A talented teenager has beaten hundreds of other young musicians in a competition to compose a fanfare to be played at the Royal Opera House.

Sam Hall, 16, was one of only 10 pupils to win in the Fanfare competition, which attracted 275 entries from across the UK.

The challenge was to create a 30-second composition with the winners being played front of house at the opera house from May.

The musical snippets, which will be recorded by the ROH's orchestra, will replace the hand-rung bell that signals the time for the audiences to take their seats.

Sam's Royal Opera House fanfare

Sam, of Iris Close, Walderslade, a pupil at King's, Rochester, said: "I was practising when I got the call from my mum telling me I had won. I couldn't believe it. To work with such an incredible orchestra on my own piece will just be amazing."

The entries for the Fanfare competition were judged by a panel including Antonio Pappano, music director of The Royal Opera and Barry Wordsworth, music director of The Royal Ballet.

Along with the other finalists, Sam will take part in workshops with composer Duncan Chapman and attend the recording of the fanfares next month.

They will also be invited to attend a performance at the Royal Opera House to hear the premiere of their fanfares and will be credited in the performance programme.

Now in its second year, the online Fanfare competition, for youngsters aged 11-16, is designed to nurture musical talent and encourages a fun and creative approach to music-making.

For more information on the Royal Opera House log on to