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Home , Alina Ibragimova, Augustin Dumay, Cantabile (group), Carolin Widmann, Clive Barda, Dafydd Williams

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ON MONDAY APRIL 14TH (ALL DAY) AND TUESDAY 15TH (AM ONLY)

TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT CALL 029 20 22 77 61 FOR AN APPOINTMENT

15 – 23 THE BALCONY, CASTLE ARCADE, CARDIFF CF10 1BY (opposite ) Tel : 029 20 22 77 61 · www.cardiffviolins.co.uk MRTEVXRIVWLMT[MXL Usual opening hours : Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. QI[RTEVXRIVMEIXLl Exceptionally open on Monday during the Menuhin competition. ContentsWho’s Who 2 CynnwysPwy ydi Pwy Diary at a Glance 4-5 Dyddiadur ar Gip Welcome! 6-7 Croeso! Thank You 9 Diolch Celebrating 25 Years 10-11 Dathlu Pum Mlynedd ar Hugain

The Competition Y Gystadleuaeth The Competition Jury 12-13 Beirniaid y Gystadleuaeth The Competition Accompanists 15 Cyfeilyddion y Gystadleuaeth Founder Sylfaenydd The competition wishes to gratefully acknowledge the support of Yehudi Menuhin many individuals – too many to mention here – who have dedicated The for the Competition 17-18 Y Cerddorfeydd ar gyfer y Gystadleuaeth their services, time, enthusiasm and creativity to this event. Without The Prizes and Rules 19 Y Gwobrau a’r Rheolau Patrons Noddwyr you it would not have been possible. Thank you. Lord Rowe-Beddoe Junior Section Yr Adran Iau However, we must make special note of the unstinting professional Sir Brooke Boothby Competition Junior Section 21 Adran Iau’r Gystadleuaeth support we have enjoyed from University of and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama staff which has ensured the Junior Section Programme Notes 23 Nodiadau Rhaglen yr Adran Iau President Llywydd success of our partnership. Joji Hattori Junior Finals 25 Rowndiau Terfynol yr Adran Iau Mae’r gystadleuaeth yn cydnabod yn ddiolchgar gefnogaeth Junior Competitors and Repertoires 26-29 Y Cystadleuwyr a’r Repertoires Iau Trustees Ymddiriedolwyr llu o unigolion – rhy niferus i’w nodi yma – sydd wedi rhoi eu Duncan Greenland – Chairman Cadeirydd gwasanaeth, amser, brwdfrydedd a chreadigrwydd i’r digwyddiad Senior Section Yr Adran Hyˆn John Hughes – Secretary Ysgrifennydd hwn. Heb eich brwdfrydedd chi, ni fuasai wedi bod yn bosib. Diolch. Competition Senior Section 31 Adran Hyˆn y Gystadleuaeth Celia Blakey Fodd bynnag, rhaid i ni nodi'n arbennig y gefnogaeth broffesiynol Sir John Boyd Senior Section Programme Notes 32 Nodiadau Rhaglen yr Adran Hyˆn ddibrin rydym wedi'i chael gan staff Prifysgol Morgannwg a Choleg Joji Hattori Senior Semi Finals 33 Y Rowndiau Cynderfynol Hyˆn Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru sydd wedi ymorol am lwyddiant Jeremy Menuhin ein partneriaeth. Senior Finals 35 Y Rowndiau Cynderfynol Hyˆn Zamira Menuhin Benthall Senior Competitors and Repertoires 37-41 Y Cystadleuwyr a’r Repertoires Hyˆn Jury Panel Beirniaid Our special thanks to the many host families, who, with great Erich Gruenberg – Chairman (UK) Cadeirydd (y DU) The – an icon 43 Y Ffidil – eicon generosity, have opened their homes to welcome participants in the Pamela Frank (USA UDA) Competition. Rare Collection 13 Casgliad Prin Dong-Suk Kang (Korea/USA Corea/UDA) Michael Ma (/Hong Kong Tsieina/Hong Kong) Ein diolch arbennig i’r teuluoedd lawer sydd wedi agor eu ( yr Almaen) drysau led y pen yn hael iawn i croeso i’r cyfranwyr yn y Concerts Cyngherddau ( Rwsia) gystadleuaeth. The Opening Concert 45-49 Y Cyngerdd Agoriadol Paul Watkins (UK y DU) Evening 50-51 Noson o Gerddoriaeth Siambr Competition Director Cyfarwyddwr y Gystadleuaeth Chamber Music at Fonmon Castle 53-55 Cerddoriaeth Siambr yng Nghastell Ffwl-y-mwn Gordon Back The Menuhin Competition Cardiff 2008 is organised by The Yehudi Cardiff Coffee Concert 57 Cyngerdd Coffi Caerdydd Menuhin Young Violinists International Competition Trust, registered General Manager Rheolwr Cyffredinol as Company limited by guarantee in No. 01612181 Closing Gala Concert 59-62 Y Cyngerdd Mawreddog Terfynol Susanne Barthelmes Registered office: 6 St Andrew Street, EC4A 3LX, registered Charity No. 284467 Education and Outreach Addysg ac Allgyrch Partners & Hosts Partneriaid a Gwesteiwyr Mae Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Caerdydd 2008 yn cael ei threfnu ESTA National Forum Day 63 Diwrnod Fforwm Cenedlaethol ESTA Professor David Halton, Vice-Chancellor, gan Ymddiriedolaeth Cystadleuaeth Feiolinwyr Ifainc Rhyngwladol Is-Ganghellor, Prifysgol Morgannwg String Teachers’ Day 63 Diwrnod Athrawon Tannau Yehudi Menuhin, a gofrestrwyd fel cwmni wedi ei gyfyngu gan Hilary Boulding, Principal, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama warant yn Lloegr Rhif. 01612181 Lunchtime Recital and Datganiad Awr Ginio a Prifathro, Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru Swyddfa Gofrestredig: 6 St Andrew Street, Llundain EC4A 3LX, Celebrity Master Class 63 Dosbarth Meistr Enwogion elusen gofrestredig rhif. 284467 A Day of Open Master Classes 65 Diwrnod o Ddosbarthiadau Meistr Agored Programme Editor Golygydd y Rhaglen Lunchtime Seminars 66 Seminarau Awr Ginio Susan Jarratt website gwefan: www.menuhincompetition.org Competitors Go Out and About 67 Cystadleuwyr yn Mynd ar Hyd ac ar Led Programme Design Cynllunio’r Rhaglen E-mail e-bost: [email protected] and Adopt a Competitor a Mabwysiadu Cystadleuydd The Design Stage Free Concerts – treats 69 Cyngherddau Am Ddim - Administrators Gweinyddwyr throughout the week gwleddoedd trwy’r wythnos gron Beth Abbott To our best knowledge, the information in this programme was Lowri Jones (RWCMD/CBCDC) correct at the time of going to print. The Menuhin Competition Looking Back Bwrw Golwg yn ôl Cardiff 2008 reserves the right to alter information and the Past Winners 70-71 Enillwyr a Fu programme without prior notice if necessary. Booking Information Gwybodaeth Am Godi Tocynnau Hyd y gwyddom roedd y wybodaeth yn y rhaglen hon yn gywir ar yr adeg a gafodd ei hargraffu. Mae Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Information about all the venues 72 Gwybodaeth am yr holl oedfannau Caerdydd 2008 yn cadw’r hawl i newid gwybodaeth a’r rhaglen heb hysbysiad ymlaen llaw os bydd angen gwneud hynny. This Year’s Finalists Y Terfynwyr Eleni Space to note the names 72 Lle i roi’r enwau

2 3 Diary Y Dyddiadur

at a glance PAGE ar gi TUDALEN Friday 11 April Opening Gala Concert St David’s Hall 7.30pm 45 dydd Gwener 11 Ebrill Cyngerdd Mawreddog Agoriadol Neuadd Dewi Sant 7.30pm 45 Saturday 12 April Menuhin Competition Senior Section 1st Round Part 1 RWCMD 10.00am - 5.00pm 31 dydd Sadwrn 12 Ebrill Adran Hyˆn Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Rowndp 1af Rhan 1 CBCDC 10.00am - 5.00pm 31 Sunday 13 April Menuhin Competition Senior Section 1st Round Part 2 RWCMD 10.00am - 5.00pm 31 dydd Sul 13 Ebrill Adran Hyˆn Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Rownd 1af Rhan 2 CBCDC 10.00am - 5.00pm 31

ESTA - European String Teachers’ Association National RWCMD 10.00am - 4.00pm 63 Cymdeithas Ewropeaidd Athrawon Offerynnau CBCDC 10.00am - 4.00pm 63 Forum Day Llinynnol - Diwrnod Fforwm Cenedlaethol

Music in the Museum National Museum of 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69 Cerdd yn yr Amgueddfa Yr Amgueddfa Genedlaethol 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69

Monday 14 April Menuhin Competition Junior Section 1st Round Part 1 RWCMD 10.00am - 5.30pm 21 dydd Llun 14 Ebrill Adran Iau Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Rownd 1af Rhan 1 CBCDC 10.00am - 5.30pm 21

String Teachers’ Day Workshops and Seminars RWCMD 10.00am - 4.00pm 63 Diwrnod Athrawon Offerynnau Llinynnol Gweithdai CBCDC 10.00am - 4.00pm 63 a Seminarau Lunchtime Seminar - Enhancing Performance RWCMD 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 Seminar Amser Cinio - Ar Wella Perfformiad CBCDC 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 WMC Lunchtime Recital WMC Tesco Stage 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69 Datganiad Amser Cinio CMC Llwyfan Tesco CMC 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69 Tuesday 15 April Menuhin Competition Junior Section 1st Round Part 2 RWCMD 10.00am - 4.00pm 21 dydd Mawrth 15 Ebrill Adran Iau Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Rownd 1af Rhan 2 CBCDC 10.00am - 4.00pm 21 Chamber Music Encounter RWCMD 11.30am - 12.30pm 69 Cyfarfod Cerddoriaeth Siambr CBCDC 11.30am - 12.30pm 69 Lunchtime Seminar - Live Music Now! RWCMD 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 Seminar Amser Cinio - Live Music Now! CBCDC 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 WMC Lunchtime Recital WMC Tesco Stage 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69 Datganiad Amser Cinio CMC Llwyfan Tesco CMC 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69

Chamber Music Evening Reardon Smith Theatre 7.30pm 50 Noson Gerddoriaeth Siambr Theatr Reardon Smith 7.30pm 50

