Young Musician of the Year wins place at Guildhall

An award-winning young musician from Alderman Peel has had her talents recognised once more, with the offer of a place at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Iryna Oliinyk, who is a Year 11 student at Alderman Peel High School in Wells-next-the-Sea, previously showcased her piano skills in the Rotary Young Musician of the Year 2025, where she came first in the Regional Final.

Now the 16-year-old, who moved to Norfolk from Ukraine just four years ago, has secured a sought-after place on Guildhall’s Junior Programme, where she will be able to further hone her musical abilities.

“Just before Easter, Iryna attended an audition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she performed two contrasting piano works: ‘Elegy’ by Sergei Rachmaninoff and ‘Arabesque No.1’ by Claude Debussy,” explained Benjamin Howell, Lead Teacher of Peripatetic Music at Alderman Peel.

“Following this, she received confirmation that she had been awarded a place on the Junior Programme, commencing in September 2026.

“This is a year-on-year programme, providing Iryna with specialist tuition from highly regarded teachers, alongside opportunities to perform and further develop her musicianship and technical ability.”

“I was incredibly happy and excited when I found out about getting into Guildhall’s Junior Academy, because it has always been my dream to study there, so it felt unreal that it come true,” said Iryna.

“I’m also really grateful to Alderman Peel High School for the encouragement and opportunities that helped me get there.”

Currently preparing for her GCSEs, Iryna joined Alderman Peel in 2022, and the school has provided continuous support for her musical career.

“At present, the financial commitment is significant,” continued Mr Howell. “Tuition fees are approximately £4,400 per year, with additional travel costs from King’s Lynn to London King’s Cross estimated at around £1,200 annually.

“In response, we as a school have been actively supporting Iryna and her family with fundraising efforts, which began prior to her audition in anticipation of such an opportunity. This has included applications to grant applications, as well as the creation of a GoFundMe page.”

“The school has been extremely supportive throughout her journey, providing valuable performance opportunities and ongoing encouragement,” he added.

“Iryna’s journey is particularly meaningful. Since arriving in the UK from Ukraine, she has consistently used music as a powerful form of expression, and this opportunity represents an important step in her personal and musical development.”

To support Iryna, go to: Donate to Help Iryna Study at Guildhall School of Music, organized by Iryna Oliinyk