Teen is runner up in Emunah Young Musician of the Year (From Watford Observer)

Rafi Kelion from Northwood is runner up in Emunah Young Musician of the Year contest

11:20am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Frazer Ansell

Joint runners up Rafi Kelion and Annabel Lawrence, pictured with judges Malcolm Singer, Director of Music at the Yehudi Menuhin School, and opera singer Teresa Cahill. Photo: John Rifkin

Fifteen-year-old flautist Rafi Kelion from Northwood was almost "speechless" on hearing he was a runner-up in the national Emunah Young Musician of the Year 2013 contest.

Playing two movements from John Rutter’s Suite Antique, he impressed the judges with his "fine musical performance, articulation and shaping of phrases".

This was the first time that Rafi, a pupil at Merchant Taylors’ School had entered the competition, run by the charity Emunah. He is also a member of Harrow Young Musicians and has toured Venice with them.

Rafi said: "The concert was a lot of fun and I’m pleased to have been chosen. I’ve been learning flute since I was six-years-old and I practise every night.

I have weekly lessons during term-time and I’m hoping to achieve Grade 8 (flute) then progress to a performance diploma."

As well as the flute, he plays the piano, piccolo and alto saxophone and outside of his musical activities he enjoys drama and sport.

Rafi was joint runner-up with 15-year-old bassoon player Annabel Lawrence from Leeds.