Wednesday 16 April Menuhin Competition Senior Semi Finals Reardon Smith Theatre 2.30pm - 10.00pm 33 dydd Mercher 16 Ebrill Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Rownd Gyn Derfynol Theatr Reardon Smith 2.30pm - 10.00pm 33 yr Adran Hyˆn Chamber Music Encounter - RWCMD 11.30am - 12.30pm 69 Cyfarfod Cerddoriaeth Siambr - Michael Berkeley CBCDC 11.30am - 12.30pm 69 Lunchtime Seminar - Walton Violin RWCMD 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 Seminar Amser Cinio - Walton CBCDC 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 WMC Lunchtime Recital WMC Tesco Stage 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69 Datganiad Amser Cinio CMC Llwyfan Tesco CMC 1.00pm - 2.00pm 69 Thursday 17 April A Day of Open Master Classes RWCMD 10.00am - 5.00pm 65 - Paul Watkins, Eric Gruenberg, Pamela Frank, dydd Iau 17 Ebrill Diwrnod o Ddosbarthiadau Meistr Agored CBCDC 10.00am - 5.00pm 65 Edith Peinemann, Maxim Vengerov, Michael Ma, - Paul Watkins, Eric Gruenberg, Pamela Frank, Dong-Suk Kang Edith Peinemann, Maxim Vengerov, Michael Ma, Dong-Suk Kang Lunchtime Seminar - Menuhin’s Recordings RWCMD 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 Seminar Amser Cinio - Recordiadau Menuhin CBCDC 12.30pm - 1.30pm 66 WMC Lunchtime Recital - LMN / Kosmos WMC Tesco Stage 1.00pm - 2.00pm 67 Datganiad Amser Cinio CMC - LM / Kosmos Llwyfan Tesco CMC 1.00pm - 2.00pm 67 Chamber Music at Fonmon Castle Fonmon Castle 6.30pm 53 Cerddoriaeth yng Nghastell Ffwl-y-mwn Castell Ffwl-y-mwn 6.30pm 53 Friday 18 April Lunchtime Seminar - Music Competitions Today RWCMD 12.00pm - 1.00pm 66 dydd Gwener 18 Ebrill Seminar Amser Cinio - Cystadlaethau Fiolin CBCDC 12.00pm - 1.00pm 66 WMC Lunchtime Recital with Competitors WMC Tesco Stage 1.00pm - 2.00pm 67 Datganiad Amser Cinio CMC gyda Chystadleuwyr Llwyfan Tesco CMC 1.00pm - 2.00pm 67 Menuhin Competition Junior Finals Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Rown Derfynol yr Adran Iau Part 1 St David’s Hall 2.00pm - 5.30pm 25 Rhan 1 Neuadd Dewi Sant 2.00pm - 5.30pm 35 Part 2 St David’s Hall 7.30pm - 9.30pm 25 Rhan 2 Neuadd Dewi Sant 7.30pm - 9.30pm 25 Saturday 19 April Lunchtime Recital and Master Class - Junior Music RWCMD 1.00pm - 4.30pm 63 dydd Sadwrn 19 Ebrill Datganiad Amser Cinio a Dosbarth Meistr CBCDC 1.00pm - 4.30pm 63 and Access Department Cerddoriaeth Iau a’r Adran Fynediad

Menuhin Competition Senior Finals St David’s Hall 7.00pm - 10.00pm 35 Rownd Derfynol yr Adran Hyˆn Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Neuadd Dewi Sant 7.00pm - 10.00pm 35

Sunday 20 April Cardiff Coffee Concert - Lesley Hatfield Reardon Smith Theatre 11.30am 57 dydd Sul 20 Ebrill Cyngerdd Coffi Caerdydd - Lesley Hatfield Theatr Reardon Smith 11.30am 57

WMC Foyer Music WMC Tesco Stage 6.00pm - 6.45pm 59 Cerddoriaeth Cyntedd CMC Llwyfan Tesco CMC 6.00pm - 6.45pm 59

Menuhin Competition Prizegiving Ceremony WMC Donald Gordon Theatre 6.45pm 59 Seremoni Wobrwyo Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Theatr Donald Gordon CMC 6.45pm 59

Closing Gala Concert WMC Donald Gordon Theatre 7.30pm 59 Cyngerdd Mawreddog Terfynol Theatr Donald Gordon CMC 7.30pm 59

4 5 I feel honoured to be the President of the Menuhin Competition, which has always played an important role in my life. In the very first competition I took part as a 14-year old junior candidate. Four years later I received the 4th Prize of the Senior Section and met official accompanist Gordon Back, now the As the Director and a Welshman I am personally thrilled that the Artistic Director – which was the start Cardiff is delighted to be hosting the Menuhin Competition 25th Anniversary of the Menuhin Competition is being held here in of a fantastic . That year I for the first time as it celebrates its 25th anniversary; and we Cardiff. also found a new teacher through the warmly welcome the young competitors from all over the world Menuhin Competition, who helped me in my preparations for will showcase their considerable talents in the Competition, Over the years this event has grown enormously and is now 1989 Competition which I was able to win. A few years later I served together with the artists and musicians performing in the concerts, regarded as the leading competition in the world for young as one of the official chamber music accompanists before joining workshops, seminars, recitals and community outreach sessions that violinists. the Board of Trustees in the nineties. W form part of this prestigious event. As Yehudi Menuhin said at the very first Competition “I anticipate elcome! After Yehudi Menuhin left this world in 1999 it was my strong As a designated Centre of Culture, Cardiff is the proud home of a a very happy occasion, heart-warming and instructive, valuable for wish to continue and develop the event into an all-encompassing It is with great pride, as sponsors and hosts, that the Royal Welsh diverse range of world-class events and performances including youngsters, teachers and audiences alike.” educational festival which was very much Yehudi Menuhin’s vision. College of Music & Drama and the University of Glamorgan’s Cardiff BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, Artes Mundi, and Lloyds TSB Together with my Board of Trustees, I am particularly indebted to School of Creative & Cultural Industries welcome the 2008 Menuhin Welsh Proms Cardiff; it is the base for outstanding internationally Like any arts organisation, we cannot realize our goals without the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and University of Glamorgan, Competition to Cardiff. It is without doubt one of the key highlights acclaimed performing companies such as Welsh National and help of innumerable people who have supported our idea over the our main sponsors and partners, as well as Cardiff Council and all of 2008 and a tangible demonstration of the real value and benefit BBC National of Wales; and has an impressive portfolio years. I would like to express my deep gratitude to our dedicated C other supporters for their generosity. of the association between our institutions. o! of performing venues including St. David’s Hall, New Theatre, Wales Board of Trustees chaired by Duncan Greenland; to Gordon Back, roes Millennium Centre, Chapter, and . I also extend my gratitude to our distinguished international jury, the Artistic Director who has become the unmissable “Spiritus We are delighted to support this prestigious event and we look who not only judge the Competition but also perform and give Rector” of this event; and our excellent management led by forward to the prospect of some exceptional music-making by In partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama master classes in and around the city. Susanne Barthelmes. leading young international artists. and the University of Glamorgan’s Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries, Cardiff Council is pleased to support an event I welcome the competitors, the real stars of this event, and wish For this year’s event in Cardiff, I would like to thank our Patrons We offer the Competition organisers, competitors, distinguished jury that greatly enhances cultural activity in the Capital of Wales, and, them every success. We encourage them to stay throughout Lord Rowe-Beddoe and Sir Brooke Boothby, our principal partners and performers our best wishes for a successful event. importantly, celebrates and develops the achievements of the Competition and to participate in our extensive outreach and sponsors the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the outstanding young musicians. programme. This event offers them a unique opportunity to meet Cardiff School for Creative and Cultural Industries as well as all and form lifelong friendships with other young violinists from round corporate and private supporters, and last but not least the people We hope participants, competitors and audiences enjoy the music – the world. I am sure this will be an experience they will never forget. of Wales for their enormously warm welcome. and their visit to Cardiff.

Cardiff is delighted to be hosting the Menuhin Competition - the leading competition in This will be an experience these talented the world for young violinists - as it celebrates its 25th anniversary young players will never forget … Mae Caerdydd wrth ei bodd o fod yn croesawu Gystadleuaeth Menuhin - y gystadlaethau fwyaf Bydd hwn yn brofiad na fydd y cerddorion blaenllaw yn y byd ar gyfer feiolinwyr ifainc - a hithau’n dathlu ei chwarter canmlwyddiant ifainc dawnus hyn fyth yn ei anghofio …

Fel y Cyfarwyddwr ac fel Cymro rwyf wrth fy modd fod dathliad Rwy’n ei theimlo hi’n fraint i fod yn Llywydd Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Mae Caerdydd wrth ei bodd o fod yn croesawu Cystadleuaeth chwarter canrif sefydlu Cystadleuaeth Menuhin yn cael ei gynnal gan iddi fod â lle mor ganolog yn fy mywyd. Menuhin am y tro cyntaf a hithau’n dathlu ei chwarter yma yng Nghaerdydd. Hilary Boulding Professor David Halton canmlwyddiant; ac rydym yn estyn croeso cynnes i’r cystadleuwyr Yn y gystadleuaeth gyntaf oll, bûm yn cystadlu fel ymgeisydd Principal, Royal Welsh College Vice-Chancellor, University ifainc o bedwar ban byd a fydd yn rhoi stondin i’w doniau Dros y blynyddoedd mae’r digwyddiad wedi tyfu’n aruthrol a ifanc 14 blwydd oed. Bedair blynedd yn ddiweddarach dyfarnwyd of Music & Drama of Glamorgan sylweddol yn y gystadleuaeth, ynghyd â’r artistiaid a’r cerddorion bellach yn cael ei ystyried ymhlith y cystadlaethau mwyaf blaenllaw i mi’r bedwaredd wobr yn yr Adran Hyˆn a chyfarfûm â’r cyfeilydd Prifathro, Coleg Brenhinol Yr Athro David Halton fydd yn perfformio yn y cyngherddau, y gweithdai, y seminarau, yn y byd ar gyfer feiolinwyr ifainc. piano swyddogol, Gordon Back, sydd bellach yn Gyfarwyddwr Cerdd a Drama Cymru Is-Ganghellor, Prifysgol y datganiadau a’r sesiynau allgyrch cymuned sy’n rhan o’r Artistig - a fu’n gychwyn cydweithio bendigedig. Y flwyddyn honno Fel y dywedodd Yehudi Menuhin yn y Gystadleuaeth gyntaf oll Morgannwg digwyddiad hwn sydd o fawr fri . hefyd, darganfûm athro newydd trwy Gystadleuaeth Menuhin “Rwy’n rhagweld achlysur twymgalon, addysgiadol a hapus a’m cynorthwyodd gyda’r paratoadau ar gyfer Cystadleuaeth A hithau’n Ganolfan Diwylliant ddynodedig, mae Caerdydd yn iawn, a fydd yn werthfawr ar gyfer y bobl ifanc, athrawon a 1989 y llwyddais i’w hennill. Rai blynyddoedd yn ddiweddarach Mae Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru ac Ysgol Diwydiannau ymfalchïo mewn bod yn gartref amrywiaeth eang o ddigwyddiadau chynulleidfaoedd fel ei gilydd.” gweithredais fel un o gyfeilyddion swyddogol cerddoriaeth siambr Creadigol a Diwylliannol Caerdydd Prifysgol Morgannwg yn falch a pherfformiadau sydd gyda goreuon y byd gan gynnwys BBC Canwr Fel fy nghyd-ymddiriedolwyr rwyf yn fy nyled yn arbennig i Goleg cyn ymuno â’r Bwrdd Ymddiriedolwyr yn y nawdegau. iawn o groesawu cystadleuaeth Menuhin 2008 i Gaerdydd. Yn y Byd Caerdydd, Artes Mundi, a Proms Cymru Caerdydd Lloyds TSB; Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru a Phrifysgol Morgannwg, ein prif ddi-os mae’n un o uchafbwyntiau allweddol 2008 ac yn brawf yma y mae canolfan cwmnïau perfformio eithriadol sy’n cael clod Ar ôl ymadawiad Yehudi Menuhin â’r fuchedd hon ym 1999 fy noddwyr a’n partneriaid, ynghyd â’n holl gefnogwyr eraill am eu gwirioneddol o wir werth a budd y cysylltiad rhwng ein sefydliadau. trwy’r gwledydd megis Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru a Cherddorfa nyhead cryf i oedd parhau i ddatblygu’r digwyddiad i fod yn Wˆ yl haelioni. Genedlaethol Gymreig y BBC; ac mae ganddi bortffolio trawiadol addysgiadol hollgynhwysol a oedd yn rhan fawr o weledigaeth Rydym wrth ein bodd o gefnogi’r digwyddiad mawreddog hwn ac o oedfannau perfformio gan gynnwys Neuadd Dewi Sant, y New Hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i’r panel beirniaid rhyngwladol nodedig, sydd Yehudi Menuhin. edrychwn ymlaen at glywed cerddoriaeth eithriadol gan artistiaid Theatre, Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru, Chapter, a Theatr y Sherman. nid yn unig yn beirniadu’r Gystadleuaeth ond yn perfformio ac yn ifainc rhyngwladol blaenllaw. Fel unrhyw fudiad celfyddydol, fedrwn ni ddim cyrraedd y nod heb rhoi dosbarthiadau meistr o gwmpas y ddinas hefyd. Ar y cyd â Choleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru ac Ysgol gymorth nifer di-rif o bobl sydd wedi cefnogi ein syniadau dros Dymunwn yn dda i drefnwyr y Gystadleuaeth, y cystadleuwyr, y Diwydiannau Creadigol a Diwylliannol Caerdydd Prifysgol Rwy’n croesawu’r cystadleuwyr, gwir sêr yr achlysur, ac yn dymuno y blynyddoedd. Hoffwn fynegi fy niolchgarwch dwfn i’n Bwrdd beirniaid o fri a’r perfformwyr gan obeithio y cânt ddigwyddiad Morgannwg, mae Cyngor Caerdydd yn falch o gefnogi digwyddiad pob llwyddiant iddynt. Rydym yn eu hannog i aros ar gyfer y ymddiriedolwyr cydwybodol dan gadeiryddiaeth Duncan Greenland, llwyddiannus iawn. sy’n cyfoethogi’n fawr weithgaredd diwylliannol ym Mhrifddinas Gystadleuaeth gyfan ac i fod yn rhan o’r i Gordon Back, y Cyfarwyddwr Artistig sydd wedi dod yn gymaint Cymru, ac, yn bwysicaf oll, sy’n meithrin ac yn gwneud yn fawr o rhaglen ymestyn allan helaeth. Mae’r o “Spiritus Rector” ar gyfer y digwyddiad hwn ac i’n rheolaeth orchestion cerddorion ifainc eithriadol. achlysur hwn yn cynnig iddynt gyfle ardderchog dan arweiniad Susanne Barthelmes. unigryw i gyfarfod a ffurfio cyfeillgarwch Gobeithio y bydd y cyfranwyr, y Ar gyfer y digwyddiad eleni yng Nghaerdydd, hoffwn ddiolch i’n gydol oes gyda feiolinwyr ifainc eraill o cystadleuwyr a’r cynulleidfaoedd yn Noddwyr yr Arglwydd Rowe-Beddoe a Syr Brooke Boothby, ein prif bob cwr o’r byd. Rwy’n sicr y bydd yn cael blas ar y gerddoriaeth – ac ar eu bartneriaid a’n noddwyr Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru ac achlysur na fyddant fyth yn ei anghofio. hymweliad â Chaerdydd. Ysgol Caerdydd ar gyfer y Diwydiannau Creadigol a Chelfyddydol yn ogystal â’r holl gefnogwyr preifat a chorfforaethol, ac yn olaf Gordon Back ond yn bell o fod yn lleiaf hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i bobl Cymru am eu Councillor Rodney Berman Competition Director Cyfarwyddwr y croeso twymgalon. Leader, Cardiff Council Gystadleuaeth Y Cynghorydd Rodney Berman Joji Hattori President Llywydd Arweinydd, Cyngor Caerdydd

