h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm really glad that you're taking the time to share this fascinating competition with us.

Hope you enjoy it Bel; just a shame you can't watch it on iPlayer.

Yes, it's a pity, but your description is so vivid that it's nearly as good as watching/listening myself. It's probably even better, cause you know what you're talking about and your comments bring it close to everybody reading it.

Another thank you here - your summaries are fab.

I remember visiting my mother just in time for the final, two years ago. The Turkish girl was amazing, and the standard of all was unbelievably high. My mother had followed all the televised heats and had enthused on the phone about the concerts.

Despite the fact that this year all five finalists were boys, are you finding in the UK that the music world is more open to equality? These kids are already having to work harder than adults to prove themselves, and young female contestants maybe even doubly so.

Having said that, I'm trying to resist my urge even now to find a website where I can have a look at these nubile young lads *says she, lowering the tone of the conversation*

I'd say it's almost easier to be a girl, as there's a lot of peer pressure to give up when you are a teenager and that falls harder on boys than girls, for whom it's a more accepted hobby. I have no idea how it goes on the professional circuit though.

TC, if your will breaks, you may be able to access this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00bb3wt/features/2012-category-finalists

I'm not a professional musician, but judging from what I see on concert platforms, I would judge it about as about as level a playing field as it gets. I do know that at least one pro orchestra auditions its potential new players in such a way that they cannot be seen, hence age and gender are not factors in selection.

Yes - I had heard about this. Unfortunately, for most job interviews, you have to speak as well.

My mother's other favourite programme is the New Year's concert which she always records and makes everyone watch. I watch it because it's nice spending time with her like that, even though I really don't care very much for Strauss. There is never a single woman in the orchestra (let alone any soloists).