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In the Final, which took place in May 2010 in front of a captivated audience at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, 16 year old pianist Lara gave a thrilling performance of the Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 and was announced winner of Â鶹Éç Young Musician 2010.

"When the announcement was made that I'd won, I don't think that I've ever been as happy or overwhelmed in my life. I felt so stunned and was completely lost for words. I'd followed Â鶹Éç Young Musician over the years, however my entry was a very last-minute decision. My teacher and I discussed my entering just the day before the deadline, and I barely got the form in on time. A warning to all participants: get your entries in early!

"Since I started playing the piano, there was no alternative career in my mind. When I was only four, I was playing 'twinkle twinkle' on our keyboard to my family and am told they were amazed because I hadn't started piano lessons yet. I've always loved performing and wanted to be a musician.

"Taking part in such a prestigious event has already given me several exhilarating performing opportunities all over the UK and beyond, from performing with the Borusan Philharmonic Orchestra, Istanbul to Antalya Piano Festival, Turkey and a performance in Japan in 2012," said Lara, who feels that her 2010 win has given her musical career an early boost.

What's your most treasured possession?

My Â鶹Éç Young Musician trophy.

Which person do you most admire and why?

My mother, because she is such a kind and dedicated person and without her continuous support, I would not be here today.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

I tripped over my concert dress when bowing after a performance!