6 7 Thank You

The Menuhin Competition Cardiff 2008 would like to thank its Hoffai Cystadleuaeth Menuhin Caerdydd 2008 ddiolch i’w supporters and associated organisations for their collaboration and chefnogwyr a’u mudiadau cysylltiedig am eu cydweithrediad a’u NATIONAL CONSERVATOIRE OF WALES generosity in this exciting project. We are particularly indebted to haelioni ynghlwm â’r prosiect cyffrous hwn. Rydym yn fawr ein dyled CONSERVATOIRE CENEDLAETHOL CYMRU our principal partners. Without their help and support this event i’n prif bartneriaid. Heb eu cefnogaeth a’u cymorth hwy ni fuasai’r would not have been possible. digwyddiad hwn yn bosib.

Principal Partners Prif Bartneriaid : Pleased to be supporting the Menuhin Competition 2008

Yn falch iawn i gefnogi Cystadleuaeth Menuhin 2008 Media Partners Partneriaid ymhlith y Cyfryngau :

Supporters Cefnogwyr :

The Azima Foundation The Celia Blakey Charitable Trust Broadley Charitable Trust Trust

Mr Peter Barton, DL Zamira Menuhin Benthall & Jonathan Benthall Michael Blakey Brewin Dolphin Limited His Honour Paul Clark Diageo Mr and Mrs Albert Frost Duncan and Barbara Greenland Joji Hattori Mr and Mrs John de Blocq van Kuffeler Mr and Mrs John Kurkjian Robert and Noel Masters Mr David Ll Morgan Howard Tenens Associates Limited

In association with Ar y cyd â : The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is Wales’ National Conservatoire - a centre of excellence for the performing arts and an institution of national significance. It contributes to the cultural identity of Cardiff and Wales as a whole, and attracts gifted students from around the world.

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9 Yehudi Menuhin and the History of the Competition Yehudi Menuhin ehudi Menuhin, one of the most outstanding violinists of the 20th century, made his debut at the age of seven with the San a Hanes YFrancisco Symphony Orchestra and gave an historic concert at when he was 11. His career took him all over the world, playing with and later also the world’s most y Gystadleuaeth celebrated orchestras. For Yehudi Menuhin, the key to his success was his excellent music education as a child and the ongoing dialogue and collaboration with fellow musicians. n saith oed, rhoddodd Yehudi Menuhin, un o feiolinwyr To enable young violinists from all over the world to have an pwysicaf yr ugeinfed ganrif, ei gyngerdd cyntaf gyda equally enriching and stimulating environment, he founded the Y Cherddorfa Symffoni San Francisco a phan oedd yn un in England in 1963, the Menuhin Music mlwydd ar ddeg oed, rhoddodd gyngerdd hanesyddol yn Neuadd Academy for young virtuosi in Gstaad, Switzerland in 1977 – Carnegie. Aeth ei yrfa ag ef i bedwar ban byd yn perfformio gyda also the site of the annual summer festival – and finally the cherddorfeydd mwyaf nodedig y byd ac yn ddiweddarach yn eu Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists in harwain. I Yehudi Menuhin, yr elfen allweddol yn ei lwyddiant Folkestone, England in 1983. Robert Masters, colleague, violinist cerddorol oedd yr addysg gerddorol ardderchog a gafodd yn and former Director of Music at the Menuhin School, was pivotal in blentyn yn ogystal â sgwrsio a chyd-weithio’n barhaol â’i gyd- turning the Competition from a vision into reality. gerddorion. This competition, which is held every two years, is one of the very Er mwyn galluogi feiolinwyr ifainc o bob cwr o’r byd i gael few international violin competitions for young musicians of all amgylchedd llawn mor gyfoethog ac ysgogol, fe sefydlodd Ysgol nationalities under the age of 22. Over the last 25 years many of Yehudi Menuhin yn Lloegr ym 1963, Academi Gerddorol Menuhin the participants and prize-winners have gone on to become some ar gyfer virtuosi ifanc yn Gstaad, y Swistir ym 1977 - sydd hefyd yn of today’s most exciting violinists. Among them are , darparu safle ar gyfer yr ˆ Wyl haf flynyddol - ac yn olaf sefydlodd , , Julia Fischer, , Lara hefyd Gystadleuaeth Ryngwladol ar gyfer Feiolinwyr Ifainc yn St. John and most recently , BBC Young Musician of the Folkestone, Lloegr ym 1983. Year 2002. Mae’r gystadleuaeth hon, a gynhelir bob yn ddwy flynedd, yn un More than just a competitive event for highly talented international o’r ychydig gystadlaethau feiolín rhyngwladol ar gyfer cerddorion young musicians, each competition is a festival of education, music ifainc o dan 22 oed o bob cenedl. Dros y chwarter canrif a and cultural exchange. The Menuhin Competition is the only event aeth heibio mae llawer o’r enillwyr a’r cystadleuwyr wedi mynd of its kind that asks its jury members to give master classes and rhagddynt i fod ymhlith feiolinwyr mwyaf cyffrous ein dydd. Yn eu perform a concert themselves. Past and present jury members plith mae Tasmin Little, Nikolaj Znaider, Ilya Gringolts, Julia Fischer, include Maxim Vengerov, Kyoko Takezawa, Bruno Canino, Raphael Daishin Kashimoto, Lara St. John ac yn ddiweddaraf oll Jennifer Wallfisch, Igor Oistrakh, and Miriam Fried. Pike, Cerddor Ifanc y Flwyddyn y BBC 2002. In 1998, the Competition began alternating between the UK and Mae pob cystadleuaeth yn fwy na dim ond cystadleuaeth ar Boulogne-sur-Mer, . The last Competition in the UK was in gyfer cerddorion ifainc rhyngwladol talentog; mae hefyd yn Wˆ yl o 2004, in London, at the . Invited to Cardiff addysg, cerddoriaeth a rhannu diwylliannol. Cystadleuaeth Menuhin for the first time by the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and yw’r unig ddigwyddiad o’i fath sy’n gofyn i’w beirniaid ddarparu the Cardiff School for Creative and Cultural Industries, the Menuhin dosbarthiadau meistr a pherfformio mewn cyngerdd eu hunain. Competition is delighted to celebrate the 25th anniversary here in Ymhlith beirniaid ddoe a heddiw bu: Maxim Vengerov, Kyoko the Welsh capital. Takezawa, Bruno Canino, Raphael Wallfisch, Igor Oistrakh, Olivier Charlier a Miriam Fried. This year’s Competition received 156 applications from candidates of 34 different nationalities. Applications came from all leading Ym 1998 dechreuwyd cynnal y gystadleuaeth yn y DU bob yn ail conservatoires for violin studies worldwide. An international â Boulogne-sur-Mer, Ffrainc. Yn 2004 y bu’r gystadleuaeth yn y pre-selection jury formed of Erich Gruenberg (chairman), Gordon DU ddiwethaf, yn Llundain yn yr Academi Gerdd Frenhinol. Mae Back and Alf Richard Kraggerud chose 20 Junior and 22 Senior Cystadleuaeth Menuhin yn falch iawn o fedru dathlu pumed pen- participants based on a set repertoire presented by audition DVD. blwydd ar hugain sefydlu’r gystadleuaeth yma ym mhrifddinas Musicians of 19 different nationalities, with an average age of Cymru, yn dilyn y gwahoddiad i Gaerdydd am y tro cyntaf gan sixteen and the youngest contestant being just ten years old, bring Goleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru ac Ysgol Caerdydd ar gyfer y the “Junior Olympics” of violin playing to Cardiff. Diwydiannau Creadigol a Diwylliannol. Derbyniodd y gystadleuaeth eleni 156 o geisiadau gan ymgeiswyr o 34 o genhedloedd gwahanol. Daeth ceisiadau gan bob un o brif conservatoires y byd ar gyfer astudio’r feiolín. Bu i banel o feirniaid rhagddethol rhyngwladol yn cynnwys Erich Gruenberg (y cadeirydd), Gordon Back ac Alf Richard Kraggerud ddethol 20 o 'IPIFVEXMRK=IEVW gystadleuwyr iau a 22 o gystadleuwyr hyˆn ar sail repertoire penodol a gyflwynywd ar DVD clyweliad. Mae cerddorion o 19 o wledydd gwahanol, yn un mlwydd ar bymtheg oed ar gyfartaledd, a’r ieuaf yn ddim ond deg oed, yn dod â ‘Gemau Olympaidd’ canu’r ffidil i =R(EXLPY1P]RIHH Gaerdydd. Photo Virginia Schmidt Virginia Photo

