20th Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition
Saturday 26 September 2009, 9.30am-8.00pm
at Haverhill Arts Centre - Box Office Tel: 01440 714140
all-day tickets at the door £4 (adult), £3 (OAP/Student), FREE (16 & under)
in association with
Airedale Symphony Orchestra
Arnold Sinfonia
Bedford Sinfonia
Bridport & West Dorset Music Club
Brockenhurst Music Society
Bury St. Edmunds Concert Club
Charterhouse
Derby Chamber Music Society
City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra
City of Southampton Orchestra
Haywards Heath Music Society
Hoddesdon Music Club
Lambeth Orchestra
Leighton Buzzard Music Club
Letchworth Music Club
Linton Music Society
Louth & District Concert Society
Music at St Peter’s, Wallingford
Pound Arts
Stratford-upon-Avon Chamber Music Society
Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra
Steyning Music Society
The Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
The King’s School, Ely
University of Essex
Witney Music Society
Wymondham Symphony Orchestra
sponsors
Days Inn Haverhill
Empire Pianos, Braintree
Evans-Pughe Strings of Hitchin Ltd.
Frankie & Benny's
Marchant Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Mrs. Pat Taylor and Mr. Nicholas Jarman
Music Sales Group
Printwise (Haverhill) Ltd.
Sandarac Ltd.
STP Stationery
The Herbert Group
competition
25 musicians, selected from 133 entrants of 34 nationalities will compete in this exciting and varied international competition, with each competitor performing a 20-minute programme. There are 37 prizes to the value of £8,675.
adjudicating panel
Kevin Hill MBE – Music Director, Haverhill Sinfonia & Arnold Sinfonia
Piers Lane – Professor of Piano, Royal Academy of Music
Stephen Bryant – Leader, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Timothy Lines – Professor of Clarinet, Royal Academy of Music & Royal College of Music
official accompanist
Tom Blach
prizes
First prize
recital, Charterhouse, £225
recital, Haywards Heath Music Society, £225
recital, Hoddesdon Music Club, £225
recital, Leighton Buzzard Music Club, £250
recital, Steyning Music Society, £225
recital, Stratford-upon-Avon Chamber Music Society, £225
recital, The King's School, Ely, £225
recital, University of Essex, £225
recital, Witney Music Society, £225
solo work, Airedale Symphony Orchestra, £325
solo work, Bedford Sinfonia, £325
solo work, City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra, £325
solo work, Lambeth Orchestra, £300
solo work, Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra, £325
solo work, Wymondham Symphony Orchestra, £325
Second prize
£250
Third prize
£200
Fourth prize
£175 donated by Marchant Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Fifth prize
£150 donated by The Herbert Group.
Sixth prize
£125 donated by Frankie & Benny's.
Seventh prize
£100
Highest-placed prize-winner, other than pianist
solo work, Arnold Sinfonia, £325 donated by Days Inn Haverhill
Highest-placed prize-winner, other than singer
recital, Brockenhurst Music Society, £225
recital, Linton Music Society, £225
Highest-placed violinist or cellist
recital, Music at St. Peter's, Wallingford, £225
Highest-placed pianist
recital, Bridport & West Dorset Music Club, £225
recital, Bury St. Edmunds Concert Club, £225
recital, Letchworth Music Club, £225
recital, Louth & District Concert Society, £225
recital, Pound Arts, £225
Highest-placed woodwind player
recital, The Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival, £225
Highest-placed woodwind or brass player
solo work, City of Southampton Orchestra, £325
Highest-placed pianist, violinist, violist, cellist, clarinettist or oboist
recital, Derby Chamber Music Society, £225
Best performance of a work by a British composer
£200 donated by Evans-Pughe Strings of Hitchin Ltd.
Best performance of a work written since 1959
£200 donated by Music Sales Group.
Highest-placed string player
£200 donated by Sandarac Ltd.
Best Accompanist
£200 donated by Mrs. Pat Taylor and Mr. Nicholas Jarman.
competitors
Wei Chen (piano) 9.30am
Richard Wagner - Isolde's Liebstod
arr. Franz Liszt
Dmitri Shostakovich - Prelude and Fugue No. 24
Wei Chen (22) was born in Taipei, Taiwan and took his first piano lesson at the age of seven. In 1999, he was accepted in the “Vorklasse” as a young student with the German Professor Andreas Immer at the University of Music in Freiburg, Germany.
He has played in the major concert halls in Taiwan, including the National Music Hall of Taipei, the Town Hall in New York, in various venues in Hong Kong and the Lais-Halle in Hamburg, Germany. Wei Chen has participated in master-classes with Pi-Hsien Chen, Jaques Rouvier, Piotr Paleczny and Jacob Lateiner and has performed with pianist Pi-Hsien Chen, violinist Leung Kinfung, cellist Richard Bamping among others.
Wei Chen has won many awards and prizes, including in 2000 1st Prize at the International Steinway Competition for young pianists in Hamburg, Germany, in 2002 and 2005 1st Prize at the National Music Competition “Jugend Musiziert” in Germany, in 2004 a Scholarship for Young Artist from the Lions-Club, Germany, in 2005 2nd Prize at International Piano Competition in Bodensee, Germany, in 2008 Special Prize at the Yamaha-Scholarship Competition in Berlin, Germany, in 2008 1st Prize at “Young Artist Showcase” Music Competition in Taipei, Taiwan and in 2008 3rd prize at NTDTV International Chinese Piano Competition in New York. His performances were broadcast by Radio Television Hong Kong, New Tang Dynasty TV and e-classical radio of Taipei.
Last year, he performed Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto with the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Wen-Bin Chien. This performance was broadcast by e-classical radio of Taipei.
Currently, Wei Chen is studying “Kiinstlerische Ausbildung” with Professor Vitaly Berzon at the University of Music in Freiburg.
Ylvali Zilliacus (viola) 9.50am
Accompanist – Sholto Kynoch
Georges Enescu - Concertpiece
Max Bruch - Romance Op. 85
Robert Schumann - Marchenbilder Op. 113 ( No. 3 Rasch)
Ylvali Zilliacus (30) was born in Sweden. She is a passionate musician who keeps a busy international agenda, performing as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician at prestigious concert venues and music festivals.
She is one of the founding members of the award-winning Lendvai String Trio. Since 2005, they have been praised by the press performing across Europe at venues such as Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Wigmore Hall in London. They recently recorded their début album which will be released later this year.
Ylvali is frequently invited to play principal with orchestras such as the Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Musica Vitae and Umea Symphony Orchestra. Ylvali is also equally at home in period music making, working with ensembles such as the Florilegium and English Concert.
She attended Edsberg's Institute of Music in Stockholm prior to studying at the Royal College of Music with Simon Rowland-Jones, at Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik, Berlin with Prof. Tabea Zimmermann and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with David Takeno. She is now based in London and plays on a viola by L'École Le Jeune, Paris (1765). Apart from music, Ylvali is particularly interested in Natural History and Environmental Science.
She is one of the founding members of the award-winning Lendvai String Trio. Since 2005, they have been praised by the press performing across Europe at venues such as Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Wigmore Hall in London. They recently recorded their début album which will be released later this year.
Ylvali is frequently invited to play principal with orchestras such as the Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Musica Vitae and Umea Symphony Orchestra. Ylvali is also equally at home in period music making, working with ensembles such as the Florilegium and English Concert.
She attended Edsberg's Institute of Music in Stockholm prior to studying at the Royal College of Music with Simon Rowland-Jones, at Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik, Berlin with Prof. Tabea Zimmermann and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with David Takeno. She is now based in London and plays on a viola by L'École Le Jeune, Paris (1765). Apart from music, Ylvali is particularly interested in Natural History and Environmental Science.
Ben Westlake (clarinet) 10.10am
Accompanist – Daniel Smith
Johannes Brahms - Sonata Op. 120 No. 2 (1st movement)
Krzystof Penderecki - Drei Miniaturen
André Messager - Solo de Concours
Accompanist – Daniel Smith
Johannes Brahms - Sonata Op. 120 No. 2 (1st movement)
Krzystof Penderecki - Drei Miniaturen
André Messager - Solo de Concours
Ben Westlake (16) was born in England and began playing the clarinet at the age of 8. He has an individual style, deep musicality and a flair for communicating music to audiences.
Ben has performed at major venues including Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall and St Judes. In 2008, he gave recitals at Buckingham Summer Festival, Hitchin Festival, Harpenden Young Artist Programme and Benslow Evening Concert series among others.
In 2007, after winning the Computers in Personnel International Concerto Competition (Woodwind), he performed Weber's Concertino with the Southbank Sinfonia. Since then Ben has performed concertos with Bedford Sinfonia, Luton Symphony Orchestra and with several youth orchestras. In 2009 Ben performed Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the Cornerstone Orchestra, this performance resulted in a standing ovation and received high critical acclaim.
Ben studies clarinet with Karl Leister in Berlin (Karl was the solo clarinettist with the Berlin Philharmonic for over 30 years), and with David Campbell in the UK. In 2007, Ben appeared on BBC 2's Classical Star. He did not find favour with every judge on that occasion but he made quite an impression with public music lovers and is still recognised in the street.
Ben has attended many master-classes with eminent clarinet players from around the world. He has also given master-classes for Milton Keynes Music Service and is now on their teaching panel (quite an achievement at the age of 16).
Ben also studies conducting. He regularly attends master-classes and workshops and currently studies with Michael Rose. Ben also continues to study the piano. His consuming interest in music is balanced with a passion for cricket and tennis.
Ben has performed at major venues including Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall and St Judes. In 2008, he gave recitals at Buckingham Summer Festival, Hitchin Festival, Harpenden Young Artist Programme and Benslow Evening Concert series among others.
In 2007, after winning the Computers in Personnel International Concerto Competition (Woodwind), he performed Weber's Concertino with the Southbank Sinfonia. Since then Ben has performed concertos with Bedford Sinfonia, Luton Symphony Orchestra and with several youth orchestras. In 2009 Ben performed Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the Cornerstone Orchestra, this performance resulted in a standing ovation and received high critical acclaim.
Ben studies clarinet with Karl Leister in Berlin (Karl was the solo clarinettist with the Berlin Philharmonic for over 30 years), and with David Campbell in the UK. In 2007, Ben appeared on BBC 2's Classical Star. He did not find favour with every judge on that occasion but he made quite an impression with public music lovers and is still recognised in the street.
Ben has attended many master-classes with eminent clarinet players from around the world. He has also given master-classes for Milton Keynes Music Service and is now on their teaching panel (quite an achievement at the age of 16).
Ben also studies conducting. He regularly attends master-classes and workshops and currently studies with Michael Rose. Ben also continues to study the piano. His consuming interest in music is balanced with a passion for cricket and tennis.
Aleksei Kiseliov (cello) 10.30am
Accompanist – Aliaksander Muzykantov
Joseph Haydn - Concerto in C (1st movement)
Claude Debussy - Sonata
Accompanist – Aliaksander Muzykantov
Joseph Haydn - Concerto in C (1st movement)
Claude Debussy - Sonata
Aleksei Kiseliov (24) was born in Belarus and began his music studies at the Republican Music College five years later with Vladimir Perlin. He represented his country in a “Young Belarus” event in Moscow and performed for the Philharmonic Society, the Opera and Ballet House, Chamber Hall and won the International Competition “Music of Hope”. Further engagements in Germany, Holland, France and England were received with much public acclaim despite his young age. He progressed shortly afterwards to being a soloist at the State Chamber Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra in Belarus even receiving a special fund from the President of the Republic.
In 1997, Aleksei was a prize-winner at the Tchaikovsky International Youth Competition in St Petersburg, became “Belarus Pupil of the Year” and was funded by the “Vladimir Spivakov Fund”, still aged only twelve. His appearances at the Franco-Byelorussian Musical Spring were a huge success in Minsk in 1998 and then later in Paris at venues like Cortot Hall and Trianone Theatre. A period of study in Hanover, Germany with Tilman Wick was followed by a successful audition at the Royal College of Music in London under Prof. Jerome Pernoo, where he was granted a four year Associated Board Scholarship.
In September 2003, Aleksei received a special prize for “Best interpretation of a British composer” at the Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition and took part in several concerts at the International Cellofestival in Zutphen, Netherlands. A successful début at St. John's Smith Square in London was followed by a recital at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam with further concerts in the UK and important appearances at the Aix En Provence Festival. In 2006-2008 Aleksei was invited to perform in several international music festivals: Musica Mundi Festival, Les Vacance Des Monsieur Haydn, Cello master-classes and Concerts in Kronberg, Beauvais Cello Festival, Yuri Bashmet International Music Festival. Aleksei became a member of the “Conjuncto Iberico” Cello Octet and had a tour in the United States.
