The Leila Watson Memorial Music Championship, held at the Bendigo Bank theatre, saw category winners from the Bendigo Competitions Society eisteddfod compete against one another.

Pianists and singers, as well as clarinet players and saxophonists, were among those vying for the title. 

But it was Warrnambool resident Matthew Lim whose efforts on the violin were deemed best in show, followed by Apollo Bay’s Estelle Barker on the piano.

Bendigonian John Lavery took out third place. 

All competitors were under 19 years of age, but it was the talents of 10-year-old pianist Jasmine Lai that really got spectators talking.

She beat out competitors nine years her senior to make it into the finale and was rewarded with the Penny Goonan encouragement prize.

One of her pieces that impressed judges Matt Emond, Trella O'Loughlin and Cynthia Holsworth was an original composition.

Last night’s award is named after the long-serving musician and teacher, Leila Watson, who also served the official accompanist for the Bendigo eisteddfod.

The 2017 eisteddfod was Bendigo’s 92nd.