The Haslemere International String Competition (HISC) is now established as a leading feeder competition to the prestigious BBC Young Musician of the year.

Whilst the name might sound a bit grand, it is truly international and two of the last 12 young musicians in the BBC competition were finalists in the 2023 Haslemere event, in the shape of cellist Hugo Svedberg and Double Bassist Will Duerden from the 2019 competition as well as Haslemere finalist violist Jaren Ziegler from the 2021 competition.

The HISC is a testament to the dedication of Ishani Bhoola, herself a professional violinis, backed by the board of Trustees of the HISC parent The Waverley Ensemble.

Originally aimed at students living in the counties around London, it has since expanded greatly, and now draws talented youth from across the South and West of the UK.  Open to young string players aged between 11-22.  First prize £1500 and a Concerto appearance with the London Mozart Players.

The Waverley Ensemble, who performs concerts during the year to raise money to allow youth outreach work, encouraging and supporting young musicians in their fledgling careers.

Events take place in Haslemere, France (the Issigeac International Mmusic Academy where Ishani is the artistic director) and most recently in South Africa where the Waverley Ensemble with the project International Youth Orchestra Bridges. This is a collaboration of 10 young musicians from the UK, 2 of which live in Haslemere, joined by 55 young musicians from the West Coast Youth Orchestra and the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra. They were also join by a young musician from the USA and Australia and together they gave 6 concerts around the Western Cape.

The 2026 UK and French tour would be another international collaboration.

Entrants for the HISC are being invited now, https://www.waverleyensemble.com/haslemere-string-competition