In March 2008, Aleksei directed the opening of his annual International Music Festival "Melodrama" in London and Minsk. He appears regularly as a soloist with the Orpheus Sinfonia of Midweek Music in Mayfair. Aleksei currently studies with Raphael Wallfisch as part of his Masters degree at the Royal College of Music, which is supported by Richard Carne and Leverhulme Trust Awards. He uses a bow lent by the Felicity Belfield Music Trust. Aleksei took several master-classes with such musicians as Bernard Greenhouse, Anner Byilsma, Frans Helmerson, Philippe Muller, Peter Wispelway, Gavriel Lipkind, Paul Badura-Skoda, Itamar Golan, Pavel Gelilov, Alain Meunier, Martin Lohr and Victoria Yagling.
In 1997, Aleksei was a prize-winner at the Tchaikovsky International Youth Competition in St Petersburg, became “Belarus Pupil of the Year” and was funded by the “Vladimir Spivakov Fund”, still aged only twelve. His appearances at the Franco-Byelorussian Musical Spring were a huge success in Minsk in 1998 and then later in Paris at venues like Cortot Hall and Trianone Theatre. A period of study in Hanover, Germany with Tilman Wick was followed by a successful audition at the Royal College of Music in London under Prof. Jerome Pernoo, where he was granted a four year Associated Board Scholarship.
In September 2003, Aleksei received a special prize for “Best interpretation of a British composer” at the Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition and took part in several concerts at the International Cellofestival in Zutphen, Netherlands. A successful début at St. John's Smith Square in London was followed by a recital at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam with further concerts in the UK and important appearances at the Aix En Provence Festival. In 2006-2008 Aleksei was invited to perform in several international music festivals: Musica Mundi Festival, Les Vacance Des Monsieur Haydn, Cello master-classes and Concerts in Kronberg, Beauvais Cello Festival, Yuri Bashmet International Music Festival. Aleksei became a member of the “Conjuncto Iberico” Cello Octet and had a tour in the United States.
In March 2008, Aleksei directed the opening of his annual International Music Festival "Melodrama" in London and Minsk. He appears regularly as a soloist with the Orpheus Sinfonia of Midweek Music in Mayfair. Aleksei currently studies with Raphael Wallfisch as part of his Masters degree at the Royal College of Music, which is supported by Richard Carne and Leverhulme Trust Awards. He uses a bow lent by the Felicity Belfield Music Trust. Aleksei took several master-classes with such musicians as Bernard Greenhouse, Anner Byilsma, Frans Helmerson, Philippe Muller, Peter Wispelway, Gavriel Lipkind, Paul Badura-Skoda, Itamar Golan, Pavel Gelilov, Alain Meunier, Martin Lohr and Victoria Yagling.
Dunja Lavrova (violin) 10.50am
Accompanist – Ina Charuashvili
Ernest Chausson - Poeme
Huw Watkins - Allegro molto from Partita
Accompanist – Ina Charuashvili
Ernest Chausson - Poeme
Huw Watkins - Allegro molto from Partita
Dunja Lavrova (24) was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and started violin lessons at the age of six with Vera Dobrinina, with whom she continued to study at the Special Music College in St. Petersburg. In 1999, she gained a full scholarship to continue her studies at the Yehudi Menuhin School, where she initially studied with Natasha Boyarsky and later, Maciej Rakowski.
In 2003, she accepted a full scholarship to the Royal College of Music, where she completed a BMus degree with first class honours, continuing her tuition with Maciej Rakowski. She has recently completed the MMus degree course at RCM with Distinction and was awarded the Tagore Gold Medal in July 2009. Dunja has held principal positions in many RCM ensembles and orchestras, performing/leading regularly with distinguished artists including Sir Roger Norrington, Bernard Haitink, Christopher Warren-Green, and most recently, leading the RCM Symphony Orchestra in two highly acclaimed performances of Mahler's Symphony no 9 under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Whilst at school and at the RCM, Dunja has performed at many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, St. John's Smith Square, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the National Gallery. She has appeared on international television and radio and has appeared as the soloist in Ravel's Tzigane with Kent Sinfonia. Dunja has won numerous prizes and awards both in and out of the RCM, most notably the Derek Butler Prize, the Craxton Fund Award, the Hans Romney Prize at the Tunbridge Wells International Young Concert Artists Competition and the Gandar Dower and Orpheus Scholarships. She won the RCM String Competition, which led to a performance at the Wigmore Hall and won the 2nd Prize at the Bromsgrove International Competition, which led to a highly acclaimed performance of the Mendelssohn Concerto with the English Symphony Orchestra directed by Adrian Partington. In July 2009, she appeared at Cadogan Hall as part of the RCM Rising Stars concert series.
In spring 2004, Dunja was awarded the Young Artist of the Year award by the Arts Club and was invited to play a recital the following season. It was at that recital Dunja met a private benefactor who later presented her with a 1914 Pedrazzini violin which she now plays.
In 2003, she accepted a full scholarship to the Royal College of Music, where she completed a BMus degree with first class honours, continuing her tuition with Maciej Rakowski. She has recently completed the MMus degree course at RCM with Distinction and was awarded the Tagore Gold Medal in July 2009. Dunja has held principal positions in many RCM ensembles and orchestras, performing/leading regularly with distinguished artists including Sir Roger Norrington, Bernard Haitink, Christopher Warren-Green, and most recently, leading the RCM Symphony Orchestra in two highly acclaimed performances of Mahler's Symphony no 9 under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Whilst at school and at the RCM, Dunja has performed at many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, St. John's Smith Square, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the National Gallery. She has appeared on international television and radio and has appeared as the soloist in Ravel's Tzigane with Kent Sinfonia. Dunja has won numerous prizes and awards both in and out of the RCM, most notably the Derek Butler Prize, the Craxton Fund Award, the Hans Romney Prize at the Tunbridge Wells International Young Concert Artists Competition and the Gandar Dower and Orpheus Scholarships. She won the RCM String Competition, which led to a performance at the Wigmore Hall and won the 2nd Prize at the Bromsgrove International Competition, which led to a highly acclaimed performance of the Mendelssohn Concerto with the English Symphony Orchestra directed by Adrian Partington. In July 2009, she appeared at Cadogan Hall as part of the RCM Rising Stars concert series.
In spring 2004, Dunja was awarded the Young Artist of the Year award by the Arts Club and was invited to play a recital the following season. It was at that recital Dunja met a private benefactor who later presented her with a 1914 Pedrazzini violin which she now plays.
Holly Reardon (bassoon) 11.10am
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Edward Elgar - Romance
Philippe Hersant - Niggun
Eugène Bozza - Fantasie
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Edward Elgar - Romance
Philippe Hersant - Niggun
Eugène Bozza - Fantasie
Holly Reardon (23) was born in Lancashire and began learning the bassoon at the age of twelve. In 2005, she was awarded a full scholarship to study at Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as the Patrick Green Scholarship for bassoonists. Holly was principally tutored by Meyrick Alexander and Nick Hunka, with Margaret Cookhorn for contrabassoon.
During her time at Birmingham, Holly played in all the major college orchestras and ensembles, in addition to professional work with Birmingham Royal Ballet, English Pro Musica and Queen's Park Sinfonia. She has participated in master-classes with Lawrence Perkins, Robert Codd, Peter Wesley, Martin Gatt, Knut Sonsevold, Carlo Columbo and John Orford.
As a soloist, Holly has given numerous recitals across the UK, including a two recent performances of Mozart's Bassoon Concerto. In a chamber music setting, Holly played with Fiato Wind Quintet from 2005 to 2008 and since 2008, she has been a founding member of newFangled Consort, who performed at this year's International Double Reed Society Convention. A keen player of the Baroque Bassoon, Holly recently performed on the period instrument with Dartington International Summer School Baroque Orchestra.
Currently, Holly is undertaking postgraduate studies at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London on the flagship Masters in Orchestral Training course. She is supported financially by awards from The Musicians Benevolent Fund, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust, The Philip Bates Trust, W. E. Dunn Charitable Trust, The Seary Foundation and Guildhall School of Music and Drama itself.
During her time at Birmingham, Holly played in all the major college orchestras and ensembles, in addition to professional work with Birmingham Royal Ballet, English Pro Musica and Queen's Park Sinfonia. She has participated in master-classes with Lawrence Perkins, Robert Codd, Peter Wesley, Martin Gatt, Knut Sonsevold, Carlo Columbo and John Orford.
As a soloist, Holly has given numerous recitals across the UK, including a two recent performances of Mozart's Bassoon Concerto. In a chamber music setting, Holly played with Fiato Wind Quintet from 2005 to 2008 and since 2008, she has been a founding member of newFangled Consort, who performed at this year's International Double Reed Society Convention. A keen player of the Baroque Bassoon, Holly recently performed on the period instrument with Dartington International Summer School Baroque Orchestra.
Currently, Holly is undertaking postgraduate studies at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London on the flagship Masters in Orchestral Training course. She is supported financially by awards from The Musicians Benevolent Fund, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust, The Philip Bates Trust, W. E. Dunn Charitable Trust, The Seary Foundation and Guildhall School of Music and Drama itself.
Noah Getz (saxophone) 12.00pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Matthew Van Brink - Sonata (1st movement)
Alfred Desenclos - Prelude, Cadence et Finale
Paul Bonneau - Caprice en Form de Valse
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Matthew Van Brink - Sonata (1st movement)
Alfred Desenclos - Prelude, Cadence et Finale
Paul Bonneau - Caprice en Form de Valse
Noah Getz (34) was born in the United States of America. He is a jazz and classical saxophonist based in Washington, DC. He has performed at major venues throughout the United States, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, The Phillips Collection, The National Gallery of Art, the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago, the Music Center at Strathmore, World Saxophone Congress XIII, and as the guest soloist for the MOSA Concert Series Saxophone Summit in New York City. Dr. Getz received a first-round Grammy nomination in 2002 for his contribution with the New Hudson Saxophone Quartet to America's Millennium Tribute to Adolphe Sax, Vol. V, and he has been featured on albums including The American Muse and Leo Kraft: Chamber Symphony 2. In 2007, his album Crosscurrents, which explores the intersection of jazz and contemporary classical music, was released by Albany Records. His next album, featuring works written for him, will be released in 2010.
Dr. Getz has commissioned and premièred several works for the saxophone, including recent collaborations with Pulitzer Prize-winning composers Aaron Jay Kernis and Lewis Spratlan. He premièred Fernando Benadon's Hidden Charges with the Empyrean Ensemble in 2007 and will release the première recording of David Amram's Prologue and Scherzo in 2009. In 2002, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Henry Brant selected Dr. Getz to perform his Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra for the first time in 50 years.
In addition to performing classical repertoire, Dr. Getz maintains an active schedule performing jazz. He is the alto saxophonist and founding member of the Levine School Jazz Quintet, an Artist-In-Residence ensemble at the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC, with recent performances at Blues Alley, the Swiss Embassy, the Washington Convention Center, and the Music Center at Strathmore. Dedicated to education, the Quintet often recreates famous jazz concerts for new audiences, including the legendary Jazz at Massey Hall concert (originally featuring bebop greats Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie) and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet.
Dr. Getz has presented master-classes, recitals and lectures at universities across the country, including at Mannes - The New School of Music, University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Davis, Queens College, Johns Hopkins University, Aaron Copland School of Music, State University of New York-Fredonia, Florida State University, and the University of Puerto Rico. He has been a guest lecturer at the International Saxophone Symposium, the Sigurd Rascher Centennial Celebration, the North American Saxophone Alliance National Convention, and on the Blue Note Lecture Series in Washington, DC. Dr. Getz is the Saxophone Musician-In-Residence at American University, where he instructs private students, coaches saxophone ensembles and leads the American University Jazz Workshop, and at the Levine School of Music, where he instructs jazz saxophone students.
Dr. Getz has commissioned and premièred several works for the saxophone, including recent collaborations with Pulitzer Prize-winning composers Aaron Jay Kernis and Lewis Spratlan. He premièred Fernando Benadon's Hidden Charges with the Empyrean Ensemble in 2007 and will release the première recording of David Amram's Prologue and Scherzo in 2009. In 2002, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Henry Brant selected Dr. Getz to perform his Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra for the first time in 50 years.
