A Brentford student who founded his own orchestra as a teenager has achieved international acclaim for pieces that he wrote while at university last year.

London College of Music(LCM) student Blazej Mokrzak, who set up a chamber orchestra at the age of 16, picked up two prestigious awards at competitions in Europe and the USA this summer for work he wrote while completing his BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre).

The talented composer won second prize at the Vienna Conservatory's International Competition for his flute and piano piece 'Fernyduke' and third prize at the USA International Youth Music Competition in Atlanta for 'Resurrection.'

Blazej showed a passion for music from an early age. He started playing piano while only 6 years old, learned the guitar and clarinet and wrote his first original piece aged 15.

He toured Poland and the UK with his orchestra, before starting his degree at LCM which is part of the [Lhttps://www.uwl.ac.uk/news-events/news/composer-wins-critical-acclaim-while-studying[L+]University of West London[.L].

Blazej said: "To win these prizes and have such acclaim is incredible, I cannot believe how well my music is being received but know I just want to do more and push myself even further.

"I would like to work as a film music composer and studying at LCM has allowed me to prepare for a future as a professional composer by learning all the aspects of creating music for a picture."