Category: Factual
& Arts TV
Date: 02.05.2004
Printable version
Nicola Benedetti, a 16-year-old violinist, is the first
Scottish musician ever to win the coveted title of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Young Musician
of the Year.
Nicola was announced the winner after today's final in the Usher Hall,
the first time the competition has been held in Edinburgh.
To the delight of a packed Usher Hall, local favourite Nicola triumphed
over a stunning group of finalists - the youngest group of musicians
ever to reach the final in the competition's 26 year history.
The youthful aspect of this year's competition continued with Israeli-born
Ilan Volkov, who at only 27 years old is Chief Conductor
of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra (SSO).
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO accompanied each of the finalists in their concerto performances.
John Sessions, actor, classical music lover and Chairman of the seven-member
jury says: "I feel very privileged to have been asked to chair
the jury of this wonderful competition.
"A great performance is always inspiring whatever the field, and
today we have been fortunate enough to witness five great performances
from five outstanding musicians."
Nicholas Kenyon, Controller, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Proms and Classical Music TV, says:
"Today's competition gave the audience in Edinburgh's Usher Hall
and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ television viewers around the country a wonderful chance to
see tomorrow's classical music stars at the beginning of their careers."
The Duchess of Kent, Patron of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Young Musician of the Year, presented
Nicola with a trophy specially designed by John Rocha for Waterford
Crystal.
As well as the coveted title she also received a ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Young Musician
Travel Award to promote her musical studies.
Jenny Abramsky, Director, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio and Music, presented Welsh harpist
Elen Hydref Thomas with the Walter Todds Bursary.
This bursary is presented in honour of the competition's founder to
a performer who did not reach the final but who showed great musical
potential.
The other finalists were:
Benjamin Grosvenor (age 11, from Westcliff on Sea)
- piano;
Adam Walker (age 16, from Retford) - flute;
Lucy Beeson (age 17, from Stockport) - percussion;
Daniel de Gruchy-Lambert (age 15, from Machen) - trumpet.
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Notes to Editors
The final of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Young Musician of the Year 2004 was broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
TWO, Sunday 2 May at 5.15pm.
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Young Musician of the Year competition for Keyboard, String,
Brass and Woodwind players was launched in 1978 by Humphry Burton and
the late Walter Todds of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s television music department.
Percussion was introduced as a fifth category in 1994.
Many previous winners and finalists have gone on to develop major international
careers, among them, Stephen Hough, David Pyatt and Thomas Adès.