In addition to performing classical repertoire, Dr. Getz maintains an active schedule performing jazz. He is the alto saxophonist and founding member of the Levine School Jazz Quintet, an Artist-In-Residence ensemble at the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC, with recent performances at Blues Alley, the Swiss Embassy, the Washington Convention Center, and the Music Center at Strathmore. Dedicated to education, the Quintet often recreates famous jazz concerts for new audiences, including the legendary Jazz at Massey Hall concert (originally featuring bebop greats Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie) and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet.
Dr. Getz has presented master-classes, recitals and lectures at universities across the country, including at Mannes - The New School of Music, University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Davis, Queens College, Johns Hopkins University, Aaron Copland School of Music, State University of New York-Fredonia, Florida State University, and the University of Puerto Rico. He has been a guest lecturer at the International Saxophone Symposium, the Sigurd Rascher Centennial Celebration, the North American Saxophone Alliance National Convention, and on the Blue Note Lecture Series in Washington, DC. Dr. Getz is the Saxophone Musician-In-Residence at American University, where he instructs private students, coaches saxophone ensembles and leads the American University Jazz Workshop, and at the Levine School of Music, where he instructs jazz saxophone students.
Shuenda Wong (piano) 12.20pm
Claude Debussy - Prelude “Les Collines d'Anacapri”
György Ligeti - Etude No. 4 “Fanfares”
Franz Liszt - Rhapsodie Espagnole
Claude Debussy - Prelude “Les Collines d'Anacapri”
György Ligeti - Etude No. 4 “Fanfares”
Franz Liszt - Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shuenda Wong (23) was born in Malaysia and began his music studies with Ms. Lai Mei Kuen, Mr. Ng Chong Lim and Mr. Loo Bang Hean. He graduated from the Staatliche Musikhochschule Freiburg, Germany with high distinction in 2006, where he studied with Elza Kolodin and participated in master-classes with V. Margulis, J. Rouvier, P. Devoyon, C. Elton, H. Leygraf, J. Lateiner, E. Wolanin and I. Dumitrescu. He is currently completing a Masters degree under a full scholarship from the Kobler Trust at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Joan Havill. He is also supported by a HSBC Bursary and the Malaysian Youth Orchestra Foundation Scholarship.
Shuenda was 1st prize winner in the HSBC National Piano Competition 2008 and Malaysian Youth Music Festival 2007 as well as being Prize winner/Diploma winner in the Royal Overseas League Music Piano Competition 2009, London, 1st Thailand International Piano Competition 2008, Enschede International Piano Competition for Young Musicians, Netherlands 2004, Arthur Lepthien International Piano Competition Germany 2005 and National Piano Competition 2000 and 2001.
Shuenda has given concerts in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, Brunei, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the UK. Notable performances include concerts at the Kaisersaal Freiburg, Elzacher Stadthalle in Germany, Bunkamura Hall in Japan, Kasteel Terworm in Holland, collaborations with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and Kuala Lumpur Sinfonietta, opening of the British Commonwealth Games, the Asian Pacific Cooperation Meeting and The Philippines Centennial Independence in Manila.
He was also recently nominated for best outstanding solo performance at the Malaysian BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. Next season will include performances in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Barbican Hall London, ROSL House Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra Hall London and Erin Arts Centre Isle of Man.
Shuenda was 1st prize winner in the HSBC National Piano Competition 2008 and Malaysian Youth Music Festival 2007 as well as being Prize winner/Diploma winner in the Royal Overseas League Music Piano Competition 2009, London, 1st Thailand International Piano Competition 2008, Enschede International Piano Competition for Young Musicians, Netherlands 2004, Arthur Lepthien International Piano Competition Germany 2005 and National Piano Competition 2000 and 2001.
Shuenda has given concerts in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, Brunei, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the UK. Notable performances include concerts at the Kaisersaal Freiburg, Elzacher Stadthalle in Germany, Bunkamura Hall in Japan, Kasteel Terworm in Holland, collaborations with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and Kuala Lumpur Sinfonietta, opening of the British Commonwealth Games, the Asian Pacific Cooperation Meeting and The Philippines Centennial Independence in Manila.
He was also recently nominated for best outstanding solo performance at the Malaysian BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. Next season will include performances in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Barbican Hall London, ROSL House Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra Hall London and Erin Arts Centre Isle of Man.
Anya Muston (violin) 12.40pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Serge Prokofiev - Sonata No. 1 (1st and 2nd movements)
Eugène Ysaÿe - Ballade
Anya Muston (24) was born in Australia and was a Music Scholar (1997-2002) at Queenwood School for Girls. She has recently completed her Post Graduate Diploma (with distinction) at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester studying with Prof. Yair Kless. She was the recipient of the international postgraduate scholarship from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Anya completed her B. Mus (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium in June 2007, where she studied with Wanda Wilkomirska and Philippa Paige.
Anya has been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra since 2002. Since 2005, she has been a regular casual player with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She was concertmaster of the SBS Youth Orchestra from 2004 to 2007.
She has participated in master-classes with Ivry Gitlis, James Ehnes, Regis Pasquier, Walter Verdehr and Leopold Trio. Anya has received many awards and prizes including the Marcus Edwards Violin Prize (2001), Performing Arts Challenge prize winner (2002 and 2003), Frank Hammond Scholarship (2003 and 2006), BBM Travelling Scholarship (2006), and Musicians Benevolent Fund (2009-10).
In 2006, Anya won the Australian Concerto Competition playing the 1st Shostakovich concerto. She was a finalist in the Kendall National Violin Competition in 2004. In December 2003, sponsored by SBS, Anya was a finalist and awarded a diploma in her first international violin competition, in Moscow.
In 2009, Anya was awarded a Gold Medal from the Royal Northern College of Music and was also the winner of the Norman George Violin Scholarship. Her recent public engagements include performances of violin concertos by Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Prokofiev and Lou Harrison.
Anya has been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra since 2002. Since 2005, she has been a regular casual player with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She was concertmaster of the SBS Youth Orchestra from 2004 to 2007.
She has participated in master-classes with Ivry Gitlis, James Ehnes, Regis Pasquier, Walter Verdehr and Leopold Trio. Anya has received many awards and prizes including the Marcus Edwards Violin Prize (2001), Performing Arts Challenge prize winner (2002 and 2003), Frank Hammond Scholarship (2003 and 2006), BBM Travelling Scholarship (2006), and Musicians Benevolent Fund (2009-10).
In 2006, Anya won the Australian Concerto Competition playing the 1st Shostakovich concerto. She was a finalist in the Kendall National Violin Competition in 2004. In December 2003, sponsored by SBS, Anya was a finalist and awarded a diploma in her first international violin competition, in Moscow.
In 2009, Anya was awarded a Gold Medal from the Royal Northern College of Music and was also the winner of the Norman George Violin Scholarship. Her recent public engagements include performances of violin concertos by Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Prokofiev and Lou Harrison.
Gábor Galavics (clarinet) 1.00pm
Accompanist – Dalma Lendvai
Béla Bartók - Three Folksongs from the County of Csik
Johannes Brahms - Sonata Op. 120 No. 1 (1st movement)
Jean Françaix - Theme with Variations
Accompanist – Dalma Lendvai
Béla Bartók - Three Folksongs from the County of Csik
Johannes Brahms - Sonata Op. 120 No. 1 (1st movement)
Jean Françaix - Theme with Variations
Gábor Galavics (27) was born In Budapest, Hungary. He graduated at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest in 2006. His diploma concert was recorded by the Hungarian Radio at the Concert Hall of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and broadcast on 5th February 2007 by the Bartók Channel of the Hungarian Radio. In 2009 he was admitted to the Doctoral School (DLA) of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music.
From the beginning of his academic studies, Gábor Galavics has played in numerous orchestras, including Budapest Strings Chamber Orchestra, Budapest Chamber Symphony, Kodály Zoltán World Youth Orchestra, Budapest Youth Orchestra, UMZE Chamber Ensemble, Budapest Symphony Orchestra and Ernst von Dohnányi Symphony Orchestra. He has had the chance to play with many of the greatest Hungarian conductors, such as Ádám Fischer, Zoltán Kocsis, Péter Eötvös, Támas Vásáry, János Kovács, Tibor Bogányi, András Ligeti and Peter Csaba.
He has participated in several master-classes as soloist with Michael Collins, Thomas Friedli, Karl-Heinz Steffens, Joseph Balogh, Joze Kotar and Béla Kovács; also as a member of different chamber music groups with Heinz Holliger, Maurice Bourgue, Klaus Thunemann, Radovan Vlatkovic and Márta Gulyás.
Gábor Galavics, as soloist was prize-winner in several Hungarian national clarinet competitions and in 2008, he was a semi-finalist at the prestigious Prague Spring International Music Competition. In 2007, at the Saverio Mercadante International Clarinet Competition, in the chamber music category, he won second prize and also the prize of the critics.
From the beginning of his academic studies, Gábor Galavics has played in numerous orchestras, including Budapest Strings Chamber Orchestra, Budapest Chamber Symphony, Kodály Zoltán World Youth Orchestra, Budapest Youth Orchestra, UMZE Chamber Ensemble, Budapest Symphony Orchestra and Ernst von Dohnányi Symphony Orchestra. He has had the chance to play with many of the greatest Hungarian conductors, such as Ádám Fischer, Zoltán Kocsis, Péter Eötvös, Támas Vásáry, János Kovács, Tibor Bogányi, András Ligeti and Peter Csaba.
He has participated in several master-classes as soloist with Michael Collins, Thomas Friedli, Karl-Heinz Steffens, Joseph Balogh, Joze Kotar and Béla Kovács; also as a member of different chamber music groups with Heinz Holliger, Maurice Bourgue, Klaus Thunemann, Radovan Vlatkovic and Márta Gulyás.
Gábor Galavics, as soloist was prize-winner in several Hungarian national clarinet competitions and in 2008, he was a semi-finalist at the prestigious Prague Spring International Music Competition. In 2007, at the Saverio Mercadante International Clarinet Competition, in the chamber music category, he won second prize and also the prize of the critics.
Charles-Antoine Duflot (cello) 1.20pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Dmitri Shostakovich - Concerto No. 1 (1st and 2nd movements)
J. S. Bach - Suite No. 5 (Prelude)
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Dmitri Shostakovich - Concerto No. 1 (1st and 2nd movements)
J. S. Bach - Suite No. 5 (Prelude)
Charles-Antoine Duflot (22) was born in France and had his first cello lesson at the age of 6 at the Conservatory in his hometown, Laon. His fascination for the resonant sound of the instrument was soon apparent as he worked hard to master it. Six years later, he won First Prize at the International Young Musician Competition “UFAM” in Paris and decided to continue learning the cello in Paris with Marcel Bardon, the successor to Andre Navarra, founder of the most famous French school of cello. He learnt to perfect his technique and a rigorous aspect in his approach to the cello, as well as discovering the world of chamber music with the famous String Quartet Ysaÿe and Paul Meyer.
He gave his first solo recital in the Festival of Music “Concerts en Thiérache”, which brought him performance opportunities in many Festivals in France. He received his first diploma for music studies and went on to meet many important teachers through master-classes including Gamard, Hoffman, Coin and Perline. On moving to Germany to study at the State University of Music in Stuttgart (2006-2009), he worked with one of the most famous cellists of the day, Jean-Guihen Queyras. With him, Charles-Antoine Duflot discovered a differnet aspect to the repertoire of the cello, which becomes even more varied through the learning of contemporary music, with works such as Berio (Sequenza XIV, which he studied during a master-class with Rohan de Saram, to whom the work was dedicated), Boulez, Mayasumi, Vasks and others. He also had the chance to go thoroughly into the Baroque approach of the music and met one of the most famous Masters in this field, Anner Bylsma. With a desire to learn more about it, he was given the loan of a “piccolo cello” (with five strings), on which he learnt to play the Sixth Suite by Bach. Through the practising of this Baroque repertoire, he received many solo recital opportunities in France, Germany, England, Switzerland and Italy, where he combined Baroque and contemporary music together.
In 2008, he reached the semi-final of three prestigious international competitions in Paris, Verona and Leipzig, for the Bach Competition, where he played the Sixth Suite on the piccolo cello with great success. In 2009, he won First Prize at the international “J&A Beare Solo Bach Competition” in London, again playing the Sixth Suite.
In the summer of 2009, he met the cellist, Thomas Demenga in Cortanze (Italy) and Troels Svane (Lenk, Switzerland) through summer courses. Charles-Antoine Duflot plays a violoncello made by Jean Bauer in 1982, who is one of the most famous violin makers of the twentieth century.
He gave his first solo recital in the Festival of Music “Concerts en Thiérache”, which brought him performance opportunities in many Festivals in France. He received his first diploma for music studies and went on to meet many important teachers through master-classes including Gamard, Hoffman, Coin and Perline. On moving to Germany to study at the State University of Music in Stuttgart (2006-2009), he worked with one of the most famous cellists of the day, Jean-Guihen Queyras. With him, Charles-Antoine Duflot discovered a differnet aspect to the repertoire of the cello, which becomes even more varied through the learning of contemporary music, with works such as Berio (Sequenza XIV, which he studied during a master-class with Rohan de Saram, to whom the work was dedicated), Boulez, Mayasumi, Vasks and others. He also had the chance to go thoroughly into the Baroque approach of the music and met one of the most famous Masters in this field, Anner Bylsma. With a desire to learn more about it, he was given the loan of a “piccolo cello” (with five strings), on which he learnt to play the Sixth Suite by Bach. Through the practising of this Baroque repertoire, he received many solo recital opportunities in France, Germany, England, Switzerland and Italy, where he combined Baroque and contemporary music together.
In 2008, he reached the semi-final of three prestigious international competitions in Paris, Verona and Leipzig, for the Bach Competition, where he played the Sixth Suite on the piccolo cello with great success. In 2009, he won First Prize at the international “J&A Beare Solo Bach Competition” in London, again playing the Sixth Suite.
In the summer of 2009, he met the cellist, Thomas Demenga in Cortanze (Italy) and Troels Svane (Lenk, Switzerland) through summer courses. Charles-Antoine Duflot plays a violoncello made by Jean Bauer in 1982, who is one of the most famous violin makers of the twentieth century.
Michael Ierace (piano) 1.40pm
Domenico Scarlatti - Sonata in D K.33
L. van Beethoven - 3 Bagatelles Op. 126
Alfred Schnittke - Improvisation and Fugue
Domenico Scarlatti - Sonata in D K.33
L. van Beethoven - 3 Bagatelles Op. 126
Alfred Schnittke - Improvisation and Fugue
Michael Ierace (26) was born in Adelaide, Australia. He completed his university education through to honours level with teacher Lucinda Collins before moving to London in September 2007. He was the recipient of many awards from the university including first prize in the David Galliver Award - a bi-annual competition open to all students across the university. He was also awarded scholarships for receiving the highest marks in his year throughout study.
Michael had much success in local and national competitions. Winning the Doris West Concerto in 2002 earned him a performance as soloist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. He was the 2004 winner of the Geoffrey Parsons Competition and won the national MBS Young Performers Award in 2005. Michael was invited to perform in Malaysia as a representative of the Adelaide University with delegation from the South Australia/Malaysia Business Council. He gave the opening concert of the celebrated Albano Festival in Italy, gave a recital on Christmas day at a 5 star resort in the Dolomites and had a concert filmed for local television. He attended the Allegro Vivo summer course in Horn, Austria where he gave numerous public recitals and was invited to perform at the Prize Winners Concert in the Stift Altenburg Library, a performance that was later broadcast on national radio. He has participated in master-classes with Leif Ove Andsnes, Boris Berman, Piers Lane, Frank Wibaut and Katherine Stott.
Since moving to London, he has received a “Managing Director's Award” in the Jaques Samuel Intercollegiate Competition, was nominated as an RCM Rising Star and was awarded the “Coutts & Co Award for Keyboard” as winner of the Royal Over-Seas League Keyboard Final. Recently he was an award winner for the Phillip & Dorothy Green Young Concert Artist scheme. Michael has performed in the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Cadogan Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields and at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Michael has recently received his Postgraduate Diploma at the Royal College of Music, London studying with Andrew Ball. He is grateful for support from the Elder Overseas Scholarship, Ian Potter Cultural Trust, the Elsa and Leonard Cross scholarship and Evelyn Tarrant Awards.
Michael had much success in local and national competitions. Winning the Doris West Concerto in 2002 earned him a performance as soloist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. He was the 2004 winner of the Geoffrey Parsons Competition and won the national MBS Young Performers Award in 2005. Michael was invited to perform in Malaysia as a representative of the Adelaide University with delegation from the South Australia/Malaysia Business Council. He gave the opening concert of the celebrated Albano Festival in Italy, gave a recital on Christmas day at a 5 star resort in the Dolomites and had a concert filmed for local television. He attended the Allegro Vivo summer course in Horn, Austria where he gave numerous public recitals and was invited to perform at the Prize Winners Concert in the Stift Altenburg Library, a performance that was later broadcast on national radio. He has participated in master-classes with Leif Ove Andsnes, Boris Berman, Piers Lane, Frank Wibaut and Katherine Stott.
Since moving to London, he has received a “Managing Director's Award” in the Jaques Samuel Intercollegiate Competition, was nominated as an RCM Rising Star and was awarded the “Coutts & Co Award for Keyboard” as winner of the Royal Over-Seas League Keyboard Final. Recently he was an award winner for the Phillip & Dorothy Green Young Concert Artist scheme. Michael has performed in the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Cadogan Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields and at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Michael has recently received his Postgraduate Diploma at the Royal College of Music, London studying with Andrew Ball. He is grateful for support from the Elder Overseas Scholarship, Ian Potter Cultural Trust, the Elsa and Leonard Cross scholarship and Evelyn Tarrant Awards.
Joo Cho (soprano) 2.50pm
Accompanist – Marino Nahon
Franz Schubert - Suleika No. 1
Franz Liszt - Die Lorelei
Richard Strauss - Befreit
Giacinto Scelsi - Canto del Capricorno
Accompanist – Marino Nahon
Franz Schubert - Suleika No. 1
Franz Liszt - Die Lorelei
Richard Strauss - Befreit
Giacinto Scelsi - Canto del Capricorno
Joo Cho (39) was born in South Korea. She graduated with a degree in singing from Chung-Ang University in Seoul. She then went on to complete two degrees summa cum laude in Singing and Vocal Chamber Music at the “Verdi” Conservatoire in Milan (Italy) under Stelia Doz. She continued her studies with Jaume Aragall and Ernesto Palacio.
She sang leading roles in several productions at the Opera House in Seoul including: Cosi fan tutte (Fiordiligi), Die Zauberflote (Pamina), Der Freischutz (Agathe), La Boheme (Musetta), Un ballo in maschera (Oscar). She participated in the 2006 and 2007 Tiroler Festspiele Erl in Ring des Nibelungen (Woglinde) and Parsifal (Erste Blumenmadchen), under Gustav Kuhn. Massimo Viazzo wrote in “Operaclick”, “her performances were overwhelming and her vocal technique flawless”. Parsifal was recorded on DVD (Col Legno) and Cho also recently recorded the role of Maria in I Due Timidi by Nino Rota on CD for the Bongiovanni label.
Cho also has an active Oratorio and Sacred Music concert career. She has sung Elias by Mendelssohn, Mirjams Siegesgesang by Schubert (conducted by Romano Gandolfi), Beethoven's 9th Symhony, Stabat Mater and the Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini and Amital in Betulia liberata by Mozart (Sala Verdi in the Milano Conservatoire, conducted by Estevan Velardi).
Joo Cho is particularly interested in Lied repertoire and has frequently participated in master-classes held by artists such as Irwin Gage, Dalton Baldwin, Helmut Deutsch and Franz Müller-Heuser. She has sung Lied concerts worldwide in venues such as the Salle Cortot in Paris, the Sala della Musica in Lugano, Switzerland, the Salone del Conservatorio in Turin, Italy and the Casa della Musica in Parma, Italy. One of her concerts, dedicated to Hugo Wolf, was broadcast by RadioClassica, an Italian radio station. The musicologist Quirion Principe in the magazine “Letture” said of her, “an intense and intimate artist, with a natural talent for Lied”.
Joo Cho has also been noted for her ability to sing twentieth century and contemporary music. Her repertoire includes not only twentieth century classics such as Pierrot Lunaire by Schonberg and Seven Romances for Soprano and Piano Trio by Shostakovich but, also many world premières such as Sette di Niccolo Castiglioni, for soprano and orchestra (Passionspielhaus di Erl, 2005: conducted by Tito Ceccherini) and Milano 2005 by Gustav Kuhn, for soprano, violin and orchestra (Sala Verdi, Milan Conservatoire, with Salvatore Accardo violin, conducted by the composer himself). She recorded Worgl 2000 by Gustav Kuhn for soprano and orchestra (soon to be released on the Col Legno label). She has also recorded a Vocal Chamber Music CD with music by the Roman composer Giuliano Zosi (ExCogita). It was received with critical acclaim, Luca Cori wrote in “Lunarionuovo Musica”, “Joo Cho gives a wonderful performance, showing herself to be an intelligent and refined singer”.
In Italy, Joo Cho has won many Singing and Vocal Chamber Music Competitions such as the “Jupiter” International Singing Competition in Genova (2001), the “Cobelli” Lied Competition in Brescia (2003), the “Franciacorta” International Vocal Chamber Music Competition in Capriolo (2003), the European Vocal Chamber Music Competition in Bari (2005) and the “Societa Umanitaria” competition in Milan (2006).
She sang leading roles in several productions at the Opera House in Seoul including: Cosi fan tutte (Fiordiligi), Die Zauberflote (Pamina), Der Freischutz (Agathe), La Boheme (Musetta), Un ballo in maschera (Oscar). She participated in the 2006 and 2007 Tiroler Festspiele Erl in Ring des Nibelungen (Woglinde) and Parsifal (Erste Blumenmadchen), under Gustav Kuhn. Massimo Viazzo wrote in “Operaclick”, “her performances were overwhelming and her vocal technique flawless”. Parsifal was recorded on DVD (Col Legno) and Cho also recently recorded the role of Maria in I Due Timidi by Nino Rota on CD for the Bongiovanni label.
Cho also has an active Oratorio and Sacred Music concert career. She has sung Elias by Mendelssohn, Mirjams Siegesgesang by Schubert (conducted by Romano Gandolfi), Beethoven's 9th Symhony, Stabat Mater and the Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini and Amital in Betulia liberata by Mozart (Sala Verdi in the Milano Conservatoire, conducted by Estevan Velardi).
Joo Cho is particularly interested in Lied repertoire and has frequently participated in master-classes held by artists such as Irwin Gage, Dalton Baldwin, Helmut Deutsch and Franz Müller-Heuser. She has sung Lied concerts worldwide in venues such as the Salle Cortot in Paris, the Sala della Musica in Lugano, Switzerland, the Salone del Conservatorio in Turin, Italy and the Casa della Musica in Parma, Italy. One of her concerts, dedicated to Hugo Wolf, was broadcast by RadioClassica, an Italian radio station. The musicologist Quirion Principe in the magazine “Letture” said of her, “an intense and intimate artist, with a natural talent for Lied”.
Joo Cho has also been noted for her ability to sing twentieth century and contemporary music. Her repertoire includes not only twentieth century classics such as Pierrot Lunaire by Schonberg and Seven Romances for Soprano and Piano Trio by Shostakovich but, also many world premières such as Sette di Niccolo Castiglioni, for soprano and orchestra (Passionspielhaus di Erl, 2005: conducted by Tito Ceccherini) and Milano 2005 by Gustav Kuhn, for soprano, violin and orchestra (Sala Verdi, Milan Conservatoire, with Salvatore Accardo violin, conducted by the composer himself). She recorded Worgl 2000 by Gustav Kuhn for soprano and orchestra (soon to be released on the Col Legno label). She has also recorded a Vocal Chamber Music CD with music by the Roman composer Giuliano Zosi (ExCogita). It was received with critical acclaim, Luca Cori wrote in “Lunarionuovo Musica”, “Joo Cho gives a wonderful performance, showing herself to be an intelligent and refined singer”.
In Italy, Joo Cho has won many Singing and Vocal Chamber Music Competitions such as the “Jupiter” International Singing Competition in Genova (2001), the “Cobelli” Lied Competition in Brescia (2003), the “Franciacorta” International Vocal Chamber Music Competition in Capriolo (2003), the European Vocal Chamber Music Competition in Bari (2005) and the “Societa Umanitaria” competition in Milan (2006).
Konstantin Lapshin (piano) 3.10pm
Johannes Brahms - Fantasies Op. 116 (Nos. 1, 2 and 7)
Toru Takemitsu - Rain Tree Sketch
Sergei Rachmaninov - Sonata No. 2 Op. 36 (2nd and 3rd movements)
Johannes Brahms - Fantasies Op. 116 (Nos. 1, 2 and 7)
Toru Takemitsu - Rain Tree Sketch
Sergei Rachmaninov - Sonata No. 2 Op. 36 (2nd and 3rd movements)
Konstantin Lapshin (31) was born in Russia. He graduated this year with a Distinction from the Royal College of Music (Masters Degree) where he was supported by ABRSM and received the RCM's highest award The Queen Elizabeth Rose Bowl. Currently he is doing his Artist Diploma course studying at the RCM with the Head of Keyboard, Vanessa Latarche. Konstantin has been awarded Mills Williams Junior Fellowship to support his studies in 2009-2010. Prior to coming to the RCM, Konstantin took undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
His many prizes include First Prize at the RCM Chappell Piano Competition, First Prize at the RCM Beethoven Competition, First Prize at the RCM Concerto Competition, First Prize at the RCM Schumann Competition, Fourth Prize at the Schubert International Piano Competition in Dortmund, Second Prize at Maria Yudina International Piano Competition in St Petersburg, Third Prize at Novosibirks International Piano Competition, Sixth Prize at 19th Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition.
Among his other awards are a Richter Scholarship from Rostropovich Foundation, a diploma of festival "Musical Holiday" in Romania and First Prize and Sir Norman Lindop Trophy of Hatfield and District Musical Festival in England. Performing venues in England have included London's Cadogan Hall, Steinway Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Purcell Room and he has given recitals in Cambridge, Purcell Room in the Southbank Centre, Draper's Hall (Livery Hall). He has also performed in Cambridge, Oxford and Norden Centre for the Arts with St John's Orchestra under Nigel Wilkinson in Maidenhead, Loughborough and Colchester.
Konstantin has been performing extensively all over Russia. (Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Small Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Rachmaninov Hall, Zerkalny Hall, Tchaikovsky Arts Centre, the Big Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow). Also, in Saratov, Ivanovka (Rachmaninov House-Estate), Volgograd, Vladimir, Zhukovsky, Klin, Rzhev, Mirniy. He performed as a soloist and with orchestras conducted by Sergey Skripka and Eduard Serov. Prestigious engagements included: "Yamaha presents" (Gradus and Parnassum) in Moscow in 2005, performing at a festival "In Memory of V. Lotar-Shevchenko" in Novosibirsk in 2006; in December 2007, he performed at a festival "All Mozart's Concertos" in Volgograd (Russia) with Volgograd Symphony Orchestra.
Forthcoming engagements include performances at the Royal Albert Hall, St James's Piccadilly, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, the Chipping Campden Music Festival, Bath Piano Recitals Series, Rachmaninov Concert Hall in Moscow and the Salle Cortot in Paris. Performances with the singer Alla Ablaberdyeva were broadcast on Orpheus radio (Russia). Solo performances were broadcast on Zhukovsky Radio and TV.
In 2009, Konstantin signed an exclusive recording contract with Classical Records. His début CD is planned for autumn 2009 and will include works by Tchaikovsky - Pletnev and Schumann. “Konstantin Lapshin's performance gave me real pleasure. He's got a special edge in his performance, he makes the whole audience feel the music the way he does, because he has his own attitude to the piece performed. He has a lot to get across to the audience... And this is the main thing” - Mikhail Pletnev (pianist and conductor).
His many prizes include First Prize at the RCM Chappell Piano Competition, First Prize at the RCM Beethoven Competition, First Prize at the RCM Concerto Competition, First Prize at the RCM Schumann Competition, Fourth Prize at the Schubert International Piano Competition in Dortmund, Second Prize at Maria Yudina International Piano Competition in St Petersburg, Third Prize at Novosibirks International Piano Competition, Sixth Prize at 19th Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition.
Among his other awards are a Richter Scholarship from Rostropovich Foundation, a diploma of festival "Musical Holiday" in Romania and First Prize and Sir Norman Lindop Trophy of Hatfield and District Musical Festival in England. Performing venues in England have included London's Cadogan Hall, Steinway Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Purcell Room and he has given recitals in Cambridge, Purcell Room in the Southbank Centre, Draper's Hall (Livery Hall). He has also performed in Cambridge, Oxford and Norden Centre for the Arts with St John's Orchestra under Nigel Wilkinson in Maidenhead, Loughborough and Colchester.
Konstantin has been performing extensively all over Russia. (Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Small Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Rachmaninov Hall, Zerkalny Hall, Tchaikovsky Arts Centre, the Big Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow). Also, in Saratov, Ivanovka (Rachmaninov House-Estate), Volgograd, Vladimir, Zhukovsky, Klin, Rzhev, Mirniy. He performed as a soloist and with orchestras conducted by Sergey Skripka and Eduard Serov. Prestigious engagements included: "Yamaha presents" (Gradus and Parnassum) in Moscow in 2005, performing at a festival "In Memory of V. Lotar-Shevchenko" in Novosibirsk in 2006; in December 2007, he performed at a festival "All Mozart's Concertos" in Volgograd (Russia) with Volgograd Symphony Orchestra.
Forthcoming engagements include performances at the Royal Albert Hall, St James's Piccadilly, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, the Chipping Campden Music Festival, Bath Piano Recitals Series, Rachmaninov Concert Hall in Moscow and the Salle Cortot in Paris. Performances with the singer Alla Ablaberdyeva were broadcast on Orpheus radio (Russia). Solo performances were broadcast on Zhukovsky Radio and TV.
In 2009, Konstantin signed an exclusive recording contract with Classical Records. His début CD is planned for autumn 2009 and will include works by Tchaikovsky - Pletnev and Schumann. “Konstantin Lapshin's performance gave me real pleasure. He's got a special edge in his performance, he makes the whole audience feel the music the way he does, because he has his own attitude to the piece performed. He has a lot to get across to the audience... And this is the main thing” - Mikhail Pletnev (pianist and conductor).
Julia Hwang (violin) 3.30pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Camille Saint-Saëns - Danse Macabre
César Franck - Sonata in A (4th movement)
Pablo Sarasate - Zigeunerweisen
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Camille Saint-Saëns - Danse Macabre
César Franck - Sonata in A (4th movement)
Pablo Sarasate - Zigeunerweisen
Julia Hwang (her Korean name is Jung-Won) (13) was born in South Korea and began playing the violin when she was seven. She took her Grade 8 exams 18 months later, gave her professional solo début with the English National Baroque Orchestra at the age of nine and has subsequently performed as a soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2005, while attending an international summer school in Spain, Julia was awarded the Louise Bertrand Premier Violinist prize.
Having released her first CD in November 2007, she gave her début recital at St George's Hall, Bristol, in February 2008. In the same year, Julia obtained a Diploma ABRSM with distinction. Julia's competition successes include being the youngest winner of the Gregynog Young Musician of the Year Competition (2008) in Wales, and the Two Moors Competition in Devon (2005) in conjunction with Classic FM.
Her most recent success was to win her class at The Concours International de Musique & Academic de Val D'Isere, France (February, 2009) where she performed a recital.
Julia has also participated many times at Clifton College's Prom on the Close, performing to audiences of over 8,000 people, and alongside world class musicians such as Jose Carreras and Lesley Garrett.
In December 2008, Julia performed Bach's Violin Concerto in A minor with the Royal Court Players in Clevedon and a few days later gave her London début, performing Mozart's Violin Concerto in G major with the St Paul's Sinfonia Orchestra.
Julia has performed live on BBC and ITV television channels, and has also been interviewed many times on Radio 5 live and BBC Bristol, as well as live internet radio shows to a worldwide audience. Her second CD, called “My Recital”, was released in July 2009.
Julia has been very fortunate to be loaned a Peter Guarnerius of Mantua 1685 violin. Julia is a Music and Academic Scholar at Clifton College in Bristol, where her music teacher and mentor is Professor Richard Crabtree.
Having released her first CD in November 2007, she gave her début recital at St George's Hall, Bristol, in February 2008. In the same year, Julia obtained a Diploma ABRSM with distinction. Julia's competition successes include being the youngest winner of the Gregynog Young Musician of the Year Competition (2008) in Wales, and the Two Moors Competition in Devon (2005) in conjunction with Classic FM.
Her most recent success was to win her class at The Concours International de Musique & Academic de Val D'Isere, France (February, 2009) where she performed a recital.
Julia has also participated many times at Clifton College's Prom on the Close, performing to audiences of over 8,000 people, and alongside world class musicians such as Jose Carreras and Lesley Garrett.
In December 2008, Julia performed Bach's Violin Concerto in A minor with the Royal Court Players in Clevedon and a few days later gave her London début, performing Mozart's Violin Concerto in G major with the St Paul's Sinfonia Orchestra.
Julia has performed live on BBC and ITV television channels, and has also been interviewed many times on Radio 5 live and BBC Bristol, as well as live internet radio shows to a worldwide audience. Her second CD, called “My Recital”, was released in July 2009.
Julia has been very fortunate to be loaned a Peter Guarnerius of Mantua 1685 violin. Julia is a Music and Academic Scholar at Clifton College in Bristol, where her music teacher and mentor is Professor Richard Crabtree.
Kateryna Titova (piano) 3.50pm
Antón Garcia Abril - Preludia Mirambel
Frederic Chopin - Ballade No. 1 Op. 23
Moritz Mozskowski - Etticillence
Joseph Haydn - Sonata Hob. XVI/12 (1st movement)
Antón Garcia Abril - Preludia Mirambel
Frederic Chopin - Ballade No. 1 Op. 23
Moritz Mozskowski - Etticillence
Joseph Haydn - Sonata Hob. XVI/12 (1st movement)
Kateryna Titova (26) was born in Enakievo (Ukraine) and received her first piano lessons at the age of five. From 1994 to 1999, she attended the Central Special School of Music in Charkov and subsequently transferred to the Special School of Music in Moscow. Her concert début with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, at the Charkov Philharmonic Hall was followed only a year later by a performance of Saint-Saens' highly virtuoso Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, together with the Charkov Philharmonic, the Odessa Philharmonic and the Charkov Opera Orchestra.
From 2001 to 2003, Kateryna studied at the College of Music in Munster (Germany), after which she moved to Dresden to pursue further studies at that city's Carl Maria von Weber College of Music. She also owes significant artistic inspiration to her collaboration with Igor Blagodatov, a pupil of Jacob Milstein, who ranks among to-day's leading pianists in the tradition of the Russian piano school.
Kateryna Titova regularly participates in national and international piano competitions and has won numerous first prizes, including the 8th International Piano Competition “Alicia de Larrocha” in Andorra, the 6th Annual International Russian Music Piano Competition in San Jose (California) and also the International Anton G. Rubinstein Piano Competition in Dresden (Germany).
She has been awarded several scholarships by the Moscow Vladimir Spivakov Foundation, the Oskar und Vera Ritter Foundation and the Lutz-E. Adolf Foundation. Kateryna Titova has appeared as a soloist and in chamber music recitals in Ukraine, Russia, Europe and in the USA, appearing with, for example, the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Vista Symphony ot California, the Moscow Symphonic Orchestra in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire, the Dresden Sinfonietta, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, at the International Music Festival in Viana do Castello (Portugal) and at the Meckienburg-Vorpommem Festival.
Kateryna has recently become a first prize winner of the San Nicola di Bari, Citta di Sulmona Piano Competition in Italy, the James Mottram Competition in Manchester and the 2009 Rotary Club Competition in Mallorca. She lives in London and studies with Norma Fisher at the Royal Northern College of Music. Her future plans include concerts at the Semperoper in Dresden, the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Lesinsky Hail in Zagreb, also performances with Philharmonie de Nationen and Justus Franz and a tour with the Philharmonic Varsoria, as well as serving on a jury at San Nicola di Bari Competition.
From 2001 to 2003, Kateryna studied at the College of Music in Munster (Germany), after which she moved to Dresden to pursue further studies at that city's Carl Maria von Weber College of Music. She also owes significant artistic inspiration to her collaboration with Igor Blagodatov, a pupil of Jacob Milstein, who ranks among to-day's leading pianists in the tradition of the Russian piano school.
