The search for the next Emunah Young Musician of the Year is being extended to the regions.

Grammar School at Leeds musicians Hadassah Litvin (oboe), Hannah Silberstein (flute), Sam Myerson (cello) and Rebecca Saffer (piano) helped to launch the 2013 competition, for which there will be heats at Leeds College of Music on 10 February, a week after the London preliminaries at the Royal Academy of Music.

The age range has also been widened to attract solo musicians and singers aged between eight and 18.
Entrants must have achieved grade four or above in their chosen contest category.

The finals and showcase concert will be held in March at the Royal College of Music before a judging panel of Yehudi Menuhin School director of music Malcolm Singer, opera singer Teresa Cahill, concert pianist Norma Fisher and JC editor Stephen Pollard.

Proceeds from the competition will support the Lord and Lady Sacks music therapy programme at Emunah projects in Israel.