The Marlowe in Search of Young Musician of the Year

String, brass, woodwind or piano players aged 18 or under at the time of the auditions, which are to be held at the theatre on Sunday 9 November, and who have reached Grade 8 standard or higher, can apply by Friday 24 October.

The final of the competition, now in its 24th year, will be held at The Marlowe Theatre on Tuesday 3 February. The musicians will be accompanied by the Kent Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Perkins. He said: "This is the premiere competition for young musicians who study or have a family connection with the county of Kent. It is a major stepping-stone for the winner and a positive experience for all who take part.

"Former winners have gone on to be principals with London orchestras and leading soloists. Trumpeter Matilda Lloyd, who won in 2013, was named the 2014 BBC Young Musician Of The Year, and the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Player Of The Year, the first trumpeter to do so.

The winner will receive the Kent Messenger trophy and a three-hour recording session at the New Eden Studio. All finalists are awarded a prize, donated by sponsors.

For more details and to find out how to enter the competition, go to marlowetheatre.com.

Matilda (pictured) will be making a guest appearance at the final, joining the KCO for a performance of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto.