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| Windsor Festival adds another string to its bow Following the successful launch of the inaugural International String Competition last year, Windsor Festival is delighted to announce the second competition at this year's event taking place from the 21st September – 2nd October. The International String competition recognises the influence that Lord Menuhin had in the founding of the Festival forty years ago, and also builds on his desire to nurture musical talent and provide more opportunities for young musicians. Eight performers have been selected to play from over 50 entries in the Semi finals, which will take place as a series of lunchtime concerts at Windsor Parish Church throughout the Festival, commencing daily at 1.10pm. Four performers will then be chosen to participate in the Final, an evening concert to be held at the Theatre Royal on Friday 2nd October at 7pm. The winner of the 2009 International String competition will win a cash award of £1, 500, a fine contemporary bow to the value of £4, 000, the opportunity to perform a concerto with a leading UK orchestra and a number of local and international recitals including two at La Mortella, Ischia promoted by the William Walton Trust. Martin Denny, Festival Director said " I feel strongly that it is important we live-up to the example set by Lord Menuhin in fostering talent and building opportunities for those at the start of their musical careers. We consider this competition an important and integral addition to the Festival. Through it, our vision is to build strong relationships with the next generation of performers, to ensure that talent is nurtured, encouraged and supported." Brian O'Kane, winning cellist from last year's competition, will be performing at the Festival's 40th Anniversary Gala Concert being held at the Waterloo Chamber in Windsor Castle on 21st September, with world-renowned Vladimir Ashkenazy at the helm. Commenting on his win last year, O'Kane says "winning the competition has had much more of an effect than I could possibly have imagined. Not only has it raised my profile as a solo cellist but it has given me enormous encouragement and confidence to pursue such a career. I think we all know what an iconic figure Vladimir Ashkenazy is within the musical world. As a child, his recordings introduced me to composers such as Beethoven and Chopin. Having the opportunity to collaborate with such an eminent musician on such a special occasion and to be performing in the Waterloo Chamber on the Festivals 40th anniversary is a great honour and privilege." write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |