A young musician was honoured as the final recipient of the James Lawford Davies Shield for String Playing at a concert in St. Mary’s Church, Tenby.

Naomi Hunt had been invited to perform as guest violin soloist at a concert held by the Tenby Male Choir and was presented with the award following a fantastic performance of the Polonaise Brillante by Henri Wieniawski. Naomi, who is currently studying at Exeter University, returned home for the performance and the surprise presentation. A former pupil of the late Richard Tiller, Naomi has won several other accolades as a violinist including winning the open string section of the Valero music festival.

The presentation was introduced by Dr. John Harrison director of music at St. Mary’s, Tenby, who has also been the honorary president of the Tenby Area Schools Orchestral Society for many years. The presentation of the shield was made to Naomi by Richard Tiller’s daughter Anna and son Jonathan. Anna also accompanied Naomi, along with Miranda Rees during the concert.

Dr. Harrison commented it was an emotional evening for all.

“A short time prior to his death, I had a telephone conversation with Richard in which he informed me who he intended the final recipient of the shield to be. This evening we were able to fulfil his wishes.”

The shield was initiated by Richard Tiller on behalf of former pupil, James Lawford Davies who felt he had gained so much from music in the area that he requested an award be set-up in his name. First awarded to Rebecca Whitehurst in 1985, who is now a successful string teacher in the area, the shield has been presented to many outstanding string players over the years many of whom have gone on to have highly successful careers as professional musicians.

The shield will remain with Naomi as the final recipient for the coming year before being placed on display at St. Mary’s Church. The combination of stirring male voice choir music and superb string playing made for a very enjoyable and memorable evening for all those who attended.

Speaking after the concert, Anna commented: “It was a fantastic evening with such a high standard of music enjoyed by the audience and performers alike. Dad would have been thrilled that the final place on the shield was awarded to Naomi as he had wished. Our thanks go to John Harrison and all the members of the choir for helping to make this such a wonderful evening.”