In memory of the late Walter Todds, founder of BBC Young Musician of the Year, a total bursary of £1,000 will be allocated at the discretion of the BBC to the performer or performers who do not reach the Final but who show great promise.

The 2006 winner is cellist Sarah Oliver.



Sarah remembers hearing music as a child and really wanting to play herself, so began learning piano, but when she heard Natalie Clein win the 1994 Young Musician of the Year, she decided the cello was for her. She began studying cello in 1995 at Surrey Youth Music in Leatherhead with Peter Rayner, and in 1998 became a pupil at the Purcell School. Sarah is now in her final year studying for her A-levels and hopes to go on to music college when she leaves. She plays in the Purcell School Symphony Orchestra as well as in many chamber groups and would love to have a career as a professional musician working as a soloist and chamber musician. She has also greatly enjoyed the outreach and education work that she has done with the school and is keen to pursue this as part of her career. Sarah is currently learning to drive – which she loves – and also enjoys watersports, art, shopping, TV and films.