Jake Bartlett wins The NYBBGB’s prestigious Harry Mortimer Award 2026
Jake Bartlett has been named the winner of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain’s prestigious Harry Mortimer Award 2026 following an exceptional final held during the Youth Band’s summer course at Taunton School.
The annual competition represents the culmination of The NYBBGB’s long-standing tradition of celebrating outstanding individual musical achievement. After qualifying through the Katie Ogden Solo Competition during the Band’s Easter course earlier this year, seven exceptional finalists performed before the full Youth Band and adjudicators Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts (Course Guest Conductor) and Tommy Tynan (Course Assistant Conductor).
The finalists were Nayan (cornet), Mae (tenor horn), Matthew (euphonium), Nicky (trombone), Jake (Eb bass), Alec (percussion) and Cerys (voice – non-brass section). Each delivered a performance of remarkable musicality, technical brilliance and artistry, accompanied by Martyn Parkes, whose outstanding pianistic support has become a valued part of the competition.
Following the performances, the judges praised the exceptional standard across the competition.
Lt Col Lauren Petritz-Watts said: “The quality of musicianship we heard today was truly outstanding. Every finalist demonstrated an incredible level of preparation, musical maturity and commitment, making this a very difficult competition to judge. The future of brass music is in very safe hands.”
Tommy Tynan added: “Having been a member of The NYBBGB myself, I know what it means to perform in this competition. Every finalist should be immensely proud of what they achieved today. The standard was exceptional and it was inspiring to hear so many outstanding young musicians performing with such confidence and artistry.”
Jake impressed the judges with a commanding performance of Philip Sparke’s Tuba Concerto, earning him the Harry Mortimer Award 2026. As part of his prize, Jake will return next summer as Guest Soloist with The NYBBGB Children’s Band during the 2027 summer course and concert, providing a wonderful platform to showcase his musicianship to audiences and inspire the next generation of young brass players.
The Harry Mortimer Award is one of several honours presented by The NYBBGB to recognise excellence across the organisation, celebrating musical achievement, leadership, service and personal development. Alongside the Katie Ogden Solo Competition, it represents the highest level of individual musical excellence within the Band and has become one of the most sought-after accolades for young brass musicians.
The NYBBGB extends its sincere congratulations to Jake and to all finalists for performances of the highest calibre. The Band also thanks Denis Wick Products for its generous sponsorship of both the Katie Ogden Solo Competition and the Harry Mortimer Award, supporting these prestigious competitions for the next three years and helping to nurture the future of brass banding.
