Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 13 hours ago
Thomas Sewell won second prize with composition ‘Caged Bird’, in the Songwriting category for Guildhall Young Artists competition, 'RELEASE'.
Thomas, Age 17 says: “My submission "Caged Bird" is based on the text of the poem of the same title by Maya Angelou, set to music for soprano and piano accompaniment. I chose the poem as my source because of its cultural relevance, distinct sections and rhyming scheme, and it was an enlightening process to write. The poem describes two birds, one living in privilege and freedom while the other is caged and left to only sing and dream of the life the former is living. I tried to emulate these feelings in the music's structure and mood, by creating two different sections within the piece."
In March 2021, all 1,600 students who access a Saturday music school across the Guildhall Young Artists network, including Junior Guildhall and the Centre for Young Musicians, were invited to submit a composition to four categories: Songwriting, Digital Media, Music to Picture and Concert Music. As well as cash prizes for the top 3 compositions in each category, participants could also win other prizes including an online masterclass with an industry leading artist.
Thomas Sewell won second prize with composition ‘Caged Bird’, in the Songwriting category for Guildhall Young Artists competition, 'RELEASE'.
Thomas, Age 17 says: “My submission "Caged Bird" is based on the text of the poem of the same title by Maya Angelou, set to music for soprano and piano accompaniment. I chose the poem as my source because of its cultural relevance, distinct sections and rhyming scheme, and it was an enlightening process to write. The poem describes two birds, one living in privilege and freedom while the other is caged and left to only sing and dream of the life the former is living. I tried to emulate these feelings in the music's structure and mood, by creating two different sections within the piece."
In March 2021, all 1,600 students who access a Saturday music school across the Guildhall Young Artists network, including Junior Guildhall and the Centre for Young Musicians, were invited to submit a composition to four categories: Songwriting, Digital Media, Music to Picture and Concert Music. As well as cash prizes for the top 3 compositions in each category, participants could also win other prizes including an online masterclass with an industry leading artist.