Kateryna Titova regularly participates in national and international piano competitions and has won numerous first prizes, including the 8th International Piano Competition “Alicia de Larrocha” in Andorra, the 6th Annual International Russian Music Piano Competition in San Jose (California) and also the International Anton G. Rubinstein Piano Competition in Dresden (Germany).
She has been awarded several scholarships by the Moscow Vladimir Spivakov Foundation, the Oskar und Vera Ritter Foundation and the Lutz-E. Adolf Foundation. Kateryna Titova has appeared as a soloist and in chamber music recitals in Ukraine, Russia, Europe and in the USA, appearing with, for example, the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Vista Symphony ot California, the Moscow Symphonic Orchestra in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire, the Dresden Sinfonietta, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, at the International Music Festival in Viana do Castello (Portugal) and at the Meckienburg-Vorpommem Festival.
Kateryna has recently become a first prize winner of the San Nicola di Bari, Citta di Sulmona Piano Competition in Italy, the James Mottram Competition in Manchester and the 2009 Rotary Club Competition in Mallorca. She lives in London and studies with Norma Fisher at the Royal Northern College of Music. Her future plans include concerts at the Semperoper in Dresden, the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Lesinsky Hail in Zagreb, also performances with Philharmonie de Nationen and Justus Franz and a tour with the Philharmonic Varsoria, as well as serving on a jury at San Nicola di Bari Competition.
Vincenzo Lai (flute) 4.10pm
Accompanist – Paul Montag
J. S. Bach - Concerto in E minor BWV 1059 (1st movement)
Francois Borne - Carmen Fantasy
Accompanist – Paul Montag
J. S. Bach - Concerto in E minor BWV 1059 (1st movement)
Francois Borne - Carmen Fantasy
Vincenzo Lai (24) was born in Nuoro, Italy. He started to play the flute when he was 14 years old. He graduated five years later, in 2003, from the National Conservatory “L. Canepa” in Sassari, (Italy) with 9.25/10; his teachers were Alda Nicolicchia and, later, Stefano Mancini.
He continued his studies with Jean Ferrandis at “Accademia internazionale di Cagliari” (2003 - 2007) and also at Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris (ENMP). It is at the latter where he now studies chamber music with Genvieve Martigny. Inside ENMP he received his (unanimity of the jury) “Diplome de Enseignement” and his “Diplome Superieure de Musique de Chambre”.
He has participated in national and international competitions where he earned great results including 1st Prize “Concours G.Visconti” Rome, 1st Prize “Concorso Nazionale Scuole di Musica” Florence, 1st Prize “Concorso Internazionale Riviera della Versilia” (Wind instrument) Viareggio, 1st Prize “Concorso Internazionale Riviera della Versilia” (Chamber Music) Viareggio, 2nd Prize “Concorso Internazionale Nuoro Citta dell'Euromeditteraneo” Nuoro, 2nd Prize “Concours Ufam - Musique de Chambre” Paris, 2nd Prize “Concours Fondation Ballan - Musique de Chambre” Paris, 3rd Prize “Concorso Internazionale Riviera del Conero” Ancona. He also won a scholarship as the best student from “Accademia Internazionale di Cagliari”.
In 2007, he was one of the candidates admitted to the International Flute Competiton “Maxence Larrieu” and in 2009, he was invited to participate in the “1st Mediterranean Flute Competition”.
He has performed in various European countries including Spain, Greece, France and Italy in such famous concert halls as “Maison de l'UNESCO” in Paris, the Italian Culture Center in Athens and at the Italian General Consulate in Paris. Each performance was lauded as a critical and popular success.
He continued his studies with Jean Ferrandis at “Accademia internazionale di Cagliari” (2003 - 2007) and also at Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris (ENMP). It is at the latter where he now studies chamber music with Genvieve Martigny. Inside ENMP he received his (unanimity of the jury) “Diplome de Enseignement” and his “Diplome Superieure de Musique de Chambre”.
He has participated in national and international competitions where he earned great results including 1st Prize “Concours G.Visconti” Rome, 1st Prize “Concorso Nazionale Scuole di Musica” Florence, 1st Prize “Concorso Internazionale Riviera della Versilia” (Wind instrument) Viareggio, 1st Prize “Concorso Internazionale Riviera della Versilia” (Chamber Music) Viareggio, 2nd Prize “Concorso Internazionale Nuoro Citta dell'Euromeditteraneo” Nuoro, 2nd Prize “Concours Ufam - Musique de Chambre” Paris, 2nd Prize “Concours Fondation Ballan - Musique de Chambre” Paris, 3rd Prize “Concorso Internazionale Riviera del Conero” Ancona. He also won a scholarship as the best student from “Accademia Internazionale di Cagliari”.
In 2007, he was one of the candidates admitted to the International Flute Competiton “Maxence Larrieu” and in 2009, he was invited to participate in the “1st Mediterranean Flute Competition”.
He has performed in various European countries including Spain, Greece, France and Italy in such famous concert halls as “Maison de l'UNESCO” in Paris, the Italian Culture Center in Athens and at the Italian General Consulate in Paris. Each performance was lauded as a critical and popular success.
Sander Geerts (viola) 4.30pm
Accompanist – Yasuko Takahashi
Dmitri Shostakovich - Sonata (3rd movement)
William Walton - Concerto (1st movement)
Accompanist – Yasuko Takahashi
Dmitri Shostakovich - Sonata (3rd movement)
William Walton - Concerto (1st movement)
Sander Geerts (28) was born in Mol, Belgium and started playing the viola at the age of 8. In 1999, he was awarded first prize in the competition “Axion Classics” in Belgium and the following year began studying at the Royal Flemish Music Conservatory of Antwerp with Leo De Neve. Sander was chosen by audition to be the soloist in Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante at the Conservatory's Gala Project in the season 2003-04. In 2004, he also performed the same concerto several times with Bruocsella Symphony Orchestra in many different cities in Belgium.
Between 2004-8, he held the position of co-leader of violas at the Flemish Radio Orchestra. During July 2005 and August 2006, he performed concerts with the well-known Belgian string quartet, the Spiegel String Quartet, as deputy for their regular viola player, Leo De Neve in the Euro-Nippon Music Festival.
Also in August 2006, Sander was awarded the Special Prize as the best player of the obliged set piece newly-composed by David Matthews at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition on the Isle of Man. The next March, he was invited by the Spiegel String Quartet to play several concerts in Japan and that April, he gave a joint concert in Tokyo (Japan) with a known Korean guitarist, Yong-Tae Kim.
In March 2008, he was chosen to play Weber's Andante und Rondo Ungarese with the Symphony Orchestra of Conservatory in Antwerp in their Gala Project and also invited to play concerts with the well-known Belgian ensemble group, Het Hermes Ensemble as a soloist in a performance of Feldman's The Rothko Chapel.
Having been appointed in September 2008, Sander is presently principal viola of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic but, he also regularly plays chamber music concerts and records CDs with Henry Raudales (concert master of Münchner Rundfunkorchester and Flemish Radio Orchestra).
Between 2004-8, he held the position of co-leader of violas at the Flemish Radio Orchestra. During July 2005 and August 2006, he performed concerts with the well-known Belgian string quartet, the Spiegel String Quartet, as deputy for their regular viola player, Leo De Neve in the Euro-Nippon Music Festival.
Also in August 2006, Sander was awarded the Special Prize as the best player of the obliged set piece newly-composed by David Matthews at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition on the Isle of Man. The next March, he was invited by the Spiegel String Quartet to play several concerts in Japan and that April, he gave a joint concert in Tokyo (Japan) with a known Korean guitarist, Yong-Tae Kim.
In March 2008, he was chosen to play Weber's Andante und Rondo Ungarese with the Symphony Orchestra of Conservatory in Antwerp in their Gala Project and also invited to play concerts with the well-known Belgian ensemble group, Het Hermes Ensemble as a soloist in a performance of Feldman's The Rothko Chapel.
Having been appointed in September 2008, Sander is presently principal viola of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic but, he also regularly plays chamber music concerts and records CDs with Henry Raudales (concert master of Münchner Rundfunkorchester and Flemish Radio Orchestra).
Kwang-hoon Kim (violin) 4.50pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Béla Bartók - Violin Concerto No. 2 (1st movement)
Manuel de Falla - Danse Espagnole
arr. Fritz Kreisler
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Béla Bartók - Violin Concerto No. 2 (1st movement)
Manuel de Falla - Danse Espagnole
arr. Fritz Kreisler
Kwang-hoon Kim (33) was born in Daegoo, South Korea. He began playing the violin at the age of seven, continuing those studies at Dankook University in Seoul from 1996 to 2002. During that period, he won 2nd Prize in the “Seoul Young Musicians' Violin Competition” and 3rd Prize in the “Hanmi Competition” in Korea. Moving to München in Germany to attend Hochschule für Musik und Theater between 2002 and 2006, he obtained his Diploma studying with Prof. Sebestyén. Under the tutelage of Prof. Bergmann during 2006 to 2008, he achieved his Konzertexamen from Hochschule für Musik in Mainz.
He has participated in master-classes with Prof. Albrecht Breuninger, Prof. Ulf Hoelscher, Prof. Roman Nodel, Prof. Joshua Epstein, Prof. Ulf Schneider, Dr. Helmut Zehetmair and Prof. Gorjan Kosuta.
Kwang-hoon Kim has performed as Concertmaster with the Junge Münchner Philharmonie, Ansan Philharmoniker and CJD Orchester in Germany and played with conductors such as Maris Jansons and Essa-Pekka Salonen. He has given numerous recitals and concerts in Belgium, Greece, Germany and Korea. In 2001, he won the Korean-German Brahms Society “Brahms Competition” and in 2008, was awarded 1st Prize in the Citta di Cortemilia International Music Competition “Vittoria Caffa Righetti” in Italy.
Kwang-hoon Kim is presently co-leader of the Brandenburg Orchestra and as a chamber musician, he gives performances as a member of the Berlin Piano Trio.
He has participated in master-classes with Prof. Albrecht Breuninger, Prof. Ulf Hoelscher, Prof. Roman Nodel, Prof. Joshua Epstein, Prof. Ulf Schneider, Dr. Helmut Zehetmair and Prof. Gorjan Kosuta.
Kwang-hoon Kim has performed as Concertmaster with the Junge Münchner Philharmonie, Ansan Philharmoniker and CJD Orchester in Germany and played with conductors such as Maris Jansons and Essa-Pekka Salonen. He has given numerous recitals and concerts in Belgium, Greece, Germany and Korea. In 2001, he won the Korean-German Brahms Society “Brahms Competition” and in 2008, was awarded 1st Prize in the Citta di Cortemilia International Music Competition “Vittoria Caffa Righetti” in Italy.
Kwang-hoon Kim is presently co-leader of the Brandenburg Orchestra and as a chamber musician, he gives performances as a member of the Berlin Piano Trio.
Hannah Marcinowicz (saxophone) 5.50pm
Accompanist – Daniel Swain
Jules Demersseman - Fantaisie sur un theme original
Claude Debussy - Syrinx
transcribed J-M Londeix
Peter de Rose - Deep Purple
arr. R. Wiedoeft
Accompanist – Daniel Swain
Jules Demersseman - Fantaisie sur un theme original
Claude Debussy - Syrinx
transcribed J-M Londeix
Peter de Rose - Deep Purple
arr. R. Wiedoeft
Hannah Marcinowicz (26) was born in England. As a soloist on the Tillett Trust Young Artists' Platform, she made her Wigmore Hall début in 2008. In 2007, she gave a recital at the Royal Festival Hall as an award-winner of the Philharmonia Orchestra Martin Musical Scholarship Fund and last year, she gave a Park Lane Group Young Artists' recital at the Purcell Room, where she premièred a new work by Giles Swayne to universal critical acclaim. Following the success of this recital, the Park Lane Group invited her to give a further recital at Wigmore Hall in April 2009.
A former Purcell School pupil, Hannah graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied both saxophone and clarinet with Richard Addison. Whilst there she received a Foundation Award and the Henry Ellice Lees Prize. Since leaving the Academy, she has received awards from the Philharmonia Orchestra Martin Musical Scholarship Fund, Leverhulme Trust, Countess of Munster Musical Trust and the Craxton Memorial Trust, which have enabled her to continue her studies at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Cergy-Pontoise in Paris with international soloist, Jean-Yves Fourmeau. In June 2008, she was awarded the prestigious Médaille d'Or (Gold Medal) from the Conservatoire for both Saxophone Performance and Chamber Music.
