Congratulations to BMus fourth-year student Nicole Micheli who has won the annual Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Saxophone Prize. The final was held on 21 February in the Conservatoire’s Recital Hall adjudicated by Mark O’Brien from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Congratulations also to the other finalists Dominic Cotta, Paynor Tsate and Emily Plumb.

This year’s prize was given in memory of Peter Beaumont, most recently shop manager at Windblowers Nottingham and former single-reed department manager at Howarth of London, who suddenly passed away last year.

The Beaumont family commented: "Pete would have been both amazed and delighted that you are honouring his memory by holding the Saxophone Prize in his name. Many people have commented on his warmth and willingness to go the extra mile; which he did so naturally, that he may well have underestimated just how much it meant. The outpouring of affection for him, since his untimely passing, is indeed a great testament to him. My family and I are immensely grateful for this lovely tribute to Pete. It is a real privilege. We are sorry that we can’t be with you tonight, but hope that you have a wonderful evening."