1010 1111 The Jury

ERICH GRUENBERG DONG-SUK KANG EDITH PEINEMANN PAUL WATKINS (Chairman) (UK) Dong-Suk Kang was born y Edith Peinemann was born One of Britain’s most TheOne of Britain’s mostCom etitionin Korea and wentJur to New in , Germany and highly regarded cellists, distinguished violinists, York in 1967 to study at the studied the violin from age Paul Watkins first came to Erich Gruenberg was born and later at four with her father Robert, public attention winning the in . Winning the Carl the Curtis Institute. concertmaster of the city’s string section of BBC Young Flesch International Violin orchestra. She went on to Musician in 1988 and recently Following a debut at the Competition resulted in his study with Heinz Stanske has been developing his p Kennedy Center he went London debut playing the and Max Rostal, and won career as a conductor. on to win top prizes in Brahms Violin with first prize at the ARD international competitions As a cellist Paul performs the London Philharmonic international competition in including the , the regularly with the major Orchestra at the Royal , aged 19. and the Queen British orchestras. He has Albert Hall. As a soloist he Elisabeth. Since then he has Her debut was in recently performed with has appeared with all the appeared with many great 1965, playing the Beethoven the Melbourne Symphony, major British orchestras and orchestras, working with with Szell and the Cleveland Queensland Orchestra, City has toured throughout the conductors such as Dutoit, Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. of Birmingham Symphony, world, collaborating with Ozawa, Mazur, Järvi, Ms Peinemann has appeared Aarhus Symfoniorkester and Large Nina Photo such conductors as Sir , Sir , Gennadi Menuhin, Salonen, Slatkin, Barshai, Jansons, Norrington and with leading orchestras throughout the world, with conductors such toured and with the BBC Philharmonic and the Far Rozhdestvensky, Sir , Sir , André Svetlanov. He has performed at major music centres and festivals as Münch, Solti, Karajan, Krips, Barbirolli, von Dohnanyi, Sargent, East with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In 2006 he gave Previn and . Erich Gruenberg has held including the BBC Proms in London. Kubelik, Steinberg, Ozawa, Tennstedt, Boulez and Sawallisch. She the world premiere of Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song, a the posts of leader of the London Symphony and the Royal has taken part in summer festivals at Blossom Centre, Ravinia, concerto written by with the Philharmonia. Philharmonic Orchestras. His activities in the field of chamber music, His strong interest in chamber music has resulted in his Temple University, the Hollywood Bowl, Marlboro and Mozart This season sees performances with the London Philharmonic numerous recordings as well as premieres and commissions have participation at various chamber music festivals including those in Festival, New York. Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC National enriched an outstanding career. Erich Gruenberg is Professor at Spoleto, Santa Fe, Kuhmo, Korsholm, Seattle, Vancouver, Newport Orchestra of Wales. the Royal Academy of Music. He gives master classes and serves and Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and as a guest artist with Ms Peinemann held master classes at the Cleveland Institute of on juries around the world, including chairing the jury of the Fritz the Chamber Music Society of . Music, Indiana University, Kusatsu Festival, Luzern Conservatory, Paul is also a dedicated chamber musician and member of the Nash Kreisler Competition in Vienna. He is chairman of the Trustees of and since 1976 has been professor of violin at the University of , and has performed with , Alexander Kerr, Dong-Suk Kang is also a sought after recording artist whose CDs the Hattori Foundation for Young Musicians. In recognition of his School of Music. She has recorded for DGG, Orfeo, Amati- Daniel Hope and the Lindsay . He has recently given recitals have won critical acclaim. His Walton Concerto CD was chosen CD services to music he has been awarded the OBE. Sonomaster and Bayer Records, including the complete Schubert in London, and , performing this season at of the month by the Gramophone magazine and nominated for violin and piano works with . the Y in New York, the and the . Erich Gruenberg plays the Habeneck Stradivari, on loan from the the Gramophone Award. Dong-Suk Kang is a professor at Yonsei Royal Academy of Music. University in Seoul and artistic director of the MusicAlp Festival in Edith Peinemann was honoured with the “Plaquette Eugène Ysaÿe”, He has recorded for Nimbus, Chandos and his first CD for Warner France and the Seoul Spring Festival in Korea. the fourth recipient after D. Oistrakh, L. Kogan and A. Grumiaux. Classics was shortlisted for a Grammy. PAMELA FRANK Edith Peinemann has been professor of violin at Frankfurt MICHAEL MA University’s School of Music since 1976. She plays a Guarnery del Pamela Frank’s outstanding Gesù violin dated 1732. international reputation Born in Vienna of Chinese stems from both her work parents, Michael Ma was with orchestras and in the taught the violin initially MAXIM VENGEROV field of chamber music. by his father before being One of the world’s most Her achievements were accepted at age 14 to exciting violinists, Maxim recognized in 1999 with the the Curtis Institute and Vengerov gave his first recital Avery Fisher Prize, one of the New School of Music, aged five, won First Prize the highest honours given to , to study under in the Junior Wieniawski American instrumentalists. and Adolph Competition aged ten, and Brodsky. Ms Frank has appeared the Carl Flesch International with all the major American He began performing with Violin Competition in 1990, orchestras, the Orchestre the Concerto Soloists of aged 15. He has received National de France, the Philadelphia and founded many Gramophone, Grammy Leipzig Gewandhaus, the the New Art . and Edison awards. Orchestre de , and the with such esteemed He has appeared frequently In 1997 Vengerov was the conductors as , , Bernard as soloist and concertmaster with many orchestras including the first classical musician to Haitink, , , , Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic be appointed Envoy for and . Appearances at festivals include Aldeburgh, Orchestra, the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, the Mainly Mozart Festival, Music by UNICEF, meeting , Blossom, Ravinia, , Tanglewood and Verbier. San Diego, and the New Symphony Orchestra. Michael Ma disadvantaged children in , Harlem, Thailand and Kosovo. was Professor of Violin at the University of Oklahoma and is now In the field of chamber music, she partners her father, pianist Another passion is giving master classes, one of which was shown in Head of Strings at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. , and pianist . Other frequent collaborators Channel Four’s documentary on Vengerov. Vengerov was appointed include Yo-Yo Ma, and Alexander Simionescu. professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2005. Pamela Frank’s recordings include the Dvor˘ák Concerto, the Maxim Vengerov performs with all the major orchestras and complete Mozart , the Brahms and Beethoven , the conductors. He also conducts, plays the baroque violin and the Chopin and the “Trout” Quintet. She also has an affinity . He regularly tours around the globe, visiting the Far East and Exhibition for contemporary music, having premiered works by Ellen Taaffe Europe in 2004 with a programme of virtuoso pieces, which were Zwilich and . also recorded by EMI. Vengerov took a sabbatical year in 2005, During the Competition, at the Royal Welsh College of Music studying improvisation and tango , and premiered a viola & Drama, there is a rare opportunity to see a collection of Born in , Pamela Frank is the daughter of noted concerto written for him by Benjamin Yusupov. In 2006 Vengerov very fine violins and bows assembled by Christophe Landon, Claude Frank and Lilian Kallir, and studied with Shirley toured worldwide with the UBS Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, a prizewinning violin maker, expert restorer and international Givens, Szymon Goldberg and Jaime Laredo. and gave a recital tour. He has recently recorded the complete violin and bow dealer. Pamela Frank is Professor of Violin at the Curtis Institute of Music. Mozart Violin Concertos and Concertante.

12 13 The Accompanists

Julian Bliss, cellists Daniel Müller-Schott and Gemma Rosefield and violinists Renaud Capuçon, Chloë Hanslip, Jack Liebeck, Alexander Sitkovetsky and . Future performances include a return to the Mozarteum and recitals at the Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw, in Italy, Holland, and throughout the UK. Simon is an official accompanist for the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World The A s Competition and last summer he returned to the Verbier Festival to PIERRE DOUMENGE (cello) ccom an st co-ordinate and play for the vocal master classes given by Thomas French cellist Pierre Doumenge enjoys a busy Quasthoff. career divided between work, chamber music and teaching. He was a member of thep i Dante Quartet, performing at major venues STEPHEN ORTON (cello) in Europe and making regular radio and Stephen Orton was born in Ripon, Yorkshire, commercial recordings. Pierre has worked as where he was taught the cello by Pauline guest principal cellist of the English Chamber Dunn, before winning a scholarship to study Orchestra and the London Chamber Orchestra with at the Guildhall School and is now in demand as guest artist with many chamber groups of Music and Drama. He has been principal such as the Belcea and Allegri and the Nash Ensemble. cello with the Bournemouth and Passionate about teaching, Pierre is regularly invited to give with the Sinfonia. In 1985 master classes at the Oxford Cello School, the Violoncello Society Stephen became first cello with the Academy of London and the West Music School. He also coaches of St. Martin in the Fields and has played concertos with the chamber groups in courses such as MusicWorks and and Orchestra. He has often acted as principal cello with the London teaches cello and chamber music at the Yehudi Menuhin School and Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia and has wide experience of at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Future engagements chamber music, as a member of the Delme Quartet for 10 years and include master classes and concerts in Kyoto, and a returning playing the Schubert String Quintet many times with the Chilingirian visit to Hong-Kong to continue his recent collaboration with, among Quartet. He now plays with the Academy Chamber Ensemble, others, violinist Vasko Vassilev and pianist Pascal Rogé. touring internationally and making numerous recordings.

TADASHI IMAI (piano) ROBERT SMISSEN (viola) Tadashi Imai made his debut in Educated at Chetham’s and the Guildhall in 1997 under the auspices of the Japan schools of music, Bob Smissen was a member Committee of the Van Cliburn International of the European Youth Orchestra, played with Piano Competition. As a prizewinner of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and won several international competitions in Japan his first principal job in the Northern Sinfonia and the , he has performed chamber orchestra, based in Newcastle, at the Chopin’s No.1 with the Osaka age of twenty-three. He went on to become Symphoniker and Tchaikovsky’s Concerto principal with the Academy of St. Martin in No. 1 with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. As a Grand Prize the Fields where he has been for the last twenty years. He has winner of the Grand Prix International Chopin Competition, he made toured extensively with the orchestra and the chamber ensemble his New York debut at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. Tadashi and this has resulted in his working with musicians such as Murray is a graduate of Toho Gakuen College of Music and of the Texas Perahia, , , Richard Good, Joshua Bell, Ida Christian University. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Music Haendel, Anne-Sophie von Otter, and Julia Fischer, in 2005 with a Postgraduate Diploma and the Vice-Principal’s special with whom he has most recently appeared playing chamber music prize. He was awarded an Associate Fellowship at the Academy for in the Mecklenburg Festival. Bob has recorded most of the quintet, the academic year 2005-06, the Hogston Fellowship for 2006-2007 sextet and repertoire with the Academy ensemble for Phillips, and the Shinn Fellowship for the academic year. Since 2005, Chandos and Hyperion. He has performed in practically all of the Tadashi has been working with the violinist and academy professor major concert halls throughout the world and in London studios György Pauk’s violin class. His concert commitments in 2008 include where he has been involved with the recording of hundreds of pop recitals in Japan, Holland, France and Brazil, including a performance tracks, film and TV scores. with the violinist and academy professor Maurice Hasson. Tadashi has studied with a number of distinguished pianists including Christopher Elton, Tamas Ungar, Hidemitsu Hayashi, Mieko EVGENIA STARTSEVA (piano) Nakagawa, Hiroshi Tajika, Kazuyo Ueda, Michael Dussek, Clifford Evgenia Startseva, born in , Benson and Shuku Iwasaki. is a pianist with an international concert career both as a soloist and as a chamber music player. Evgenia’s professors at the SIMON LEPPER (piano) Gnesins’ Academy in were Irina Simon Lepper was educated at King’s College Savina, Theodore Gutman and Ekaterina and the Royal Academy of Music, Derzhavina. As a postgraduate, she studied London where he studied with Michael first at the Moscow State Conservatoire Dussek. He has won all the major British with Mikhail Nikeshichev, then at the Musikhochschule in competitions for piano accompaniment and Saarbrücken with Robert Leonardy. She has also received lessons now works with many of the leading singers from Vassily Lobanov in and Roger Vignoles in London. and instrumentalists of his generation. He Evgenia Startseva’s busy concert schedule has subsequently taken currently teaches chamber music and song her across the globe to the former USSR, Germany, Italy, Ireland, accompaniment at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. He , Mexico, South , the United States and the UK, has recorded a CD of Debussy songs with the soprano Gillian Keith performing as a soloist as well as a chamber music partner with on the Deux-Elles label and a disc of Warlock songs with tenor artists such as Maxim Vengerov, Alisa Weilerstein and the Bingham Andrew Kennedy for Landor Records. He will release a CD in 2008 Quartet. She has featured in numerous broadcasts for radio and with violinist Carolin Widmann of works by Feldman, Zimmerman, television in Germany, England, Kazakhstan and Ireland. Evgenia Xenakis and Schoenberg for ECM Records. Engagements last season also performs regularly in venues around the UK as a Live Music included performances at the Cologne Philharmonie, Mozarteum and Now! Fellowship artist together with Welsh mezzo-soprano Rebecca broadcasts for BBC Radio 3 as well as appearances with clarinettist Afonwy-Jones.

