At the conclusion of the competition Graham
Jones, chairman of the adjudicating panel , said:
Mr Deputy Mayor,
ladies and gentlemen, a very warm welcome from all the judges. May I begin
with a word of thanks to all the competitors for an outstanding afternoon
of music, one of the best finals over the years. In this year, the 20th
year of the competition, it is a good time to reflect over the many
winners who have impressed us and who have gone on to make careers in the
music world. Thank you also to the accompanists who have worked so hard to
make the performances so enjoyable.
A word or two
about how the competition is organised. Entry is open to all
instrumentalists who are under 24 on 31 December 2006. There is no lower
age limit, but a very high standard needs to have been achieved.
In the first
round a programme lasting15 minutes is presented, from which 5
finalists are chosen. This round is also open to the public, and anyone
who would like to hear some of the enthralling performances is welcome to
come along at any time during the weekend. It was encouraging again have
more of an audience this year which gave the competitors a greater sense
of performance. Next year, this first round will take place on Saturday 12
and Sunday 13 January.
This year the
number of entries for the competition was the highest ever with over
50 applicants. Again the emphasis was on piano, strings and woodwind with
only two horn applicants to represent the brass. Although we normally have
entries from overseas students studying in this country, this year two
competitors flew in from Italy especially for the event. The standard has
continued to be phenomenally high with hugely varied programmes in the
first round.
Competitors of all
ages are eligible to go through to the final round but, in addition to the
main prizes that are being presented this afternoon, there is a further
prize of £150, the Duke of Devonshire Award, which is given for the
best performance by a competitor aged 17 and under. The winner of this
award is normally asked to perform at the final after the tea break.
However the winner this year was Joo Yeon Sir, who so impressed the judges
that she was selected to be one of the finalists. The talent in the junior
competition was so outstanding that the judges awarded a special prize to Ori
Epstein, aged 13, from the Purcell School.
As I mentioned
last year, several other competitions have, sadly, ceased to exist. Many
of you will know that, thanks to the generosity of the late Duke of
Devonshire, this competition has enjoyed many years of financial security.
Two years ago, the
orchestra received a generous donation from the estate of the late Colonel
Philip Howes. It was decided that this gift should also be associated with
the competition. This has been recognised by naming the second prize,
which has a value of £300, the Colonel Howes Award.
This year we are
delighted to add another prize due to the generosity of Merton Cox, a
great supporter of the ESO, in memory of his late parents. This award has
a value of £200 and will be known as the May and Norman Cox Memorial
Award.
All the finalists
in the competition will receive a cheque. The value of the prizes for the
runners up is £100.
As usual, a word about what the judges are looking
for. As you may be aware, the adjudication can be found on the ESO
website. Each soloist has been marked on:
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accuracy –
although at this level technical proficiency is assumed, performance from memory and
accuracy during concert performance may affect this mark. |
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interpretation
– relating to and understanding the styles of the period and the performer’s
ability to have an affinity with the composer. |
communication
– here we take into account that this is a concerto competition. The soloist must be
able to
work with the conductor and
orchestra
project in a large concert hall
create a sense of rapport with the audience.
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We also take
into account stage presence and presentation throughout.
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A balanced
programme is also important. A contrast of styles is
desirable. It is good to report that this year, the choice of works
performed in the first round was more carefully selected, enabling the
candidates to display their ability.
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Our
congratulations go to all the finalists. To reach the final of a
competition like this is a huge achievement. All of you could be winners.
And so to some
comments on each of the performers.
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Eloisa-Fleur Thom – violin
An exquisite
tone with a relaxed vibrato that floated effortlessly . The Sibelius
was a committed and sensitive performance. The Bach was an excellent
contrast. Light winsome and athletic. Your bowing articulation
contributed to this stylish performance with an authentic sound.
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Eimear
McGeown – flute
You showed
excellent stage presence and engaged well with the audience, exuding
confidence. The Mozart was a bright lively performance. A very
beautiful French-style sound coupled with admirable breath control
and excellent projection.
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Jennifer
Lee – piano
The
Beethoven had a magical opening which immediately captured our
attention, foretelling a performance of delicacy, drama and
excitement. This was a real partnership with excellent awareness of
the orchestra. The Tchaikowsky was a great combination of lyricism,
grace, playfulness and power.
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Stjepan
Hauser – 'cello
This was a
well contrasting programme. The Haydn showed subtle ornamentation
and fluid phrasing with a promising tone. The Shostakovich was
intense, energetic and flamboyant, capturing the character of the
music very well. The variety of vibrato greatly enhanced this
performance.
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Joo Yeon
Sir – violin
You
projected the sound well and communicated with the audience. The
Bruch was an authoritative performance. In the Sibelius you drew
from a wide palette of tone colour in a performance which resulted
in a performance of exhilaration and excitement. A charismatic stage
persona.
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Before announcing the results of the
20th ESO annual Young Soloist Competition, I would like to invite the
Deputy Mayor of Eastbourne to the stage to present the prizes.
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The runners up are
Stjepan Hauser and Eimear McGeown. Please come forward to
receive your cheques. |
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The first winner of the
May and Norman Cox Memorial Award with a value of £200 is awarded to
Eloise-Fleur Thom. |
We would stress that the
award of the top two prizes was very close and was unanimously agreed.
The Colonel Howes Award with a value of £300 and the Duke of
Devonshire Award are given to Joo Yeon Sir.
Ladies and
gentlemen, the winner of the 2007 ESO Young Soloist Competition,
gaining a prize of £500, is Jennifer Lee. |
Mr Deputy Mayor thank you for
your support of this occasion
My thanks to my colleagues on
the adjudicating panel, especially to our guest member Kay Tucker, for
their wisdom and perception and, as always, their good humour in the long
hours of the first round.
On behalf of the orchestra I
would like to say a big word of thanks to Brian and Lisa Knights for all
their hard work in organising this event, and to John Thornley for his
support behind the scenes and for being the compère at this afternoon’s
final.
Finally, my thanks to you, the
audience, for coming this afternoon. We look forward to seeing you again
in January and on 3 February 2008 and at our concerts in May, June,
possibly August in an outdoor extravaganza at Herstmonceux Castle, and in
October.
