An 18-year-old violinist takes the crown: Sofia Demetriades wins BBC Young Musician 2026

She played Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in the final at Bristol Beacon — on a competition journey that began with a quarter-final on her eighteenth birthday. Sofia Demetriades, a student at the Royal Academy of Music, has been crowned BBC Young Musician 2026, the national showcase that has launched classical stars of the future, including Academy alumni Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Alexandra Ridout. The final was judged by pianist Joanna MacGregor, conductor Ben Gernon and composer Errollyn Wallen. 'I am so honoured and thrilled,' Sofia said. 'I loved playing in the quarter-final on my eighteenth birthday. I didn't think I could top that, but to go on to be crowned winner is my absolute dream!'