The Davison Young Musician Awards were established following post pandemic, to provide funds to support a broad range of young musical talent who may not otherwise have access to, or the financial means they needed  to develop their musical talent.  Since March 2021 we have identified and assisted many young, very talented musicians, who have gone on to achieve significant musical aplomb.

In its 5th year, the Foundation continues to support young musicians and will  provide opportunity to those who may have limited resources, and help them to showcase their musical talent. 

We continue to develop our  collaborations with New College Oxford and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and Budapest University Music faculty.

The DYMF Team

Tom Davison

Tom is the Founder of the DYMA and the DYMF.  He studied classical music, trumpet and choral.  At 16 he was the first winner of the Ruth Dyson Musicians Award. Tom achieved ABRSM Grade 8 distinction and continued to study music performance at Roehampton College and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.  He went on to be a session musician for Strawberry and DJM Music Studios.  Tom emigrated to Australia in 2001. While running a business, he played in the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra for two years. In 2014 he returned to the UK working in Government. In 2023 he stepped out of the world of Government and now dedicates his time to the DYMF Awards.

Tamas Palfalvi

Is Professor of trumpet and brass at the Franz Liszt Music Academy Budapest. He is a prolific virtuoso trumpet player, professional recording artist and a member of the brass quintet “In Medias Brass.” Tamas works with Tom Davison on audition award programs for the Lizst Academy Series in Budapest and the first Hungarian National University competition for music students. Tamas is a Board Member and academic panel judge for the DYMF.

Cristian de Sa

Named a ‘Young Classical Star’ by Classic FM, the British violinist, Cristian de Sá, embarked on his career aged 24 with his European recital debut at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and concerto debut with the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon, and has since been invited to perform in many of Europe’s prestigious halls. He has played chamber music alongside Renaud Capuçon, Maxim Vengerov and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, France Musique, RTP Portugal, Scala Radio and contributes to The Strad Magazine and BBC Radio 4.
Cristian was a student of Maurice Hasson, Tasmin Little and Pierre Amoyal at the Royal Academy of Music & Mozarteum University. 

Kathy Bailey

Has known the Founder for several decades, professionally and personally. Kathy is a busy musician in her own right and a qualified teacher. Kathy sang with the BBC Symphony Chorus under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis, and Sir John Pritchard. She currently plays in the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Phillip Butcher. Kathy is a Music Graduate of the LCM and holds instrumental diplomas and a PGCE.

Edward Lloyd

Is a concert pianist. He studied at Chethams School of Music and continued his piano studies at the Royal Northern College of Music funded by the Alison Copley Scholarship. Edward had two  Masterclasses with Sir Stephen Hough.  Edward went on to perform his first piano concerto debut with the Oxford Festival Orchestra. (Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no 1.) Edward has performed at Bridgewater Hall,  Steinway Hall London, the Stoller Hall and at the Boyne Music Festival in Ireland.  Edwards competition achievements include the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Competition, the Birmingham International, EPTA UK Competitions and he won first prize in the Dorothy Richardson Piano Competition. Edward plays recitals across the UK,  sharing an intimate and extraordinary understanding of piano music. Edward has since become a supporting artist and associate of the DYMF award programs. He participated in  the  International Music Competitions in Budapest as a panel judge and competition administrator.

Garth White

Studied performing arts and loves music of all genres. Garth  represents Charles Tyrwhitt who was a key sponsor of the DYMF inaugural concerts at Ely cathedral in 2021. Garth is the  Secretary of the DYMF and awards manager. 

Felix Kirkby

Is an Oxford Graduate, Organ Scholar, pianist and conductor. He won both the Gibbs and Ellerton Prizes at Oxford.  He was the President and Conductor of the Oxford Festival Orchestra.  Felix was a DYMF Award Winner for Best Concert Performance in 2021 then went on to work closely with the Founder to promote and develop the DYMF Awards and create concerts which supported the DYMF mission.  Felix will now continues his conducting ambitions, whilst continuing as a Board Member and guest adjudicator for future DYMF Awards. 

Christina Bass

DYMF Award Benefactor. Christina first observed the work of the DYMF through its collaboration with the OFO and the Liszt Academy, developing relationships with those who share our philosophy and mission to support young musicians with the cost of their studies. Christina has supported one of three national competitions in Hungary as part of the Foundations international award program.