We were proud to host the Merton Local heat final of the 2025/26 Rotary Young Musician competition at St. Matthew’s church recently alongside the Merton Rotary Club, with support from Faith in Action.

The event was honoured by a visit from the Mayor of Merton, Martin Whelton, and two highly esteemed judges, MMF’s TEMPO Ambassador Prof. Robert Mitchell and Tina Jacobs-Lim from The London String Group.

The concert was full of young Merton Musicians all of an incredibly high standard, with a broad spectrum of music from Beethoven to Amy Winehouse. The deliberation process was very difficult for our judges, with only a single point separating the 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed performers. Huge congratulations to all those that took part and their friends and families that came to support.

The winner of the instrument category was Hasan T, a member of our Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra.

The winner of the vocal category was Amani P.

Special mention to the overall runner-up Jan J, also a member of MYJO.

Best of luck to our winners as they progress to the district heat of the national competition!

Thanks to all our young performers, to Angeles Walford from Morden Rotary, Alastair Newman from St Matthew’s church, Faith in Action and the Mayor of Merton for being part of such an auspicious event.