) 

Students received detailed feedback on their performances, expert technical guidance, and tailored advice to support their progression into conservatoire and university pathways. 

Andrew Levendis, Director of Music, praised the dedication and professionalism shown by the young musicians: “Our young musicians were focused, confident and eager to learn. I am so proud of how well they performed, they demonstrated exceptional professionalism beyond their years. The RNCM tutors have inspired them to progress to the next level and fulfil their potential. It was an honour to welcome the RNCM tutors to Xaverian, and a delight to observe their expertise in action.” 

Following on from the masterclasses, the annual Xaverian College Young Musician of the Year Competition College’s Drama Studio, which was filled with supportive families, friends, and staff. This year’s standard was described as one of the highest ever, with students showcasing remarkable musicality, maturity, and stage presence. 

The competition, an established highlight of the College calendar, offers invaluable experience ahead of A Level performance recordings and conservatoire and university auditions. The judging panel comprised Xaverian Music teachers, peripatetic instrumental tutors, and last year’s winner, Charlotte Philpotts. 

2025 Results: 

• 1st Place: Maissa Mulki – Piano 
• 2nd Place: Hugo Huang – Violin 
• Joint 3rd Place: Ben Callicott – Viola & Erika Semenets – Piano 
• Most Improved Musicians of the Year: Ava Walker – Flute & Hannah Maiden – Cello 

As part of her prize, Maissa Mulki will perform a concerto or solo piece with one of the College’s ensembles at the Easter Concert, which will be held at the RNCM. Second and third place performers are also often invited to take part in major College concerts later in the academic year. 

The partnership between Xaverian College and the RNCM continues to foster exceptional musical development, providing students with world-class mentoring and inspiring the next generation of performers. 

Our music and wider enrichment students topped off an amazing year with their annual concert at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The concert was another opportunity for our students to showcase their prodigious talents with pieces of music in a range of styles and genres: 

​Big Band – Directed By Anthony Brown​ with Soloist – Dale Martin​ who performed Shiny Stockings – Count Basie, Arr. Sammy Nestico​, Sing Sang Sung – Gordon Goodwin​ and Let It Snow – Jule Styne​ 

​​Latin Percussion Ensemble – Directed By Laurie Agnew​ with Soloist – Dale Martin​ performing ‘An introduction To Rumba’ – Arr. by Laurie Agnew​ and ‘Rhythm Is Gonna Get You’ – Gloria Estefan, Arr. Rodney Leung​ 

​Soul Band – Directed by Adam Hutchins​ performing ‘Ain’t Nobody’ – Chaka Khan, ‘Natural Woman’ – Carol King​ and ‘Sir Duke’ – Stevie Wonder​ 

​Flute Group – Directed By Jennifer Dyson​ performing ‘Carol of the Bells’ – M. Leontovych, ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ – Gustav Holst, Arr. Ann Cameron Pearce ​ 

​Sax Group – Directed By Anthony Brown​ performing ‘Cantaloupe Island’ – Herbie Hancock​ and ‘You’re A Mean One Mr Grinch’ – Dr. Seuss & Albert Hague​ 

​Brass Band – Directed By James Hunt performing ‘MacArthur Park’ – Jim Webb, ‘Schneewalzer (Snow Waltz)’ – Thomas Koschat​ 

​Concert Choir – Directed By Juan Ortuno​ and accompanied By Jonathan Ellis ​performing ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ – A. Vivaldi , ‘Adiemus’ – Karl Jenkins​ and ‘It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas’ – Meredith Willson​ 

​Chamber Choir – Directed By Ged Marciniak​ and accompanied By Kanako Mizuno performing “A Christmas Medley​ and Les Misérables: ‘One Day More’ –  Schönberg​ 

​String Orchestra – Directed By Duncan Reid​ performing ‘Suite For String Orchestra: Romance’ – Christopher Wilson​ and ‘Libertango’ – Astor Piazzolla ​ 

​​Clarinet Choir – Directed by Josh Pyman​ performing ‘Adagio’ in Bb Major K.411 – W.A Mozart​ and ‘The Polar Express’ – Alan Silvestri, Arr. Juan Pérez​ 

Balkan Folk Band – Directed By John Liddel​ performing ‘Bayatilar’ – From Azerbaijan ​and ‘Gel Gel Kayikçi/Γκελ Γκελ Kαϊξη’ – From Greece & Asia Minor​ 

​Gospel Choir – Directed By Lydia-Faith Smith​ performing ‘Everybody Clap Your Hands’ – Joshua’s Troop and ‘Mary Did You Know’ – Mark Lowry & Buddy Greene, Arr. Lydia-Faith Smith​ 

​Orchestra – Directed By Andrew Levendis​ performing ‘The Batman Theme’ – Danny Elfman​, Jazz Suite No2: ‘Waltz No.2’ – Dmitri Shostakovich​,Star Wars: ‘The Mandalorian’ – Ludwig Goransson and ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ – Arr. Michael Brown​ 

​And for the Encore​ – ‘Troika’ From Lieutenant Kijé Prokofiev 

Studying Music at Xaverian College offers students a vibrant, inspiring, and professionally focused environment in which to develop their skills as performers, composers, and musical thinkers. With expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong links to leading institutions, such as the Royal Northern College of Music, students benefit from a rich programme of ensemble work, workshops, concerts, and one-to-one support. Whether preparing for conservatoire auditions, university courses, or a future in the creative industries, Xaverian musicians are encouraged to stretch their abilities, explore their interests, and grow in confidence as they progress through an engaging and ambitious curriculum. Visit www.xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.