Winchester Awards Jane Austen Prize

As part of our expanded remit to support the performing arts, The Arts Society Winchester has created The Jane Austen Young Arts Prize for Original Composition demonstrating commitment to youth and culture in Winchester in the face of many larger organisations who do not.

Inspired by passages from Jane Austen, young aspiring local composers were assessed by a panel of judges and the winners were announced at The Jane Austen Tea Party held in the Paul Woodhouse Suite on 15th July.

First Prize was awarded to “A Savage’s Dance” created by Lavender Rodrigues who received a certificate and a cheque for £150. The Runner-Up was Henri Darlison who received a certificate and a cheque for £50 for his composition “A Very Innocent Diversion”.

The judging panel comprised of Carl Clausen, Director of the Hampshire Youth Orchestra, Helen Walton, Assistant Head Hampshire Music Service, and Kevin Rogers Music, Inspector Hampshire Music Service.

The event was the brainchild of Pam Meir, Young Arts Secretary, The Arts Society Winchester, and an Arts Society member, Pat Davies. Charles Harris, Chairman, presided over the event.