15 The Orchestras

GARETH JONES conductor SINFONIA CYMRU Under the direction of O TheGareth Jones, born in South rchestrasSinfonia Cymru was formed in 1996 by Musical Director, Gareth Abdel Rahman El Bacha, piano Wales, joined the Music Jones, and was originally called the Chamber Orchestra. Augustin Dumay, violin Staff at Welsh National Gareth developed the orchestra with the principle aim of providing Opera in 1990 and to opportunities for young orchestral players to perform at a high José Van Dam, singing date he has conducted standard with world class soloists in preparation for the world of , chamber music performances of Un ballo professional music. Over the years, Sinfonia Cymru has developed in maschera, Il barbiere di to include some of the most outstanding instrumental talent from Siviglia, Turandot, Nabucco, Wales and beyond. Preparatory module for outstanding young musicians (8 to 15 years) La traviata, Ernani, Die The orchestra currently performs approximately six chamber concert Fledermaus, , series a year and a year most of the players come together for The Yeomen of the Guard, Advanced module (16 to 25 years) a large orchestral gala concert at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff. Faust, La bohème, Fidelio, Billy Budd, The Carmelites, has described the orchestra as ‘the most important and Opera studio (in collaboration with la Monnaie) Carmen, Katya Kabanova, significant orchestral development in Wales in recent years’. Sinfonia The Cunning Little Vixen, Cymru has accompanied Bryn and his guests in previous years at Master after Master (post conservatory) Jenu°fa, Le nozze di Figaro the prestigious Faenol Festival in North Wales and most recently and Der Fliegende Holländer worked with him on a Christmas tour of the UK and at the Henley

for WNO and The Mikado Tarr Brian Photo Festival in July 2006. for the Vancouver Opera. Gareth was Associate Music Director of Sinfonia Cymru regularly works with many other distinguished artists Deadline for applications: may 2008 - www.cmre.be the New D’Oyly Carte Opera Company from 1988 to 1990 where he including Carlo Rizzi, Dennis O’Neill, Peter Donohoe, Gwyn Hughes conducted The Yeomen of the Guard, Iolanthe, The Mikado and The Jones, Rebecca Evans, Patricia Bardon, and Jean-Phillipe Pirates of Penzance. In 2004, Gareth made his debut with English Collard. National Opera conducting The Mikado. The orchestra has also forged strong relationships with outstanding Concert work with leading UK orchestras has taken him all over the younger artists including , Chloë Hanslip, David country. Childs, Natsuko Yoshimoto, , Catrin Finch and Llyˆr Between 1992 and 1994, Gareth worked closely with the American Williams. choreographer, Mark Morris, conducting performances with the In July the orchestra will embark on its annual National Tour Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Edinburgh International Festival involving concerts in Criccieth Memorial Hall, St. Asaph Cathedral, and with the Australian Chamber Orchestra at the . CMRE-0450308-AuditionsMenuhin.indd 1 20/03/08 11:05:09 Llandrindod Wells Pavilion and Newport Riverfront. The orchestra In 1996, Gareth formed Sinfonia Cymru and as a result of a highly- will joined by Llyˆr Williams who will be performing Chopin’s Piano acclaimed concert given by Sinfonia Cymru in April 2000 with Bryn Concertos No. 1 and 2. In Criccieth and St. Asaph the orchestra will Terfel, which included a performance of Wotan’s Farewell, a special be performing the world premiere of Trafod, a concerto written bond has developed between Bryn, Gareth and the orchestra. by Welsh composer Brian Hughes and specially commissioned by SAN DOMENICO Gareth has worked with Bryn Terfel on numerous projects including Sinfonia Cymru. the disc We’ll Keep a Welcome, opera galas at Faenol, Henley and Hampton Court Festivals in addition to concerts in Dublin, STRINGED INSTRUMENTS Stockholm, Sydney and Melbourne and a television recording of Handel’s Messiah for . Gareth also made his BBC Prom debut Violins · Violas · Cellos · Bows in September 2002 with Bryn Terfel and Renée Fleming in works by Wagner and . LEADING AUTHORITY ON ALL INSTRUMENTS OF THE VIOLIN FAMILY Recent engagements include Llangollen Festival with the Hallé Orchestra and the Opera Gala at Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival with guest soloists and Rolando Villazón. Future Established in Cardiff 35 years ago, San Domenico can offer you engagements include concerts with the Bournemouth Symphony a wealth of knowledge on old instruments and bows Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra and Carmen, Madama Butterfly, La Cenerentola and for Specialising in Italian violins and French bows with a selection WNO. of good quality antique student instruments

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1717 The Orchestras Prizes and Rules

ORCHESTRA OF THE YEHUDI MENUHIN SCHOOL Many very distinguished musicians besides Lord Menuhin have Jury’s Decision worked with the orchestra. The second president, Mstislav The Yehudi Menuhin School has always had a flourishing string The system of marking used in competitions varies considerably from Rostropovich, conducted the orchestra both in the Royal Albert orchestra. Yehudi Menuhin considered it as a vital part of the one competition to another. After great thought and taking the past Hall and at the opening concert of the Menuhin Hall, András musical education offered to these exceptionally gifted young Senior Section experience of the Menuhin Competition and other international music Schiff directed the ensemble from the keyboard in concert at the musicians, and he himself often directed the ensemble. Indeed he Sheldonian in Oxford, and in 2007 conducted Prizes1st prize £5000 sponsored by Florian Leonhard competitions into consideration, the following was decided upon: gave his last performance with the orchestra in Paris at UNESCO just the orchestra at La Foce, Tuscany in a programme of Mozart and 2nd prize £3000 donated by the President in memory of The competition’s Junior Section consists of two rounds. Out of 20 weeks before his death. Dvor˘ák. Other soloists who have played with the orchestra in his father Seizaburo Hattori candidates in the First Round, eight will proceed into the Finals and Since 1998, Malcolm Singer, the School’s Director of Music, has recent years include Jeremy Menuhin, Nikolai Schneider, Julian Lloyd 3rd prize £2000 anonymous donation five will receive a prize. conducted the orchestra in many concerts both in the United Webber, Pascal Rogé, Tasmin Little, Dora Schwarzberg and the 4th prize £1000 donated by Mr and Mrs Albert Frost The competition’s Senior Section consists of three rounds. Out of 22 Kingdom and on tour abroad. It performs regularly at the Menuhin klezmer violinist, . candidates in the First Round, 10 will proceed into the Semi-finals and Bach Prize £1000 donated by Mr and Mrs Robert Masters Festival in Gstaad, Switzerland. four will play in the Finals and receive a prize. for the best performance of Bach In the First Round and the Senior Semi-finals the decision whether a Senior competitors reaching the Second Stage but not going candidate goes forward into the next round will be based on a simple forward to the Finals will receive £100 each. majority vote. The jury will be asked to vote YES or NO or POSSIBLE Junior Section without any consultation between jury members. In an event of a tie 1st prize £3500 sponsored by J & A Beare there will be a revote. 2nd prize £2000 sponsored by Geldards LLP The Finals only will be voted in order of preference with a point 3rd prize £1500 sponsored by Christophe Landon system: 1-5 for the Junior Section and 1-4 for the Senior Section. Thus the lowest point count will represent the winner. 4th prize £1000 donated by Zamira Menuhin Benthall & Jonathan Benthall All decisions of the jury are final. 5th prize £750 donated by Michael Blakey Competition Rules Composer’s Prize £250 for the best performance of the work by Pwyll ap Siôn. The Competition is open to violinists of any nationality under the age of 22. Junior competitors must be under 16 years of age and senior competitors All unplaced Junior finalists will receive £100. under 22 years of age on 20th April 2008. Violinists aged 15 may also enter the senior section. The jury will be composed of a chairman and distinguished, The Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition for international musicians and all decisions of the jury will be final. The jury Young Violinists is a member of the of Music reserves the right to withhold any prize should the required standard not be Competitions for Youth (EMCY). Winners of the competition may be achieved. Once a competitor has won 1st prize, he or she will not be eligible to offered participation in: enter the same section again. Experienced piano accompanists will be available Ú An annual concert of international competition winners with the to all competitors with one rehearsal for each stage. Competitors may bring their own piano accompanists at their own expense but must perform with European Broadcasting Union (EBU) the official cellist/violist. All music must be played from memory and without Ú The TV Competition Eurovision Young Musicians repeats unless indicated. All competitors must agree to make themselves Ú The European Summer Academy available to perform at the Gala Concert on 20th April 2008 and other events Ú European Concerts with and without orchestra during the Menuhin Competition Cardiff 2008.

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18 19 J S (under 16 years of age) Professional players and restorers unior ection Monday 14 April 1st Round, Part 1 Friendly, helpful advice on 10.00am - 5.30pm Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) Castle Grounds, Cathays, Cardiff CF10 3ER choosing the right instrument Box Office: 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk Admission Free

Tuesday 15 April 1st Round, Part 2 10.00am - 4.00pm Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) violins, violas Admission Free

REPERTOIRE cellos, basses 1. One of the following: Ú G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.8 in E major Ú G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 in B minor Ú G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 in D major

2. One of the following: bows Ú H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 Ú H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.3 Ú H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.4 Ú H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.5 Ú H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.6 accessories 3. One of the following: Ú F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 Ú F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in A minor Op.137, No.2, D.385 Ú F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op.137, No.3, D.408

4. Contemporary Welsh work repairs Ú P. AP SION The White Wheat Biographies of each competitor and the repertoire they have chosen appear on pages 26 - 29.

