The Davison Young Musician Awards were established just after the pandemic in the University City of Cambridge. 

Its vision was and remains to provide funds to support a broad range of young musical talent who may not otherwise have the financial means they need, to develop their musical talent.  Since March 2021 we have identified and assisted over a dozen young and very talented musicians.

In 2025 the Foundation will be entering its 4th year of supporting young musicians and will continue to provide opportunity to those who may have limited access to financial resources  and help them to showcase their musical talent. 

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

Who we are.

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.

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 panel judge with the DYMF award programs. He participated in  the DYMF 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 and pianist. 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.  He worked closely with Tom Davison to promote the DYMF Awards and and create concerts that supported the DYMF mission. After a short sabbatical, Felix will pursue his conducting career, whilst continuing as a Board Member and guest adjudicator for future DYMF Awards. 

Christina Bass

Is the first 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. Christina also supported one of the DYMF 2024 Bursaries.