VIOLINIST Katrina Lee was told there was “magic in your playing” as she became Kirklees Young Musician of the Year last night.

Katrina, of Birchencliffe, wowed the audience at the climax of the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival.

Katrina, who has been second in the festival showpiece in the past, was delighted with her success in front of proud family and friends at Huddersfield Town Hall.

The 20-year-old, who is in the third year of an under-graduate course at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow, said: “I was very nervous but I just wanted to concentrate on my music and enjoy the performance.”

The audience loved her programme which featured pieces by Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy and Antonio Bazzini.

Adjudicator Mr Christopher Field led the plaudits and said: “Katrina made the audience sit up in their seats.”

He told her: “There was magic in your playing. Your programme was delightful.”

Katrina, watched by dad Kin, mum Fung and brother Adrian, 13, receives a trophy and a £1,000 prize.

She plans to spend the money on furthering her musical education or will put the money towards a new bow.

Katrina said: “It was nice to come back to compete in Mrs Sunderland and I was determined to do well.

“I competed from the age of 12 but stopped when I went to Glasgow.

“I am having a great time in Scotland, playing with some fantastic chamber musicians and orchestras.”

Proud dad Kin said he had no idea where his daughter’s musical talent came from and said: “I am a painter not a musician!

“In Kirklees we are very fortunate to have some fantastic string teachers. We have to be very grateful to Kirklees Music School.”

Runner-up for the second successive year was percussionist Joseph Whelan, 20, who is studying at Huddersfield University.

Joseph was brilliant on the drums and Mr Field described his performance as “mesmerising” and “remarkable.”

Mr Field said the standard of competition had been very high and added: “It has been a privilege to come to Huddersfield – a centre of excellence – and see and hear the cream of the cream.”

RESULTS

Brass solo school year 6 and under: 1) Christie Smith 2) Ainslee Farrar 3) Elie Boswell.

Brass solo school year 9 and under: 1) Joshua Barber 2) James Howard 3) James Diffley.

Brass solo school year 11 and under: 1) William Druiett 2) Bethan Plant 3) James Howard.

Trumpet/cornet solo slow melody school year 11 and under: 1) Bethan Plant 2) Charlotte Hirst.

Brass solo open: 1) William Druiett 2) Charlotte Hirst.

Percussion solo school year 6 and under: 1) Edward Turner 2) Jacob Beaumont.

Percussion solo school year 11 and under: 1) Adam Finchett 2) Kara Pearce 3) James Howard.

Drum kit solo school year 11 and under: 1) Angela Wang and Magdalen Bath, Halifax, and Huddersfield Junior Brass Ensemble.

Woodwind/recorder solo open: 1) Lydia Wyatt 2) Freya Smith 3) Samantha Kay.

String solo school year 6 and under: 1) Angela Wang 2) Eve Forshaw 3) Ainslee Farrar.

String solo school year 9 and under: 1) Angela Wang 2) Tanvi Ramesh 3) Bethan Doorduyn and Edwin Farrar.