1-5 Lily Grove, Beeston, 1 Gibb Street, Digbeth, NOTTINGHAM NG9 1QL BIRMINGHAM B9 4AA Telephone 0115 943 0333 Telephone 0121 772 7708 The names of the Junior Finalists will be announced at the end of 1st Round Part 2 on Tuesday afternoon. www.turnerviolins.co.uk [email protected]

21

A4_prestige.indd 1 3/03/2008 10:00:27 PM Junior Competition

Founded by the late Yehudi Menuhin, Live Music Now is the largest music outreach G. F. TELEMANN P. AP SION The White Wheat programme in the UK. The organisation has two main aims: Twelve Fantasias for solo violin - a contemporary Welsh work for solo violin Ú to give young professional musicians performing experience at the start Candidate’s choice of one from: ‘The White Wheat’, a joint Arts Council of Wales and Yehudi Menuhin of their careers Ú No. 8 in E major International Violin Competition commission from Pwyll ap Siôn, is Ú Ú No. 9 in B minor to take high quality performances to people who would not otherwise a theme and variations inspired by the traditional Welsh folk song Ú No. 10 in D major have access to live music Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn (‘Watching the White Wheat’). Live Music Now Wales was established in 1990 and since then over 3,000 A contemporary of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel, Georg Philipp It begins with a simple statement of the melody, which grows performances have taken place throughout Wales. Telemann was regarded as one of the leading composers of his organically from a triadic statement with double-stops providing During the Menuhin Competition the Kosmos ensemble will perform in special time, although relatively little of his enormous output remains in the a second line. The first variation ‘Un poco più mosso’ consists of schools and care homes in south Wales. Kosmos will be joined by pupils from Ysgol repertoire today. arpeggio patterns, while the individual notes of the melody are embedded within this figuration. The darker moments come in the Erw’r Delyn, Penarth on the Tesco Stage at at 1pm on His Fantasias cover a range of styles of music, both fast and slow, second variation, ‘Meno mosso’ which shifts uneasily from D major Thursday 17 April. and enable the violinist to show off their control of the instrument into D minor. Here, the theme is played at a higher register and is and ability to reflect different moods. They are true fantasies, with accompanied by a drone-like left-hand pizzicato. If this variation is a prodigious succession of ideas within each, designed to challenge cautious and introverted, the third variation, ‘Ritmico’ is designed to the performer and delight the listener. sound more immediately vivacious and ‘extroverted’ in its attempt Among his many interests, including law, keyboard playing, to combine a folk sensibility with minimalist elements. The final publishing and music theory, Telemann was also a fine violinist and variation of ‘The White Wheat’ is the most virtuosic in nature. his knowledge of the instrument is reflected in these pieces. The theme is interspersed with fast descending demisemiquavers passages, creating a ‘question and answer’ texture, before a short codetta heralds an abridged return to the idyllic pastoral evocation H. WIENIAWSKI of the opening theme. Etudes-Caprices Op.18 Pwyll ap Siôn and Cecilia Leung Cynllun y diweddar Yehudi Menuhin yw Live Music Now. Bwriad yr elusen yw: Candidate’s choice of one from: Ú rhoi profiad perfformio i gerddorion proffesiynol ar ddechrau eu gyrfa Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 Ú mynd â pherfformiadau o safon uchel at bobl sy’n methu mynd i gyngherddau www.livemusicnow.org Henryk Wieniawski came from an exceptionally musical family, with [email protected] Sefydlwyd Live Music Now Cymru / Wales ym 1990 ac ers hynny cynhaliwyd dros 3,000 his mother and uncle fine professional pianists, his younger brother 02920 554040 o berfformiadau ymhob cwr o Gymru. Józef a composer and pianist and his nephew, Adam Tadeusz Wieniawski, also a composer. He himself was a child prodigy and Registered Charity no: 273596 Yn ystod y Gystadleuaeth fe fydd Kosmos yn cynnal cyngherddau mewn cartrefi i’r became one of the most accomplished violinists of the 19th century, henoed a gweithdai mewn ysgolion arbennig yn Ne Cymru. Bydd plant o Ysgol Erw’r touring extensively throughout the world even when his health was Delyn Penarth yn ymuno â’r cerddorion ar Lwyfan Tesco, Canolfan y Mileniwm Cymru very poor. am 1 o’r gloch dydd Iau 17 Ebrill. Wieniawski composed many violin works, combining Slavonic and Romantic sensibilities with a technical prowess akin to Paganini’s. His concertos in particular are mainstays of the repertoire and his study works, including the Etudes-Caprices (written in 1863), an indispensable resource for the violin student.

F. SCHUBERT One of the following Ú F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major, Op.137 No.1, D.384 Ú F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in A minor, Op.137 No.2, D.385 Ú F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor, Op.137 No.3, D.408

Although Schubert wrote these graceful pieces aged 19, in 1816, they cannot really be described as early work; he had started composing as early as 1810 and in 1815 had penned around 200 works. They were not published until after the composer’s death. PWYLL AP SION The violin was Schubert’s first instrument, and he combined a deep understanding of its potential with a penchant for writing vocal-style Pwyll ap Siôn was born in Pembrokeshire in 1968. He studied lines, as well as a feeling for the almost conversational nature of privately with Welsh composer Gareth Glyn before reading chamber music. music at Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating there in 1990. He was awarded a Vaughan Williams scholarship to pursue his The first Sonatina is very classical in style; the second uses denser studies at the , Bangor, where he studied with textures and and the third is extremely lively and John Pickard, David Gottlieb and Martin Butler and received a energetic. doctorate in composition in 1998. He won the Composers’ Medal prize in the National in 1991. He has composed music for some of Wales’ foremost performers, including Bryn Terfel, Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, Llyˆr Williams, the Davies Piano Duo, and also musicians from outside Wales, such as the Japanese group, Ensemble Tozai. His music has been featured on CDs made by the WNO Brass Consort, baritone Jeremy Huw Williams, pianist Iwan Llewelyn- Jones, soprano Buddug Verona James and the Davies Piano Duo. Eclectic elements feature strongly in his music, ranging from American and rock and pop music to post-serial techniques and the use of quotation.

23 ATRIUM realise ad 297x210 Menuhin 13/2/08 10:43 Page 1

Junior Competition anewhomefor

creativity JFriday 18unior April Finals Friday 18 April Junior Finals Part 1 Junior Finals Part 2 2.00pm - 5.30pm 7.30pm - 9.30pm St. David’s Hall St. David’s Hall The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1SH Tickets £12 ATRiuM -- home of the Cardiff School of Box Office 029 2087 8444 Concessions available www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Creative & Cultural Industries -- is a new Tickets £8 Accompanied by the Orchestra of the Yehudi Menuhin School, each Combined ticket for Part 1 and Part 2 £16 of the young finalists will perform as a soloist without conductor in and exciting creative hub in the heart Concessions available one of Vivaldi’s popular Four Seasons. of Cardiff. Eight junior finalists will show their skills on the big stage. REPERTOIRE Their ability to make music with other musicians is displayed in One of the following, played with orchestra: Dohnányi’s Trio Serenade Op.10 for violin, viola and violoncello. Ú A. VIVALDI The Four Seasons, Op.8: Winter They will finish with an exciting virtuoso piece of their own choice. Ú A. VIVALDI The Four Seasons, Op.8: Spring Ú A. VIVALDI The Four Seasons, Op.8: Summer Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities REPERTOIRE Ú A. VIVALDI The Four Seasons, Op.8: Autumn and offering over 40 stimulating courses One of the following: Ú E. DOHNANYI Serenade in C for String Trio, Op.10, movements 1 & 2 A. VIVALDI in the areas of Art & Design, Drama & Ú E. DOHNANYI Serenade in C for String Trio, Op.10, The Four Seasons movements 3 & 5 Music and Media & Communication, it Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op.8 RV 269 La primavera (Spring) One virtuoso work of choice with or without piano 1. Allegro will develop the creative professionals of (maximum length 10 minutes) 2. Largo 3. Allegro pastorale Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op.8 RV 315 L’estate (Summer) the future. E. DOHNANYI 1. Allegro non molto Serenade in C for String Trio, Op.10 2. Adagio e piano – presto e forte 1. Marcia: Allegro 3. Presto 2. Romanza: Adagio non troppo, quasi andante Concerto No. 3 in F major Op.8 RV 293 L’autunno (Autumn) For more information about this exciting 3. : Vivace 1. Allegro 4. Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto (not performed today) 2. Adagio molto new campus, our courses or partnership 5. Rondo (Finale): Allegro vivace 3. Allegro opportunities, contact us today. Competitors will perform either movements 1 and 2 Concerto No 4 in F minor Op.8 RV 297 L’inverno (Winter) or movements 3 and 5. 1. Allegro 2. Largo Accompanied by Robert Smissen (viola) and Stephen Orton (cello) 3. Allegro Erno Dohnányi, also known by the German form of his name, Ernst von Dohnányi, was born in 1877 in what is now Bratislava, capital This set of four violin concertos, composed in 1723, is Vivaldi’s best- of . He was a talented pianist as well as a composer, and known work and is among the most popular pieces of music of all For further information call us on became a successful conductor. time. He wrote the Serenade in 1902 and it was first published in Vienna The concertos were first published in 1725 as part of a set of two years later. Brahms’ influence can be seen in the writing, and twelve making up Vivaldi’s Op.8 entitled Il cimento dell’armonia e Dohnányi also makes some use of Hungarian folk melodies. dell’inventione (The Contest of Harmony and Invention). The first 0800 716 925 four concertos were designated Le Quattro Stagione (The Four Seasons), each appearing alongside a sonnet named for each season. The poet is not known, although there is a theory that it www.glam.ac.uk/atrium was Vivaldi himself. Vivaldi’s original arrangement for solo violin with strings in four parts and basso continuo helped to cement the solo concerto form. Each concerto takes the fast-slow-fast three movement structure. The texture of each takes on the characteristics of its respective season; Winter’s high, silvery staccato notes call to mind icy rain, and Summer features the instruction “Languor caused by the heat”, and evokes a thunderstorm in its final movement. Autumn has peasant dancing and a hunting scene and Spring has birdsong. The programmatic nature of the pieces is underlined by such instructions as “The barking dog” (second movement of Spring), and “the drunkards have fallen asleep” (second movement of Autumn).

