The Davison Young Musician Awards were established post covid pandemic, to support a broad range of young musical talent who might not have access to, or the financial means needed  to develop their musical talent.

Sine then we have  and auditioned over 356 young and talented musicians, who have gone on to achieve significant musical aplomb.

Of those who auditioned for a prize, the DYMF has awarded 35  awards to date.

Where Talent Becomes Trajectory

Over the past five years, the Davison Young Musicians Foundation has supported a growing number of exceptional young performers—many of whom have gone on to shape meaningful musical paths across the UK and internationally.

Some have achieved national recognition. Others continue to develop steadily—refining their craft, contributing to ensembles, and defining their artistic voice. Together, they reflect the Foundation’s core purpose:

support that extends beyond the moment of award.

Some Selected Prize Winners. 

Jordan Ashman – Percussion

Wikipedia profile.

A leading example of DYMF-supported talent, Jordan Ashman has achieved national recognition, winning BBC Young Musician of the Year (2022).

A conservatoire-trained percussionist and concerto soloist, his trajectory reflects exceptional technical command paired with artistic maturity.

Felix Kirkby – Conductor, Composer, Organist & Pianist

Felix Kirkby represents one of the Foundation’s most complete musical journeys.

Founder and conductor of the Oxford Festival Orchestra, he has combined leadership with composition and performance, while continuing to advance his conducting studies. As a board member and guest adjudicator for DYMF, he remains closely involved in shaping the Foundation’s future direction.

Harry Kneeshaw – Orchestral Performer & Solo Violinist

Harry Kneeshaw is establishing himself across both orchestral and solo performance platforms.

He has performed with London Symphonia at the BBC Proms (2025) and appeared with the Stavanger Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway. Alongside this, he is an active solo violinist, currently touring the UK with his partner as accompanist.

His work reflects a musician confidently bridging ensemble performance and solo artistry.

Sebastian “Seb” Thomas – Pianist, Composer & Cathedral Musician

Sebastian Thomas combines creative work with high-level choral performance.

A pianist and composer, he contributed significantly to the Foundation’s early years by writing a world premiere work for piano (four hands) and trumpet, performed at Ely Cathedral. He went on to study at St Martin-in-the-Fields and now serves as a chorister and lay clerk at Winchester Cathedral.

Alongside his professional commitments, he continues to produce original compositions and choral works.

Annest Davies – Wales. Harp

Annest Davies brings together cultural heritage and formal training.

Having attended the Royal Academy of Music, she continues to develop as a specialist in the Welsh harp tradition, combining technical refinement with expressive and culturally rooted performance.

Ágoston Végh – Trumpet

Ágoston Végh continues to develop as a technically accomplished and musically assured performer, with ongoing engagement in both solo and ensemble settings He has done two awards via his engagement with the DYMF National Brass Competition in Budapest and again in his first year of study at the Franz Liszt Academy.

Vince Baczko – Trumpet

Vince Baczko has become a prominent international figure within the Foundation’s work in Budapest.

A winner of the Liszt Academy trumpet competition (2023), he has since achieved further significant prizes and accolades. In 2024, he competed in the DYMF National Brass Competition in Budapest—where 78 applicants competed for six prizes—and was awarded Third Prize for Trumpet.

He later performed at the DYMF Christmas Concert in Cambridge (2025) and has since returned as both an advocate and adjudicator for the DYMF Exceptional Young Musicianship Award at the Liszt Academy (March 2026).

His continued involvement reflects both artistic progression and a strong commitment to supporting emerging talent.

Alfred Fardell – Pianoforte

Alfred Fardell continues to develop a thoughtful and disciplined approach to piano performance, refining both technique and interpretation through ongoing study and recital work, and helping new and aspiring musical talent.

Anneka Vetter – Emerging Artist. Viola and Mezzo Soprano.

Anneka Vetter continues to shape her musical identity through sustained study and excellent performance, building confidence and depth of repertoire across both solo and ensemble settings.

Edward Lloyd – Performer, Accompanist & DYMF Contributor

Edward Lloyd represents both artistic development and ongoing commitment to the Foundation.

A DYMF bursary recipient, he is active in recital performance, concert work, and accompanying professional musicians. He now plays a key role within DYMF, contributing to award structuring and adjudication, and successfully managing the Series 4 Exceptional Musicianship Competition at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest.

A Collective Story

Not every musical journey follows the same path.

Some, like Jordan Ashman, achieve national prominence such as the  winner of the 2022 BBC young Musicians Awards.

Others, such as Felix Kirkby, have dedicated themselves to building musical leadership from the ground up—establishing and conducting the Oxford Festival Orchestra, while continuing his work as a composer and advancing his conducting studies.

Musicians such as Sebastian “Seb” Thomas reflect a different but equally significant path—contributing creatively in the Foundation’s early years, before continuing into professional choral life at Winchester Cathedral, alongside ongoing compositional work.

Performers like Harry Kneeshaw now balance major orchestral engagements with an emerging solo career on the concert stage as well las playing in the Sinfonia of London at the 2025 BBC Proms and other prolific international orchestras.

Vince Baczko reflects the international dimension of the Foundation’s reach—progressing from award winner to performer, advocate, and adjudicator.

Edward Lloyd represents continued dedication within the Foundation itself—developing as a musician while helping to shape its structure and delivery.

