Brentwood School is delighted to announce that Sofia Stiucă, an exceptional 15-year-old virtuoso violinist from Moldova, has been awarded the Grand Prize at the 2nd Brentwood International Music Competition. Following an outstanding performance at the Grand Final in February, Sofia will join Brentwood School this September on a fully-funded place valued at up to £60,000 per year.
The Grand Final, held in the school’s historic Memorial Hall, showcased a remarkable evening of music-making from five highly talented young musicians representing London, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Moldova.
The finalists performed before a distinguished panel of world-renowned adjudicators and notable music industry professionals. Highlighting the global nature of the event, the audience included the Moldovan Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Ruslan Bolbocean, who was delighted to see his young compatriot claim the top prize.
Reflecting on her achievement, Sofia said:
“I am very proud and grateful to be the Grand Prize winner of the Brentwood International Music Competition and for the many opportunities it offers, opening doors for young musicians.”
As the Grand Prize Winner, Sofia will be enrolled in Brentwood’s innovative Specialist Music Programme (SMP). This unique pathway will allow her to receive elite, specialist musical training while remaining fully immersed in the school’s broader academic and co-curricular community, utilising world-class facilities as an official All-Steinway School.
The Chairman of the Competition, Lord Black of Brentwood (Chair of the Board of Governors at Brentwood School and of the Royal College of Music), praised the high standard of this year’s cohort:
“The musicality on display this evening demonstrates that this competition has become a true benchmark for young international talent. Sofia’s performance was deeply impressive, and we look forward to welcoming her to the Brentwood family, where specialist discipline and holistic education go hand in hand.”
The competition reflects Brentwood School’s ambition to be a leading centre for musical education in the independent sector. Central to the school’s philosophy is the belief that elite musical excellence should co-exist with a supportive, inclusive environment, ensuring that high-level training is accessible to all talented young people, regardless of their background.
For young musicians seeking a similar pathway, applications for the 3rd annual Brentwood International Music Competition will officially open this September.
Aimed at classical musicians aged 13 to 17 from across the globe, the competition offers truly transformational opportunities. The top prize includes means-tested funding up to 100% (£60,000 per year), alongside masterclasses and performance awards designed to help young musicians build sustainable futures in the profession.
Sofia follows in the footsteps of the inaugural winner, Kate (Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama), alongside international finalists Gabriela (Bolivia) and Revin (UK), all of whom are currently thriving and performing widely within the school’s premier ensembles.
Details on how to enter the online preliminary stage for the next competition cycle will be published on the Brentwood School website this September.
Categories: Brentwood School