Hannah has worked with a number of top UK orchestras, including the London Symphony, Philharmonia, BBC Concert, London Philharmonic and London Concert Orchestras, as well as the Northern Sinfonia. In September 2005, at the age of 22, Hannah played the bass clarinet and tenor saxophone solo in Vaughan-Williams' Sixth Symphony, under Sir Colin Davis, at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was broadcast live on BBC 2 and BBC Radio 3 and she received rave reviews for her performance in the national press.
In June 2006, Hannah recorded two “Classic Experience” albums with pianist Richard Shaw for Cramer Music Limited. She is currently an artist on the Live Music Now! scheme, a soloist on the Countess of Munster Musical Trust Recital Scheme, and a recipient of Making Music's Philip & Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists, leading to engagements throughout the UK. Highlights next season include numerous solo recitals and concerto engagements, including a performance of the Glazunov Concerto with the European Union Chamber Orchestra at St. George's Bristol.
A former Purcell School pupil, Hannah graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied both saxophone and clarinet with Richard Addison. Whilst there she received a Foundation Award and the Henry Ellice Lees Prize. Since leaving the Academy, she has received awards from the Philharmonia Orchestra Martin Musical Scholarship Fund, Leverhulme Trust, Countess of Munster Musical Trust and the Craxton Memorial Trust, which have enabled her to continue her studies at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Cergy-Pontoise in Paris with international soloist, Jean-Yves Fourmeau. In June 2008, she was awarded the prestigious Médaille d'Or (Gold Medal) from the Conservatoire for both Saxophone Performance and Chamber Music.
Hannah has worked with a number of top UK orchestras, including the London Symphony, Philharmonia, BBC Concert, London Philharmonic and London Concert Orchestras, as well as the Northern Sinfonia. In September 2005, at the age of 22, Hannah played the bass clarinet and tenor saxophone solo in Vaughan-Williams' Sixth Symphony, under Sir Colin Davis, at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was broadcast live on BBC 2 and BBC Radio 3 and she received rave reviews for her performance in the national press.
In June 2006, Hannah recorded two “Classic Experience” albums with pianist Richard Shaw for Cramer Music Limited. She is currently an artist on the Live Music Now! scheme, a soloist on the Countess of Munster Musical Trust Recital Scheme, and a recipient of Making Music's Philip & Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists, leading to engagements throughout the UK. Highlights next season include numerous solo recitals and concerto engagements, including a performance of the Glazunov Concerto with the European Union Chamber Orchestra at St. George's Bristol.
Victoria Simonsen (cello) 6.10pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
J. S. Bach - Suite No. 3 in C (Prelude)
Lyell Cresswell - Atta (3rd and 4th movement)
Antonin Dvorak - Concerto Op. 104 (1st movement)
Accompanist – Tom Blach
J. S. Bach - Suite No. 3 in C (Prelude)
Lyell Cresswell - Atta (3rd and 4th movement)
Antonin Dvorak - Concerto Op. 104 (1st movement)
Victoria Simonsen (26) was born in Auckland, New Zealand and has lived in England since 2002. Described as “a musician of rare quality” by The Strad and “beautifully sensitive and composed” by The Times, she is in great demand as soloist and chamber musician.
Simonsen was winner of the 2008 Royal Over-Seas League Strings Competition, adding to her existing competition accolades which include the Barbirolli Cello Prize, Leonard Rose Prize, Countess of Munster's 'Star Award', New Zealand Young Musician of the Year, New Zealand Performer of the Year, Royal Over-Seas League Travelling Scholarship and the prestigious Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.
Simonsen regularly collaborates with several brilliant young pianists and was a Solo Artist on the Countess of Munster's Recital Scheme 2007-2009. In 2008 she was selected as a Park Lane Group 'Young Artist', under which she made her Purcell Room début in 2009.
Simonsen has performed widely not only in the UK but also in France, Far East Asia and New Zealand. She is a regular concerto soloist with orchestras both in the UK and New Zealand. UK recital highlights include Queen Elizabeth Hall, St David's Hall Cardiff, BBC Proms Composer Portrait, Leeds International Recital Series, Ryedale Festival, Manchester International Cello Festival, Darlington International Festival, Buxton Festival, Magnus Lindberg Festival Manchester and Ripon Cathedral. Master-classes have included Mstislav Rostropovich, Anner Bylsma, Philippe Muller, Luis Claret, Ralph Kirshbaum, Maria Kliegal, Gary Hoffman and Bernard Greenhouse.
As a committed chamber musician, Simonsen is regularly invited to the IMS Prussia Cove Open Chamber Music Sessions and for six years, until mid-2OO9, she was a member of the Barbirolli Quartet. During that time the quartet's achievements included being selected by the European Concert Halls Organisation (ECHO) for the prestigious 'Rising Stars' series, winning a Tunnell Trust Award, a Kirckman Concert Society Award, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust Recital Scheme, 'Quartet in Residence' at Salford University and a Guildhall Artists Fellowship. Engagements with the quartet included the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, The Chelsea Festival, Cheltenham Music Festival, St David's Hall Cardiff, Harrogate International Festival, Manchester Mid-Day in Bridgewater Hall and St John's, Smith Square.
Whilst still a student, Simonsen was appointed Section Principal Cellist of the Orchestra of Opera North (2005-2007) and has been Guest Principal Cellist with orchestras such as Scottish Opera, Philharmonia, Northern Sinfonia and Lancashire Sinfonietta. She graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2004 with a Masters degree, gaining distinctions in both performance and composition. Her interest in contemporary music lead to studies with Anthony Gilbert and her own compositions include a work performed by the RNCM Symphony Orchestra and a string quartet premiered at the 2006 Sonic Skylines Festival. At the RNCM she studied cello with Ralph Kirshbaum and Karine Georgian and in 2006 was awarded the Gold Medal, the highest award bestowed by the college, and at the same competition was voted winner of the Audience Prize. Her studies were enabled by the generous financial support from the Countess of Munster Trust, Patricia Pratt Scholarship, Creative NZ, Philharmonia/Martin Musical Scholarship Fund and the Craxton Memorial Trust.
Simonsen was winner of the 2008 Royal Over-Seas League Strings Competition, adding to her existing competition accolades which include the Barbirolli Cello Prize, Leonard Rose Prize, Countess of Munster's 'Star Award', New Zealand Young Musician of the Year, New Zealand Performer of the Year, Royal Over-Seas League Travelling Scholarship and the prestigious Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.
Simonsen regularly collaborates with several brilliant young pianists and was a Solo Artist on the Countess of Munster's Recital Scheme 2007-2009. In 2008 she was selected as a Park Lane Group 'Young Artist', under which she made her Purcell Room début in 2009.
Simonsen has performed widely not only in the UK but also in France, Far East Asia and New Zealand. She is a regular concerto soloist with orchestras both in the UK and New Zealand. UK recital highlights include Queen Elizabeth Hall, St David's Hall Cardiff, BBC Proms Composer Portrait, Leeds International Recital Series, Ryedale Festival, Manchester International Cello Festival, Darlington International Festival, Buxton Festival, Magnus Lindberg Festival Manchester and Ripon Cathedral. Master-classes have included Mstislav Rostropovich, Anner Bylsma, Philippe Muller, Luis Claret, Ralph Kirshbaum, Maria Kliegal, Gary Hoffman and Bernard Greenhouse.
As a committed chamber musician, Simonsen is regularly invited to the IMS Prussia Cove Open Chamber Music Sessions and for six years, until mid-2OO9, she was a member of the Barbirolli Quartet. During that time the quartet's achievements included being selected by the European Concert Halls Organisation (ECHO) for the prestigious 'Rising Stars' series, winning a Tunnell Trust Award, a Kirckman Concert Society Award, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust Recital Scheme, 'Quartet in Residence' at Salford University and a Guildhall Artists Fellowship. Engagements with the quartet included the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, The Chelsea Festival, Cheltenham Music Festival, St David's Hall Cardiff, Harrogate International Festival, Manchester Mid-Day in Bridgewater Hall and St John's, Smith Square.
Whilst still a student, Simonsen was appointed Section Principal Cellist of the Orchestra of Opera North (2005-2007) and has been Guest Principal Cellist with orchestras such as Scottish Opera, Philharmonia, Northern Sinfonia and Lancashire Sinfonietta. She graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2004 with a Masters degree, gaining distinctions in both performance and composition. Her interest in contemporary music lead to studies with Anthony Gilbert and her own compositions include a work performed by the RNCM Symphony Orchestra and a string quartet premiered at the 2006 Sonic Skylines Festival. At the RNCM she studied cello with Ralph Kirshbaum and Karine Georgian and in 2006 was awarded the Gold Medal, the highest award bestowed by the college, and at the same competition was voted winner of the Audience Prize. Her studies were enabled by the generous financial support from the Countess of Munster Trust, Patricia Pratt Scholarship, Creative NZ, Philharmonia/Martin Musical Scholarship Fund and the Craxton Memorial Trust.
Tristan Lee (piano) 6.30pm
Sergei Rachmaninov - Etude-tableau No. 2 in C Op. 33
Serge Prokofiev - Sonata No. 7 Op. 83
Sergei Rachmaninov - Etude-tableau No. 2 in C Op. 33
Serge Prokofiev - Sonata No. 7 Op. 83
Tristan Lee (24) was born in Australia with duel British nationality and resides in the U.K. He has recently completed a Master of Music Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester), under the guidance of Graham Scott, Head of Keyboard. In 2008, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music (First-class honours) from the University of Melbourne, where he was Musician in Residence and Music Tutor at St Hilda's College. Tristan Lee studied with Glenn Riddle for 9 years before leaving Australia and is currently studying with Leslie Howard in London.
Tristan Lee's many engagements in 2009 have included solo and chamber music recitals in various festivals including the RNCM International Chamber Music Festival, 'Haydn the Innovator Festival' (Manchester), 'Raising Sparks, The Music of James MacMillan' Festival, and a solo recital for the Liszt Society at the Bluthner Centre, London. Engagements abroad include a solo recital at Teatro Tosti, Ortona, Italy and a tour to Australia in October 2009 where he will perform in New South Wales and Victoria. In May 2009, Tristan Lee made his Wigmore Hall début performing in a piano trio alongside the violinist Yukihiro Nishimoto and the cellist Joris Van Den Berg.
Throughout Australia, Tristan Lee has performed recitals for the Melba Festival and the Diamond Youth Series, appeared as concerto soloist with the Zelman Symphony Orchestra and the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra, and has been broadcast numerous times on radio. His competition successes include first prize in Prix Scarbo, Manchester 2009, and first prize and the gold medal in the Australian Youth Piano Recital, Dandenong Festival 2008.
Tristan Lee's plans for 2010 include a tour of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and Russia forming part of a four-piano-ensemble, and he will also make his début recording of Rachmaninov's Etudes-Tableaux and Prokofiev's Seventh Sonata for Canto Promotions (Spain).
Tristan Lee's many engagements in 2009 have included solo and chamber music recitals in various festivals including the RNCM International Chamber Music Festival, 'Haydn the Innovator Festival' (Manchester), 'Raising Sparks, The Music of James MacMillan' Festival, and a solo recital for the Liszt Society at the Bluthner Centre, London. Engagements abroad include a solo recital at Teatro Tosti, Ortona, Italy and a tour to Australia in October 2009 where he will perform in New South Wales and Victoria. In May 2009, Tristan Lee made his Wigmore Hall début performing in a piano trio alongside the violinist Yukihiro Nishimoto and the cellist Joris Van Den Berg.
Throughout Australia, Tristan Lee has performed recitals for the Melba Festival and the Diamond Youth Series, appeared as concerto soloist with the Zelman Symphony Orchestra and the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra, and has been broadcast numerous times on radio. His competition successes include first prize in Prix Scarbo, Manchester 2009, and first prize and the gold medal in the Australian Youth Piano Recital, Dandenong Festival 2008.
Tristan Lee's plans for 2010 include a tour of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and Russia forming part of a four-piano-ensemble, and he will also make his début recording of Rachmaninov's Etudes-Tableaux and Prokofiev's Seventh Sonata for Canto Promotions (Spain).
