Thursday 20 March 2025
S6 pianist secures the Audrey Innes Trophy with a performance of Saint-Saëns
Ben-David Triumphs at Edinburgh Music Competition Festival
The Edinburgh Music Competition Festival is an annual event that brings together amateur musicians of all ages, offering both competitive and non-competitive classes in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. All classes are overseen by a specialist adjudicator who provides supportive feedback on the performance.
2025 Competition
This year, St Mary’s Music School’s Ben-David, currently in S6, was awarded first place in the prestigious Concerto Class, impressing the judges with his performance of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. His success marks the second consecutive year a St Mary’s Music School pupil has won the Audrey Innes Trophy—last year’s winner was Kristina, who, as an S4 pupil, captivated audiences with her rendition of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor.
A passion for piano
Ben-David’s musical journey began at the age of six, and now studies under Helena Buckmayer at St Mary’s Music School. His accolades extend beyond this latest achievement, having won 1st prize in the 15-minute recital category at the 2024 competition, reaching the semi-finals of the Liège Piano Competition in Belgium in 2022, and securing 3rd prize in the Junior (13-15 years) category at the Samson François International Piano Competition in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France.
Summer Concert
Ben-David will perform as soloist alongside the School Orchestra at the Summer Concert at the Queen’s Hall on 23 June. Tickets will be available soon from the Queen's Hall website, please keep an eye on the School events page and social media for updates.
