Teen Musician Alma Nunez Debretzeni Champions the Recorder After BBC Success

 Teen Musician Alma Nunez Debretzeni Proud to Champion the Recorder After BBC Young Musician Success

A 17-year-old musician has spoken about her passion for the recorder after finishing as runner-up in the BBC Young Musician 2026 competition.

Alma Nunez Debretzeni, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, said she was proud to represent the instrument and challenge the common belief that the recorder is only suitable for beginners or primary school pupils.

The teenager was among three finalists in the competition, which took place on Sunday. She performed Graham Fitkin's Recorder Concerto in the final, but the top prize went to 18-year-old violinist Sofia Demetriades.

Challenging the Recorder's Reputation

Debretzeni said many people underestimate what the recorder can achieve as a musical instrument.

She explained that some people are surprised when they hear her performances because they associate the recorder mainly with music lessons for young children.

However, she wants to demonstrate its musical range and show audiences that it can produce powerful and emotional performances.

For the young musician, the recorder is more than just an instrument. She described playing it as something natural, comparing it to having a second voice through which she can express her emotions.

Competition Experience Changed Her Plans

The Year 12 student, who attends Parmiter's School near Watford, said the competition gave her a new perspective on her future.

Before taking part, she had considered studying psychology and becoming a psychotherapist. She was also studying psychology, music and English at A-level.

However, the experience of competing at a national level has inspired her to consider pursuing music professionally.

She said the competition helped her realise that music was what she wanted to focus on most.

Her classmates also supported her throughout the experience, watching her performance on television and warmly welcoming her back to school on Monday.

A Passion for More Than One Instrument

Although the recorder remains her main passion, Debretzeni also plays the cello and sings.

She said she hopes to continue introducing audiences to the recorder's versatility and encouraging more people to appreciate its possibilities.

Her achievement as runner-up in the BBC Young Musician 2026 competition has helped bring attention to an instrument that is often overlooked in classical music.

Although she did not win the overall title, her performance and determination have made her a strong ambassador for the recorder and an inspiration to other young musicians.

Source:

BBC News: https://bbc.in/4z37WEa