Xia Xia Zhang (violin) 6.50pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Eugène Ysaÿe - Sonata No. 3
Jenö Hubay - “Carmen” – Fantasy Brillante
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Eugène Ysaÿe - Sonata No. 3
Jenö Hubay - “Carmen” – Fantasy Brillante
Xia Xia Zhang (22) was born in China into an artistic family. She started to study the violin with her father when she was 3 years old. She won her first prize in a violin competition and her solo playing was recorded for the public programmes of CCTV at the age of 4. Xia Xia won the first prize in the Shandong Province violin competition and received the accolade “Chinese Little Star” in the national competition at the age of 8. One year later, as a child prodigy, she made her concerto début with orchestra.
After gaining an outstanding mark for the entrance audition, Xia Xia studied in the middle school attached to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing from 2000-2006. During that time, she achieved the highest marks and was awarded the “Outstanding Student” prize of a continuous scholarship.
As the prize-winner of China's national violin competition and being a distinguished pupil of the most famous violin professor in China, Mr. Lin Yao Ji, Xia Xia gave solo recitals regularly and accompanied Prof. Lin to perform in his public master-classes, with some of her performances being broadcast across China on Chinese television and radio stations. She was invited to perform with many orchestras including China National Broadcast Symphony Orchestra, Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Haerbin Symphony Orchestra, Wuhan Symphony Orchestra and Shandong Symphony Orchestra, Her repertoire included violin concertos by Wieniawski, Mendelson, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mozart, Vivaldi and Butterfly Lovers violin concerto by the Chinese composers He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, together with virtuoso works by Waxman, Wieniawski, Prokofiev, Paganini and Sarasate. Each of her performances was critically acclaimed by audiences and the media.
Xia Xia was invited twice to attend the Morningside Music Bridge by Canada Mount Royal College in Calgary with a full scholarship at the age of 15 (June 2003). As a chamber musician, Xia Xia's piano trio group was a prize-winner in the Canada International Music Festival Competition and she recorded an exclusive Interview with CBC.
In 2006, she gave solo performances in the Zhongshan Music Hall in Beijing, together with a series of concerts at the Great Wall International Music Festival organized by Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (USA). She was been awarded a full scholarship to attend this event by the Starling Foundation (USA).
Xia Xia was the only violinist to be given the title of “special gifted student” with an exceptional status by the Chinese Ministry of Education to enter the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing without taking the entrance audition and additional examinations.
In 2007, Xia Xia became the only person taking the Royal Academy of Music entrance audition to be awarded a full scholarship (plus living costs) by Sir Curtis Price (Principal of RAM) to study at the Royal Academy of Music. She was also given the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust Award (January 2008) and Sainsbury Award (November 2008) by the Royal Academy of Music. During this time, she was one of the students selected to perform in Ms Tasmin Little and Prof. Marthias Brandis's master-class, and she also appeared as soloist in many concerts at the Academy. In the summer of 2008, she won the second prize in the International Canneti Festival violin competition in Bulgaria and as a guest soloist, she performed in a series of concerts organized by Leipzig Euro Arts Festival.
Currently, Xia Xia continues her studies at the RAM, studying with the French-Chinese violinist, Professor Hu Kun.
After gaining an outstanding mark for the entrance audition, Xia Xia studied in the middle school attached to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing from 2000-2006. During that time, she achieved the highest marks and was awarded the “Outstanding Student” prize of a continuous scholarship.
As the prize-winner of China's national violin competition and being a distinguished pupil of the most famous violin professor in China, Mr. Lin Yao Ji, Xia Xia gave solo recitals regularly and accompanied Prof. Lin to perform in his public master-classes, with some of her performances being broadcast across China on Chinese television and radio stations. She was invited to perform with many orchestras including China National Broadcast Symphony Orchestra, Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Haerbin Symphony Orchestra, Wuhan Symphony Orchestra and Shandong Symphony Orchestra, Her repertoire included violin concertos by Wieniawski, Mendelson, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mozart, Vivaldi and Butterfly Lovers violin concerto by the Chinese composers He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, together with virtuoso works by Waxman, Wieniawski, Prokofiev, Paganini and Sarasate. Each of her performances was critically acclaimed by audiences and the media.
Xia Xia was invited twice to attend the Morningside Music Bridge by Canada Mount Royal College in Calgary with a full scholarship at the age of 15 (June 2003). As a chamber musician, Xia Xia's piano trio group was a prize-winner in the Canada International Music Festival Competition and she recorded an exclusive Interview with CBC.
In 2006, she gave solo performances in the Zhongshan Music Hall in Beijing, together with a series of concerts at the Great Wall International Music Festival organized by Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (USA). She was been awarded a full scholarship to attend this event by the Starling Foundation (USA).
Xia Xia was the only violinist to be given the title of “special gifted student” with an exceptional status by the Chinese Ministry of Education to enter the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing without taking the entrance audition and additional examinations.
In 2007, Xia Xia became the only person taking the Royal Academy of Music entrance audition to be awarded a full scholarship (plus living costs) by Sir Curtis Price (Principal of RAM) to study at the Royal Academy of Music. She was also given the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust Award (January 2008) and Sainsbury Award (November 2008) by the Royal Academy of Music. During this time, she was one of the students selected to perform in Ms Tasmin Little and Prof. Marthias Brandis's master-class, and she also appeared as soloist in many concerts at the Academy. In the summer of 2008, she won the second prize in the International Canneti Festival violin competition in Bulgaria and as a guest soloist, she performed in a series of concerts organized by Leipzig Euro Arts Festival.
Currently, Xia Xia continues her studies at the RAM, studying with the French-Chinese violinist, Professor Hu Kun.
Chen Chen (piano) 7.10pm
Alexander Scriabin - 5 Preludes Op. 16
Igor Stravinsky - 3 movements from “Petrouchka”
Alexander Scriabin - 5 Preludes Op. 16
Igor Stravinsky - 3 movements from “Petrouchka”
Chen Chen (26) was born in China and he began playing the piano at the age of three. He studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with Professor Wu Ying, Professor Shao Dan and Professor Li Minduo, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in 2005. Postgraduate studies followed at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where he gained his Master's degree in 2008.
In 2000, he gave a highly successful recital in Su Zhou People Grand Hall. He has also performed frequently in Fu Jian Concert Hall. In 2002, he worked with Liu Shikun, Zhou Guangren, Bao Huiqiao and other renowned Chinese pianists in Shanghai Grand Theatre. In the same year, he performed Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 and was acclaimed by the Young Pianist journal as “A gifted and very sensitive pianist! He performed like a poet!” In 2006, he gave the first performance in Beijing of Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, and in 2008, he performed Stravinsky's Three Movements of Petrouchka in China's National Grand Theatre,
Chen has taken part in competitions since the age of seven, when he attended the North-East China Piano Competition and won the Third Prize. In August of 2006, he was a prize-winner in the Third National Piano Competition. He also participated in the First Shenzhen International Piano Concerto Competition in 2006 and the Fourth China International Piano Competition in 2007.
Chen has also studied in master-classes with Bernd Goetzke, Piotr Paleczny, Ronan O'Hora, Boris Berman, Li Jinxing, Fou Ts'ong, Mark Racz, Paul Badura-Skoda, Tamas Ungar, Christopher Elton, Martin Jones, Peter Donohoe and Mikhail Kazakevich. He is now studying for the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Music at Birmingham Conservatoire with Professor Malcolm Wilson and Margaret Fingerhut. His debut here was given a rare high mark of 96%. He has recently won the Conservatoire Piano Prize, the Anthony Cross Memorial Prize and the First Leamington Music Prize. Chen has also been awarded a major bursary by the Tillett Trust and Colin Keer Trust to support further study at the Conservatoire next year.
In 2000, he gave a highly successful recital in Su Zhou People Grand Hall. He has also performed frequently in Fu Jian Concert Hall. In 2002, he worked with Liu Shikun, Zhou Guangren, Bao Huiqiao and other renowned Chinese pianists in Shanghai Grand Theatre. In the same year, he performed Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 and was acclaimed by the Young Pianist journal as “A gifted and very sensitive pianist! He performed like a poet!” In 2006, he gave the first performance in Beijing of Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, and in 2008, he performed Stravinsky's Three Movements of Petrouchka in China's National Grand Theatre,
Chen has taken part in competitions since the age of seven, when he attended the North-East China Piano Competition and won the Third Prize. In August of 2006, he was a prize-winner in the Third National Piano Competition. He also participated in the First Shenzhen International Piano Concerto Competition in 2006 and the Fourth China International Piano Competition in 2007.
Chen has also studied in master-classes with Bernd Goetzke, Piotr Paleczny, Ronan O'Hora, Boris Berman, Li Jinxing, Fou Ts'ong, Mark Racz, Paul Badura-Skoda, Tamas Ungar, Christopher Elton, Martin Jones, Peter Donohoe and Mikhail Kazakevich. He is now studying for the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Music at Birmingham Conservatoire with Professor Malcolm Wilson and Margaret Fingerhut. His debut here was given a rare high mark of 96%. He has recently won the Conservatoire Piano Prize, the Anthony Cross Memorial Prize and the First Leamington Music Prize. Chen has also been awarded a major bursary by the Tillett Trust and Colin Keer Trust to support further study at the Conservatoire next year.
Jose Zalba (flute) 7.30pm
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Claude Debussy - Syrinx
Serge Prokofiev - Sonata in D (3rd and 4th movements)
Lennox Berkeley - Sonatina (3rd movement)
Accompanist – Tom Blach
Claude Debussy - Syrinx
Serge Prokofiev - Sonata in D (3rd and 4th movements)
Lennox Berkeley - Sonatina (3rd movement)
Jose Zalba (25) was born in Havana, Cuba and first studied flute and piano at the Alejandro G. Caturla and then later at Amadeo Roldan Conservatory, he studied flute with Erasmo Lopez and Floraimed Fernandez, both members of the National Symphony Orchestra, Ballet and Opera Orchestras. He received Second Prize in Amadeo Roldan's National Flute Competition in 1997 and First Prize in National Union of Artists and Writers of Cuba's Woodwind Competition in 2001, performing with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jorge Lopez Marin. He has given chamber music concerts with the violinist Evelio Tieles and Havana Player's Ensemble at the Auditorium Amadeo Roldan and Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis in Havana. Jose was invited to be part of the Bach Festival 2002 in Havana giving concerts in different venues such as National Theatre “Garcia Lorca” and Caturla's Concert Hall. In England, after auditioning in London, he was offered places at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music and finally Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from where he got a full scholarship for the Bachelor of Music Degree.
With Philippa Davies as his main professor, Jose has played with Guildhall Symphonia and Wind Orchestra conducted by Gordon Hunt, Joseph Wolfe and David Corkhill and with the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Colin Davies, Sian Edwards, Paolo Olmi and Christopher Seaman. He has been invited to perform in festivals such as Seville Music Festival, Spain (2006), Belgrade Music Festival, Serbia (2007) and Paxos International Chamber Music Festival, Greece (2008). Jose was accepted as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Spain (2006-7), as an extra player for the National Welsh Opera (2007-) and was kindly supported by the Society of Knights of the Round Table and the Innholders' Company to study the Masters Programme (Orchestral Training) at the Guildhall School of Music (2007-8). Jose has been chosen to take part in the 2008-09 Foyle First Future Training Scheme with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and is currently a member of the Southbank Sinfonia.
Jose has also received Awards and Scholarships from the Rampton Family Trust, The Leathersellers' and Cordwainers' Companies, a Grant from Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation, Royal Philharmonic Society and Third Prize BFS Founders Prize by the British Flute Society Silver Jubilee Competition (2008).
With Philippa Davies as his main professor, Jose has played with Guildhall Symphonia and Wind Orchestra conducted by Gordon Hunt, Joseph Wolfe and David Corkhill and with the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Colin Davies, Sian Edwards, Paolo Olmi and Christopher Seaman. He has been invited to perform in festivals such as Seville Music Festival, Spain (2006), Belgrade Music Festival, Serbia (2007) and Paxos International Chamber Music Festival, Greece (2008). Jose was accepted as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Spain (2006-7), as an extra player for the National Welsh Opera (2007-) and was kindly supported by the Society of Knights of the Round Table and the Innholders' Company to study the Masters Programme (Orchestral Training) at the Guildhall School of Music (2007-8). Jose has been chosen to take part in the 2008-09 Foyle First Future Training Scheme with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and is currently a member of the Southbank Sinfonia.
Jose has also received Awards and Scholarships from the Rampton Family Trust, The Leathersellers' and Cordwainers' Companies, a Grant from Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation, Royal Philharmonic Society and Third Prize BFS Founders Prize by the British Flute Society Silver Jubilee Competition (2008).