Sisters at JFS and an Israeli-born pianist are among the 20 finalists in the Emunah Young Musician and Singer of the Year contests, which will be held at London’s Royal Academy of Music on March 1.

Opera-loving Ruby Jacobs, 17, is the one contestant who will feature in both categories of the JC-sponsored event, which attracted a combined entry of 70. “It is quite an achievement to reach both finals,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting it and I am quite chuffed.” Her sister, 15-year-old Amber Lily, made it through to the singing finals.

Proud mum Sam Jacobs said the girls “are always singing around the house. They are best friends and if one was to win, the other would be delighted.” Amber Lily added: “We love to sing and the important thing is that it is for charity” — the competition funds music therapy at Emunah projects for “at risk” children in Israel.

The Israeli pianist is Naomi Baslov, 12, whose family now live in Birmingham. She has been playing since the age of four and is a veteran of numerous recitals and contests. Violinist Aviva Sharp, 11 — whose siblings Amos and Anoushka are past winners — has also qualified for the young musician final. So too have pianists Zach Brandman, 12; Leora Cohen, 16 (who will also play violin); Joshua Daniel, 16 and Alessandro D’Orazzio, 11.
Completing the line-up are Poppy McGhee, 10 (violin and recorder); Hadassah Litvin, 18 (oboe) and Yonni Levy, 17 (solo voice).

The singing finalists also include Lucy Johnson, 16 and Millie Land, 14, who have performed with the Jacobs sisters in JFS productions. Also appearing will be nine-year-old Isabella Grant and Sydney Vos, 10, who attend Clore Shalom; Natasha Fisch and Brady Isaacs Pearce, both 14, from Immanuel College and JCoSS pupil Abi Wander, 14. The other finalists are Birmingham University student Natalie Sternberg, 18, and Lucy Sherman, nine, from the Brodetsky Primary in Leeds.

Visit www.emunah.org.uk for ticket information