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Finn, 24, won the title after performing the first movement of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Bloxham. The final brought together three exceptional young performers, with Finn appearing alongside pianist Anastasia-Maria Barbu and oboist Alasdair Cottee.

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Born into an Irish family and raised in Scotland, Finn began playing both the cello and the bagpipes at the age of seven. He is currently completing a Master’s in Music Performance at the Basel Academy of Music in Switzerland and is already building an impressive international profile as a soloist and chamber musician.

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Finn took part in a Maiastra residential course in April 2024, directed by Maiastra Trustee and Course Director Arisa Fujita. The course culminated in three concerts in Brentford, Farnham, and Cobham, with a programme of string quartets by Haydn, Shostakovich, Webern, and Beethoven.

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Finn’s success is a wonderful reminder of the calibre of young musicians who join Maiastra’s courses and of the importance of creating opportunities for emerging artists to develop their chamber music skills alongside experienced performers and mentors.

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Speaking after his win, Finn said he was “so happy and honoured” to receive the award, describing the opportunity to perform with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Jonathan Bloxham as “incredible.”

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Everyone at Maiastra sends warm congratulations to Finn on this outstanding achievement, and we look forward to following the next stages of his musical journey.