Sixteen year old Park House English School student Tricia has won the best bowed string award at the Young Musicians of the Gulf 2021 - a Pan-Gulf music competition for young singers and instrumentalists. Hosted by St Christopher's School in Bahrain since 1998, the Young Musicians of the Gulf is an annual celebration of young musical talent in the Gulf and is considered one of the most prestigious and high-profile competitions in the region. The competition welcomes all talented musicians from British schools in the Gulf region. This year, due to COVID-19, the competition was done through virtual performances, showcasing only solo musicians.

“Hypnotic”, “beautifully atmospheric” and “a joy to listen to” are just some of the compliments given to violinist Tricia, for her performances. Tricia earned the words of praise from the official adjudicators of the Young Musicians of the Gulf competition. Tricia is the first pupil from Park House English School to reach the finals of the competition. Tricia was one of eight finalists, and this was her first-time participating in the competition.  

“The Young Musicians of the Gulf Competition offers a unique opportunity in the region to compete against my peers. It feels good – I was really shocked because all the competitors were really good and the standard was very high,” said Tricia about the competition.  

“We are really, really proud,” says her dad, Dr. Thye-peng Ng. “She works really hard. The contest was judged virtually by guest musicians from the UK:  David Campbell, Emily Dickens, and Steven Wray. Tricia won three rounds, performing a variety of pieces, including Paganini and Tchaikovsky. She rates the Russian master as her favourite composer,” he said. 

Gabriela Nunez, Head of Music at Park House English School, credits Tricia’s excellence to her hours of practice. 

Gabriela said: “Tricia´s violin performances are always impressive. Her sound is beautifully round and her articulations are always expressive and mature. She plays with great energy and tenderness at the same time. Tricia is one of the most responsible, flexible, diligent and easy-going students I have ever taught. She is always ready to perform at every school event and she does it with a smile on her face each time. I wish Tricia every success, as a future young international musician and it has been a pleasure to have her in the music department at Park House English School"

Park House English School, part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global group of schools, is one of the oldest and most recognized British Schools in Doha. The school caters to students from Nursery to Year 13. Park House is a member of CIS and BSO organisations. The school is also a member of the British Schools of the Middle East grouping and regularly competes in a range of inter-school and GCC tournaments.