Saturday evening, 3rd April 2010, witnessed another superb 'concert' at The Conrad Bangkok Hotel’s Ballroom, where five finalists were competing for The Royal Trophy given by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and recognition as the Royal Overseas League Thailand's Young Musician of the Year 2010.

 Preceded by a magnificent Reception for the finalists, VIPs and other guests, most generously hosted by The Conrad Bangkok Hotel, the competition commenced at 7:30 pm and lasted for over one hour, with each finalist playing two pieces on their chosen instrument.  The judging panel, headed by Mr. Chris Craker (former GM and SVP of Sony BMG Masterworks), had the unenviable task of selecting a winner from the two pianists, two violinists and one guitar player.  These young men and women ranged in age from 18 to as young as 14, from students at the Mahidol University College of Music to pupils at Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok.  Unsurprisingly, all five performances were superb and would not have been out of place in any concert hall, the musicians displaying a poise and professional maturity which belied their young ages.  Inevitably, there had to be one winner and the judges were unanimous in awarding the Winner's Prize to Miss Nicha Stapanukul, a young pianist of only 15 years of age, from Concordian International School at BangNa.  Nicha had entered the competition in 2008 and had not reached the semi-final then but has made a triumphant return this year to receive the King's Trophy, graciously given by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.   In addition to this prestigious Trophy, Nicha has received a cheque for 100,000 Baht and two return air-tickets to London, where later in the year she will perform a concert in July 2010 at the Princess Alexandra Hall including cultural visits and consultation lessons with prominent UK teachers, followed by a week at Dartington International Summer School.  She will stay at the Overseas House, the headquarters of The Royal Overseas League.