Biographies of the junior finalists appear on pages 26 - 29 1678 - 1741

25 Junior Competition

MAIA CABEZA SEWON CHO GURO KLEVEN HAGEN F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 P. AP SION The White Wheat Date of Birth: September 20, 1992 Date of Birth: April 28, 1995 Date of Birth: May 11, 1994 Nationality: Canadian Nationality: South Korean Nationality: Norwegian Finals: Maia was Second Prize winner at the 2007 At the age of seven, Sewon won First Prize Guro has been studying under Alf Richard E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) Sphinx Competition and 1st in the North at the Seoul National University of Education Kraggerud since 2001, and is a student at the C. SAINT-SAENS Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op.28 Carolina Symphony Youth Competition in Competition. Since then she has won First Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo. She A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Summer) 2006. Maia has performance experience with Prizes at the Baroque String Competition in has been a soloist with The Tallinn Chamber Accompanist: Official the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, the Triangle 2003, the Music Journal Competition in 2005 Orchestra and with the Collegium Musicum Youth Philharmonic and the Duke String School and Euymyoun Competition in 2007. She in Bergen. Guro had her Wigmore Hall debut ELENA KAWAZU Chamber Orchestra, and has appeared as a soloist with the Sphinx is currently studying under Dae Hwan Kim, Professor at Kookmin in September 2007 and has also performed in Switzerland and Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra University, while attending Sixth Grade at Seoul Sangbong Elementary Germany. In 2004 she was awarded First Prize at the Young Musician Date of Birth: February 2, 1998 at Meadow Brook Music Festival, the Orquesta Academica del Teatro School. Performances include her Kumho Prodigy Solo Recital in 2006 Competition in Tallinn and in 2006 Second Prize at the Kocian Nationality: Japanese-American Colón in as well as giving numerous recitals across her home and she also appeared at the 24th Young Musicians’ Festival in 2007. International Violin Competition and First Prize at the Norwegian Elena made her first public performance in state of North Carolina. Maia is currently studying with National Youth Championship. She went on to win the First Prize at 2002 at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 1st Round: and Joseph Silverstein at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. the 2007 Young Musician Competition in Tallinn where she was also Hall when she was four years old. She G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 awarded the EMCY Art of Music Prize. has won first prizes in many competitions, 1st Round: H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 including the IBLA International Grand Prize G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 1st Round: Competition in Italy in 2007. She has been H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 P. AP SION The White Wheat G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.8 broadcast on television, and will make her debut at Carnegie Hall F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op.137, No.3, D.408 H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.5 Finals: in the Artist Winners’ series this year when she also tours concert P. AP SION The White Wheat F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor, Op.137 No.3, D.408 E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) halls in the United States. Elena is a member of the Midwest Young P. AP SION The White Wheat Finals: M. RAVEL Artists’ Preparatory Orchestra and studies with Roland and Almita E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) Finals: Vamos at the North Western University and the Music Institute of E. YSAYE Sonata No.2 E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 3 & 5) Chicago. Accompanist: Official A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) E. ZIMBALIST Fantasy ‘The Golden Cockerel’ 1st Round: A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Autumn) Accompanist: Official ALEKSANDER DASZKIEWICZ G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 Accompanist: Olga Sitkovetsky H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.4 Date of Birth: February 12, 1994 MINDY CHEN Nationality: Polish F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 CHAD HOOPES P. AP SION The White Wheat Date of Birth: February 14, 1996 Currently under the tutelage of Prof. Wieslaw Nationality: American Kwasny at the Academy of Music in Krakow, Date of Birth: June 7, 1994 Finals: Mindy has been studying with Mr. Li Lin in Aleksander has won many special prizes Nationality: American E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) the Preparatory Division of the San Francisco and awards, including Second Prize at the Chad won the Cleveland Alumnae C. SAINT-SAENS Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op.28 Conservatory of Music since 2001. She started 10th Festival of Young Instrumentalists in International Music Fraternity Competition A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) playing the violin at the age of four, winning Krakow in 2003, First Prize at the 2004 Polish in 2007 and he also won various State Accompanist: Official her first violin competition at the age of Tournament of Young Violinists, First Prize at the 10th International Scholarship competitions. His work includes seven. She won First Prize at the MTA of CA Bohdan Warchal Competition ‘Talents for Europe’ in 2006 and First many solo recitals, appearing with the South SEOHYUN LIM Junior Solo String Competition in 2005, First Place at the Oakland Prize in 2007 at the First Polish Competition for Young Violinists in Dakota Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota East Bay Young Artist Concerto Competition in 2006 and, in 2007, the Lancut. Sinfonia Orchestra and the Firelands Symphony in Ohio. He has Date of Birth: October 16, 1994 Grand Prize at the first International Violin Competition performed on both local and national radio and television and has Nationality: South Korean 1st Round: (Youth Category). She has performed as soloist and with orchestras forthcoming solo engagements playing with the , Seohyun has been taught by Bon-ju Koo at G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 including the Oakland East Bay Orchestra and the Palo Alto Cleveland Pops Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. the Korean National University of Arts since H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 Philharmonic, and has also broadcast on the national public radio Chad currently studies with David Cerone and Prof. David Russell at she was six years old. She has appeared F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op. 137, No.3, D.408 show ‘From the Top’. For this competition, Mindy plays a Francesco the Cleveland Institute of Music. with many prominent orchestras including P. AP SION The White Wheat Ruggieri violin graciously loaned to her by Florian Leonhard. the KBS Symphony Orchestra, the Euro-Asian 1st Round: Finals: Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bohemian 1st Round: G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) Philharmonic Orchestra in Tulln, . She has been invited G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.4 H. WIENIAWSKI Scherzo-tarantelle, Op.16 twice to give Kumho-Asiana Prodigy recitals and has participated H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.4 F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) in various musical festivals. She won First Prizes at The Strad F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op.137, No.3, D.408 P. AP SION The White Wheat Competition in 2002, the Korean Chamber Ensemble’s Fifth National P. AP SION The White Wheat Accompanist: Official Finals: Competition for Strings in 2004 and the 12th International Violin Finals: E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) Competition Kloster Schöntal 2007, as well as winning the EMCY Art TIANYANG GAO E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) P. SARASATE for Music Prize for the best interpretation of a Mozart sonata. H. WIENIAWSKI Original Theme with Variations, Op.15 Date of Birth: Septermber 3, 1992 A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Spring) 1st Round: A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) Nationality: Chinese Accompanist: Official G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 Tianyang won First Prize at the Shanghai Accompanist: Official H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.4 Solo Violin Competition in 2001, has worked JOU (ROSE) HSIEN F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 with the Shanghai Opera Orchestra and was P. AP SION The White Wheat awarded Second Prize in the National Violin Date of Birth: January 19, 1993 Competition (Junior Group) in 2006. He has Nationality: Taiwanese Finals: performed in school exchanges on many Rose won Second Prize (Junior Section) at E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 3 & 5) occasions and since 2000 he has been studying under Prof. Fang Lei the Sixth Asian Youth Music Competition and H. WIENIAWSKI Original Theme with Variations, Op.15 at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Third Prize at the Canetti International Violin A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) Competition in 2007 and also won First Prize 1st Round: Accompanist: Official in the Junior Section at the Hsinchu City of G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.8 Taiwan National Music Competition in both H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.3 2003 and 2005. She has attended master F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 classes with and and has performed P. AP SION The White Wheat with Taiwan’s Voice of Spring Symphony Orchestra in China. She is Finals: studying under Qian Zhou at the new Yong Siew Toh Conservatory E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) of Music at the National University of . M. RAVEL Tzigane 1st Round: A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Autumn) G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.8 Accompanist: Wen Shi H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.5

26 27 Junior Competition

HIROKA MATSUMOTO YU-AH OK DMITRY SMIRNOV WEILU ZHANG Date of Birth: April 27, 1995 Date of Birth: July 23, 1993 Date of Birth: August 26, 1994 Date of Birth: February 27, 1993 Nationality: Japanese Nationality: South Korean Nationality: Russian Nationality: Chinese Hiroka regularly performs in Japan and Yu-Ah has studied at the Korean National Dmitry has studied with Elena I. Zaytseva Weilu joined The Central Conservatory of Europe, and has attended master classes by University of the Arts for the past nine years. at the St. Petersburg State N. A. Rimsky- Music in Beijing in 2003, and has been a Zakhar Bron. She was awarded Second Prize She has won numerous first prizes, including Korsakov Conservatory since 2001. He has pupil of Prof. Tong Weidong since 2002. at the 10th H. Wieniawski and K. Lipinski First Prize at the CBS Youth Competition and performed in various international music She has appeared in a film shown on the International Competition for Young Violinists the Ishikawa Music Academy Encouragement festivals, has appeared at Carnegie Hall in ‘Music Tells You’ programme on CCTV’s music in in 2006 and also won First Prize Award in 2004, 2005 and 2006, First Prize 2007 and has given a series of recitals in channel and took part in the Approaching in the 61st Student Music Competition in Japan, December 2007. at the 2007 Yong-in City Competition and Second Prize and Special Italy. He has worked with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Mozart – Mozart Piano and Violin Works Competition for Young Hiroka has been studying under Prof. Koichiro Harada and Prof. Prize for Achievement at the 12th International Violin Competition the New Russia Orchestra, and the Solisti Veneti e Padova Orchestra. Musicians in 2006, winning the Gold Prize for a Professional Group. Gerard Poulet at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Kloster Schöntal 2007. She has collaborated with the Seoul Dmitry has won many awards including Second Prize at the 2005 Weilu also participates in a chamber music group and organises her Music, with private lessons in Chamber Music by Prof. Ferenc Rados. Philharmonic Orchestra, the North Orchestra, Rotary Youth International Competition in Moscow, First Prize at the own quartet. and the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, and has twice been invited First International Competition in Moscow in 2006 1st Round: 1st Round: to perform at the Kumho Prodigy Concert recitals. and First Prize at the Garts-Foundation Competition in St. Petersburg G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.8 in 2007. H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.3 1st Round: H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.4 F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 1st Round: F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op.137, No.3, D.408 P. AP SION The White Wheat H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 P. AP SION The White Wheat Finals: F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.5 Finals: E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) P. AP SION The White Wheat F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in A minor Op.137, No.2, D.385 E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) C. SAINT-SAENS Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op.28 Finals: P. AP SION The White Wheat A. BAZZINI La Ronde des Lutins, Op.25 A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) Finals: A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) H. WIENIAWSKI Original Theme with Variations, Op.15 Accompanist: Yurie Fukushima E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 3 & 5) A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) Accompanist: Mengmeng Huang M. RAVEL Tzigane DAVID NEBEL Accompanist: Official A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Summer) Date of Birth: September 20, 1996 Accompanist: Dumshina Ludmila KE ZHU Nationality: Swiss JIAN REN Date of Birth: December 18, 1993 David is currently studying with Alexander Date of Birth: September 15, 1992 SONOKO MIRIAM SHIMANO WELDE Nationality: Chinese Draganov at the Music School at the Zurich Nationality: Chinese Date of Birth: March 7, 1996 Ke Zhu is a member of the Chinese Junior Conservatory and with Prof. Jörg Hofmann Jian started playing the violin at the age of Nationality: Norwegian-Japanese Chamber Music Group, and has been a at the Conservatory of Freiburg. David has four and continued his studies with Burkhard Sonoko is studying under Alf Richard student at the Central Conservatory of Music participated in numerous recitals and has Godhoff in Shanghai until the age of 13. Kraggerud at the Barratt Due Music Institute in Beijing since 2004, where he studies with won prizes for his work, including Soloist He has been a student at Chetham’s School in Oslo and the Razumovsky Academy in Prof. Tong Weidong. He attended the Great Prize at the Camerata Zurich and First Prize at the Youth Music of Music in Manchester since 2006 and is London, with master classes with Almita Wall International Music Academy in 2007, Competition of the Kanton of Zurich in 2005, First Prize at the Swiss currently studying under Jan Repko. Jian Vamos and Dora Schwarzberg. She won Third where he worked with Kurt Sassmannshaus and Michael Ma. Youth Music Competition in 2006 and First Prize at the Swiss Youth has given many performances during the last 18 months, both in Prize at the Norwegian Music Competition for Music Competition 2007, this time for chamber music. school and around the UK, including a performance with the Buxton 1st Round: Youth in 2004, First Prize in 2006, and was awarded Second Prize Society Orchestra. He has received invitations to perform with the G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.8 1st Round: at the International Kocian Violin Competition in 2007. Sonoko’s Nottingham Youth Orchestra in the near future. H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.6 G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 experience includes appearing at the Bergen International Festival, F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op.137, No.3, D.408 H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.5 1st Round: as a soloist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Young P. AP SION The White Wheat F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 Symphony Orchestra, and at the Egersund Youth Chamber Music P. AP SION The White Wheat H. WIENIAWSKI Etudes-Caprices Op.18, No.4 Festival. She has also given recitals at the Barratt Due Music Finals: Finals: F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 Institute. E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) P. AP SION The White Wheat P. SARASATE Habanera, Op.21 No.2 1st Round: P. SARASATE Zigeunerweisen Finals: A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Spring) G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Spring) E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 3 & 5) H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 Accompanist: Mengmeng Huang H. WIENIAWSKI Polonaise in D, Op.4 Accompanist: Yuuki Katsukawa F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in D major Op.137, No.1, D.384 A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) P. AP SION The White Wheat KYOKO OGAWA Accompanist: Brenda Blewett Finals: Date of Birth: July 17, 1993 E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) Nationality: Japanese XIAOXUAN SHI P. SARASATE Zigeunerweisen Kyoko won First Prize at the All Japan Student A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Spring) Date of Birth: November 12, 1993 Music Competition in 2005 and she has Nationality: Chinese Accompanist: Olga Sitkovetsky also won other prizes including the Tuzuki, Xiaoxuan has been studying at the Shanghai Uzuka, Tohgi and Mainichi newspaper prizes. Academy of Music since 2003 and is She has appeared with the Tokyo Symphony currently under the tutelage of Prof. Fang Lei. Orchestra and has played at the Courchevel Performance venues during 2007 included International Music Academy in Kasama. Kyoko has been studying Shanghai’s Yangpu Theatre, Zhejiang Music with Kyoko Kimura at the Toho School of Music since 2000 and she Hall and Fudan University’s Music Hall and also takes master classes with Akiko Tatsumi. she also played at the Shanghai Music Festival. 1st Round: 1st Round: G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.9 G. F. TELEMANN Fantasia for solo violin No.10 H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.2 H. WIENIAWSKI Etude-Caprice Op.18, No.3 F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in A minor, Op.137 No.2, D.385 F. SCHUBERT Sonatina in G minor Op.137, No.3, D.408 P. AP SION The White Wheat P. AP SION The White Wheat Finals: Finals: E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) E. DOHNANYI Trio Serenade Op.10 (movements 1 & 2) H. WIENIAWSKI Original Theme with Variations, Op.15 H. WIENIAWSKI Scherzo-tarantelle, Op.16 A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) A. VIVALDI Four Seasons (Winter) Accompanist: Official Accompanist: Wen Shi