Many continue to grow steadily—developing their craft with discipline, resilience, and purpose.

All of them matter.

The Davison Young Musicians Foundation exists not simply to recognise talent—but to support what comes next.

Mission & Purpose

The Foundation was established with a clear and consistent aim.

It does not exist to sustain income for those involved in its delivery.

Its purpose is to generate funding for awards, bursaries, and scholarships for talented young musicians who may not otherwise have access to opportunity.

Its focus remains on:

•Sixth form and academy students

•Early-stage university musicians

At a point where talent is evident—but access is not always equal.

Its goal is simple:

to give opportunity, to provide support, and to create a platform where exceptional talent can be seen and heard.

A Small Organisation, A Meaningful Impact

The DYMF operates with a simple and transparent model.

With an annual requirement of approximately £10,000, the Foundation is able to:

•Deliver competitions and recital opportunities

•Provide meaningful financial awards

•Create performance platforms for emerging musicians

It is, by design, a small organisation with a big heart, committed to reinvesting directly into the future of music.

Award recipients may go on to perform alongside previous winners in distinguished concert settings—showcasing their talent, musicianship, and virtuosity to wider audiences.

An Invitation to Support

If there is one thing these musicians share, it is not just talent—but the moment when someone chose to believe in it.

That is what the Foundation provides.

And that is what it seeks to continue.

For those who value music as a discipline, a craft, and a lifelong pursuit, there is an opportunity to play a meaningful part.

Support can take many forms:

•Advisory or programme sponsorship

•Event partnership

•Or a personal donation

Each contribution helps ensure that talented young musicians are given:

•a platform

•recognition

•and a chance that might otherwise have been missed

The Foundation warmly welcomes the support of good-hearted and passionate lovers of music who believe that talent should never be limited by financial circumstance alone.

Closing Reflection

Helping talent into the future is not a single moment—it is a shared commitment.

And for those who understand the value of music, there is perhaps no more meaningful way to contribute than by helping the next generation to be heard.

The DYMF Team

Tom Davison

Tom is Founder of the Awards and DYMF.   He studied classical music, trumpet and choral.  

He was the first young musician to win the Ruth Dyson Musicians Award. He achieved ABRSM Grade 8 distinction at 17 and continued to study music performance at Roehampton College and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.  He went on to session record for Strawberry and DJM Music Studios.   While working with the Australian Federal Government, he played in the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra for two years. In 2014 he returned to the UK and continued to work in UK Government. In 2023 he stepped away from the Civil Service and now dedicates his time and resources to the DYMF.

Cristian de Sa

Named a ‘Young Classical Star’ by Classic FM, the British violinist, Cristian de Sá, embarked on his career aged 24 with his European recital debut at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and concerto debut with the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon, and has since been invited to perform in many of Europe’s prestigious halls. He has played chamber music alongside Renaud Capuçon, Maxim Vengerov and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, France Musique, RTP Portugal, Scala Radio and contributes to The Strad Magazine and BBC Radio 4.
Cristian was a student of Maurice Hasson, Tasmin Little and Pierre Amoyal at the Royal Academy of Music & Mozarteum University. 

Edward Lloyd

Is a concert and recital pianist. He studied at Chethams School of Music and continued his piano studies at the Royal Northern College of Music funded by the Alison Copley Scholarship. Edward had two Masterclasses with Sir Stephen Hough.  Edward went on to perform his first piano concerto debut with the Oxford Festival Orchestra. (Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no 1.) Edward has performed at Bridgewater Hall,  Steinway Hall London, the Stoller Hall and at the Boyne Music Festival in Ireland and at the Franz Liszt Recital Hall in Budapest. Edwards previous competition achievements include the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Competition and many others. Edward plays recitals across the UK and Europe sharing an intimate and extraordinary understanding of piano music.  He has participated in the International Music Competitions in Budapest as a panel judge and is now a supporting artist and panel adjudicator with the DYMF.

Kathy Bailey

Has known the Founder for several decades, professionally and personally. Kathy is a busy musician in her own right and a qualified teacher. Kathy sang with the BBC Symphony Chorus under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis, and Sir John Pritchard. She currently plays in the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Phillip Butcher. Kathy is a Music Graduate of the LCM and holds instrumental diplomas and a PGCE.

Vince Baczko

Is an exceptional emerging trumpet player who has won several DYMF awards and many prestige and high profile competitions across Europe for his musicianship and instrumental command. Vince Studied Trumpet and Music at the Franz Liszt Academy. Vince plays professionally as principle trumpet at the Slovak National Opera and 2nd trumpet with the Miskolc Symphonic Orchestra. He is also a member of Rez korut. (www.rezkorut.hu) Vince is an accomplished trumpet player who brings exceptional musicianship and technical skill to the DYMF recital competitions. The DYMF are thrilled that he takes a place on the adjudicating panel for the DYMF 2026 Exceptional Young Musicianship Award Series in Budapest.

Garth White

Studied performing arts and loves music of all genres. Garth represents Charles Tyrwhitt who was a key sponsor of the DYMF inaugural concerts at Ely cathedral in 2021. Garth is the  Secretary of the DYMF and awards administrator. 

Felix Kirkby

Christina Bass

DYMF Benefactor. Christina first observed the work of the DYMF through its collaboration with the OFO and the Liszt Academy, developing relationships with those who share our philosophy and mission to support young musicians with the cost of their studies.