Cherubim Music Trust is delighted to congratulate awardee Betsy, recipient of the early 20th-century ‘Berry’ cello, on being named Sherborne Young Musician of the Year 2026.
Betsy won both the senior category and the overall competition, performing at the Winners’ Concert on 7 May at Sherborne Abbey as part of the Sherborne Abbey Festival.
A pupil at Sherborne Girls, Betsy performs regularly in the school’s orchestras and chamber ensembles and has already established an impressive record of musical achievement. Recent highlights include winning the overall award for Best Musical Performance at the Taunton Music Festival, where she was also awarded both the Nesta Franklyn M.B.E. 16 & Under Cup and the Cavey Cup for Grades 7–8. She was also a finalist in the Pro Corda String Trio Competition.
Speaking about the Cherubim instrument, Betsy said:
“This instrument can help me achieve my technical and musical skills more efficiently by producing a better quality of sound, as well as allowing me to delve deeper into my cello playing and providing a larger insight into the instrument. It will also give me an opportunity to own my own cello instead of borrowing the school’s one, given that it is difficult to transport my own cello from Hong Kong into the UK. Lastly, it will help me shape my future into the music industry as a cellist as my profession.”
We are proud to support Betsy at this exciting stage in her musical development and look forward to following her future achievements.
Further information about the competition and festival can be found here: Sherborne Young Musician Festival Article