ORGANISERS of a successful annual music competition which aims to uncover the wealth of growing talent in West Suffolk have unveiled plans for next year’s event.

And yesterday they announed they have secured a major venue in Bury St Edmunds to stage the final.

This year’s contest led to a thrilling finalists’ concert at the town’s Theatre Royal, in July, where the audience was treated to an evening of music from the young competitors plus a performance by the competition’s patron, Dominic Seldis, principal double bass of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, who comes from Bury.

The winner of the 2011 West Suffolk Young Musician was saxophonist Harry Greene who has gone on to become an Aldeburgh Young Musician and is already making a name for himself.

Now organisers have announced that the 2012 Finalists’ Concert will be held at the Apex.

“We are very excited about holding the final in such a fantastic venue,” said Rosy Payne, WSYM secretary.

“Bury St Edmunds is so lucky to have a venue that is perfect for music and we think that our young musicians should have the chance to showcase their musical talents in this marvellous acoustic.”

The competition has secured a second year of sponsorship from the Bury St Edmunds branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts as well as increased funding from the Music Sales Group. It has also received donations from Waitrose through the Community Matters scheme.

Suffolk Sinfonia, which members of the organising committee are closely involved as practising musicians, is also a major supporter, as is G Signs and Design.

Balaam’s Music donates a prize for the competition winner. A membership scheme means that for a minimum donation of �5 anyone can become a member of WSYM and receive regular updates via a newsletter as well as priority booking for the finalists concert.

Organisers are hoping for a record number of entries this year. They are invited from young musicians who sing, or play piano or a string, woodwind or brass instrument. Heats take place in February and the Finalists’ Concert features all the winners of the heats.

Youngsters can enter at one of three levels. The winners at level one provide a showcase performance in July while the winners of the other two levels are in the running for West Suffolk Young Musician. The closing date for entries is Monday, November 28. Entry forms can be obtained from school music teachers, Balaam’s Music, Risbygate Street, or are downloadable from the website, www.wsym.org.uk