A teenage pianist from Ryde is hoping to be named Young Musician of the Year and he appears in the semi final of the competition tonight.

It is being screened later, around a year after it was first recorded. 

Scroll down for a link to watch...

Thomas Luke, 17, won the keyboard part of the BBC competition before the Covid-19 lockdown, to get to the semi final.

Speaking last year, Thomas said he was 'shocked' to win the keyboard final after having watched the competition for years.

He said: "Much of what happened next was a blur!

"I hope the exposure I receive from winning the keyboard category will serve as a useful accolade for my future as a performer."

The BBC Young Musician semi final was filmed at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, when audiences were still able to attend music events without restrictions.

Competing for the three places in the Grand Final are 18-year old Annemarie Federle (French horn); 19-year old Coco Tomita (violin); 18-year old Ewan Millar (oboe); 17-year old Fang Zhang (percussion); and Thomas.

BBC Young Musician Executive Editor Paul Bullock said: “Within days of filming the semi final the UK was in full lockdown and for a while we wondered when it would be possible to stage the 2020 Final at all.

"Thankfully it's now happening and we’re so thrilled that these special musicians will have their opportunity to perform with the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth and be seen by audiences across the UK."

A spokesperson for Ryde School said: "Ryde School music department is exceptionally proud of Thomas's achievements.

"His dedication and commitment to his music is outstanding and he is a true inspiration to all of our musicians.

"It has been a privilege to watch his progress."

Jan Younghusband, Head of BBC Music TV Commissioning said: “After one of the most difficult years for the music industry, we are delighted to offer a moment of hope and celebration to our audiences at home and to the artists with the broadcast of the final rounds of the BBC Young Musician competition, with great music-making from the exceptionally talented young musicians, and to provide this important platform for the stars of the future."

If Thomas gets through, the Grand Final, recorded this month at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, without an audience in attendance and in strict compliance with current Covid-19 guidelines, will be broadcast on BBC Four on the first weekend of May.

  • Watch the semi final on BBC Four, at 7pm or via THIS LINK. 

UPDATE 8.30pm: Thomas didn't get through to the final, but put in an incredible performance. Well done Thomas, from all of us at the County Press!