Named for long-time friend and benefactor Derek Ogston, the Ogston Prize is the University of Aberdeen's annual music performance prize.
After a competitive first round held in March, the finals were held at King's Pavilion on Wednesday 23 April. Six talented finalists showcased a range of genres and instruments: jazz guitarist Matthew Reilly, jazz vocalist Mariia Sysa, operatic tenor Michael Muoneke, pianist Nathan Griffins, bagpiper Annabel Charlton, and classical baritone Zak McCullough. Also performing was last year's winner, classical soprano Eve Begg (accompanied by Rory Anderson).
The judging panel were Head of School Prof Chris Collins, Lecturer in Performance Dr Aaron McGregor, and our external judge, jazz violinist, vocalist, and broadcaster Seonaid Aitken, who also opened the show, accompanied by our very own Visiting Tutor in Jazz Piano, Neil Birse.
Congratulations to Zak on a very well-deserved win!