28 29 MEnuhin_full page:Layout 1 17/3/08 17:34 Page 1 Frederick Phelps Ltd

VIOLIN DEALERS � MAKERS � RESTORERS � BOW REHAIRS � EXPERT ADVICE � INSURANCE � CERTIFICATES � COMPREHENSIVE SELECTION of FINE INSTRUMENTS & BOWS (16 - 21 years of age)

Saturday 12 April enior Section 1st Round, Part 1 10.00am – 5.00pm Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) Castle Grounds, Cathays, Cardiff CF10 3ER Box Office: 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk AdmissionS Free Please contact Mila Strnad Sunday 13 April 1st Round, Part 2 10.00am – 5.00pm Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) Admission Free

Tel: 020 8482 3887 Email: [email protected] Web: www.phelpsviolins.com

34 Conway Road London N14 7BA REPERTOIRE 1. One of the following: Ú J. S. BACH from No. 1 in B minor BWV 1002: Sarabande, Double, Bourree, Double Ú J. S. BACH from Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV 1004: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue Ú J. S. BACH from Partita No. 3 in E major BWV 1006: Gavotte en Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourree, Gigue

2. One of the following (first movement only): Ú W. A. MOZART from No. 1 in B flat major, K.207 Ú W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major, K.211 Ú W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K.216

3. One Caprice from Ú N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op. 1 (except No. 13, 14, 16 & 20)

Ú One piece composed or arranged by F. KREISLER with piano accompaniment

Biographies of each competitor and the repertoire they have chosen The names of the Senior Semi-Finalists will be announced at the appear on pages 37 - 41. end of 1st Round Part 2 on Sunday afternoon; the Senior Finalists will be announced after the Semi-Finals on Wednesday.

31 Senior Competition

J. S. BACH Partitas Candidate’s choice of one from: Ú Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 (Sarabande, Double, Bourrée, Double) Ú Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) Wednesday 16 April M. RAVEL Ú Partita No.3 in E major BWV 1006 enior Semi- inalsDuo for Violin and Cello 2.30pm - 10.00pm (Gavotte en Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourrée, Gigue) Reardon Smith Theatre, National Museum, Cardiff 1. Allegro Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP 2. Très vif The Partitas and Sonatas for solo violin date from 1720, when Bach Tickets from St David’s Hall Box Office: 029 2087 8444 3. Lent was working for Prince Leopold at Cöthen. They are a set of six, Tickets £10 4. Vif, avec entrain numbered BWV 1001-1006, with the three sonatas taking the usual SConcessions available F four movement model. The three Partitas are made up of dance Competitors have the choice of either Movements 1 and 2 or movements, such as Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, and vary Each of the 10 Senior semi-finalist presents a 35-minute recital in Movements 3 and 4. between five and eight movements. which they can add their own musical choices to the compulsory Much of Bach’s music from the Cöthen period was lost, but luckily repertoire of the competition. Works include a classical duo sonata This duo was written in the period 1920-22 and was dedicated to these survive, along with such illustrious works as the Cello by Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert or Schumann, plus the extremely the memory of Ravel’s great contemporary, Debussy, who had died Suites and Brandenburg Concertos, all of which also remain in the demanding Ravel Duo for violin and violoncello in addition to a in 1918. Although Debussy and Ravel are widely referred to as the repertoire. contemporary and a virtuoso piece to suit their style. great French impressionist composers, both of them rejected the description, believing it should be used only in connection with

REPERTOIRE painting. W. A. MOZART Ravel was in a delicate state emotionally in the years immediately 1. First Movement only of a Sonata for Violin and Piano Violin Concerti following the end of World War 1 and the death of his mother, by BEETHOVEN, BRAHMS, SCHUBERT or SCHUMANN and the little music he wrote during this period owed much to Candidate’s choice of one of the following (first movement only the influence of earlier styles. In this duo, his use of counterpoint with cadenza) 2. One of the following: is key; as Ravel himself described the work, “The music is Ú Violin Concerto No.1 in B flat major, K.207 Ú M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello: movements 1 & 2 stripped down to the bone. The allure of harmony is rejected Ú Violin Concerto No.2 in D major, K.211 Ú M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello: movements 3 & 4 and increasingly there is a return of emphasis on melody”. The Ú Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 With Pierre Doumenge (cello) piece owes more to classicism than to the indistinct lines of , and Ravel considered it to represent a turning-point Mozart wrote five violin concerti, all in 1775 when he was working NICCOLÒ PAGANINI 3. Choice of a piece for solo violin composed in the last 25 years in his compositional career. in Salzburg for the church court. Although we are more aware of 1782 - 1840 (maximum length 6 minutes) Mozart’s performing prowess at the keyboard, from his tours of Europe as a young child, he was also an accomplished violinist and N. PAGANINI 4. One virtuoso work of candidate’s choice with or without piano wrote these concerti to play himself. A letter from his father says: 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1 (maximum length 10 minutes) “You yourself do not know how well you play the violin; if only you would do yourself credit and play with energy, with your whole one Caprice of candidate’s choice heart and mind, yes, just as if you were the premier violinist in (except No. 13, 14, 16 & 20) Europe!” Biographies of each competitor and the repertoire they have chosen Nicolò Paganini remains probably the most famous violin virtuoso appear on pages 37 - 41 Although Mozart was only 19 when he wrote these concerti, he was of all time. His music was written entirely around his unique playing already a very experienced composer, having written several , style, with the result that all but five of his compositions were not The names of the Senior Finalists will be announced at the end of string quartets, piano concerti, divertimenti, masses, and his first 29 published during his lifetime, as he believed that he was the only the Semi Finals. symphonies. person who would ever be able to play them. He played a 1742 del Gesù known as ‘The Cannon’, due to the power of its sound. Drawings show that his stance was very compact, with the neck of the violin pointing downwards and both arms close to the body. The Caprices were written around 1805 when Paganini was 23, already with an impressive record as a virtuoso performer. He was composing from the age of 12, and already experimenting with techniques to bring unusual sounds from the violin; for example, ‘organetto’, which imitated the bagpipe drone and was achieved by bowing on the bridge. He was also to introduce left-hand pizzicato and ‘ricochet’ bowing, all of which are technically demanding.

F. KREISLER One piece composed or arranged by Kreisler, with piano accompaniment

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) was one of the most famous violinists of his generation, particularly known for his elegant phrasing, expressivity and sweetness of tone. As a composer, he is now best known for his for the Beethoven and Brahms concerti and his encore pieces. Some of these are pastiches, written in the ‘old style’ and attributed to composers such as Tartini and Pugnani, although Kreisler did own up to having written them later. Others, such as the Liebesfreud and Schön Rosmarin, were written in his own name and remain among the best-loved short pieces in the repertoire. His music gives the competitors the chance to display 1756 - 1791 their beauty of tone and expressive gifts. 1875 - 1937

32 33 C7819 Proms Advert A4 Menhuin Programme_PRINT 5/3/08 13:30 Page 1

Senior Competition Children,s Prom Saturday 12 July, 11.00am Fables, Faeries & Fantasy are this year’s theme for the Children’s prom, an excellent introduction to orchestral music. Prom Saturday 12 July, 8.00pm Sounds & stories from Java, with the Javanese Gamelan, & special guests Saturday 19 April F. MENDELSSOHN in what promises to be an enchanting,relaxing & inspiring evening of music. enior inals Concerto in E minor, Op.64 7.00pm - 10.00pm St. David’s Hall 1. Allegro molto appassionato Thursday 17 July, 7.30pm The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1SH 2. Andante Tchaikovsky Prom Box Office 029 2087 8444 3. Allegretto non troppo – allegro molto vivace JULY|GORFFENNAF 2008 is St David’s Halls 25th Anniversary, in this celebratory year what better www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk way to celebrate than the Lloyds TSB Welsh Proms Cardiff. Owain 12–26 S F Tickets £10.00 to £20.00 “The Mendelssohn” is one of the most popular and most frequently- opens this years proms with an evening devoted to Tchaikovsky. Concessions available performed violin concertos of all time. Mendelssohn had promised to write a violin concerto for his friend The four finalists take their choice of one of the concertos below, Ferdinand David in 1838, but the work took another six years to Friday 18 July, 7.30pm which span an enormous stylistic variety. Romantic Favourites Prom complete and was not premiered until 1845. BBC National Orchestra of Wales present an evening of romantic music ranging from REPERTOIRE The work is one of the first violin concertos of the Romantic era and the heart felt slow movement of Mozart’s sublime Concerto to the passion & power influenced many other composers. Although the concerto has three of Verdi’s overture. One of the following: movements in a standard fast-slow-fast structure, each movement in E. LALO Symphonie Espagnole, Op.21 (movements 1, 2, 4 & 5) itself following a traditional form, the concerto was innovative and F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 included many novel features for its time. The movements follow Tiddly Prom Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20 July, 11.00am & 1.30pm S. PROKOFIEV Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op.63 each other without a break – a device designed to eliminate the P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 applause between movements which was usual for the audience of Bert’s Magical Musical Allotment is a brand new tiddly production devised the time. by the arts active team. Sinfonia Cymru The other innovation was the introduction of the soloist from Gareth Jones (conductor) Sponsored by/ the very beginning of the first movement, rather than after the Saturday 19 July, 7.30pm Noddwyd gan orchestra’s rendering of the opening theme, a device he would go Prom on to reuse in his first piano concerto. The second movement is E. LALO One of the mightiest of all choral works, Mendelssohn’s Elijah is brought lyrical and serene, and brings to mind the composer’s famous Songs Symphonie Espagnole, Op.21 (movements 1, 2, 4 & 5) to life with a star line up of soloists, led by Bryn Terfel as the charismatic without Words for solo piano. The fast, light, staccato writing of the yet dark brooding figure of the prophet Elijah. 1. Allegro non troppo finale is very characteristic of Mendelssohn, also found, for example, 2. Scherzando: Allegro molto in the famous Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 3. Intermezzo (not performed tonight) Monday 21 July 1.00pm 4. Andante Organ Prom 5. Rondo: Allegro S. PROKOFIEV A lunchtime recital of organ music with a Welsh flavour and a little French spice. Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63 Though it has symphony in its title, Symphonie Espagnole is 1. Allegro moderato actually a violin concerto of virtuoso proportions. As the name 2. Andante assai Tuesday 22 July, 8.00pm suggests, it features Spanish motifs throughout and was written 3. Allegro, ben marcato Folk Prom during a period when Spanish themed music was in vogue; Georges A new introduction to for 2008, the concert is led by the acoustic roots Bizet’s opera Carmen had its premiere a month later. duo “Show of Hands” who join with fellow musicians from the West Country The commission for this concerto had an unusual condition in an evening of music with a very definite Celtic flavour! Written for violinist , the work was premiered attached to it. It had been requested in 1935 by admirers of the in Paris in February 1875. Sarasate had also given the first French violinist Robert Soetens, on the basis that he would have performance of Lalo’s violin concerto the previous year, but it is the the sole right to perform it for one year. Prokofiev had already Wednesday 23, 7.30pm Symphonie Espagnole which has remained in the popular repertoire started thinking of ideas for a violin piece, and said, “Reflecting Picturesand Portraits Proms and remains one of the pieces for which he is best known, along my nomadic concertising existence, the concerto was written in An evening of pictures & images in music with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. with his and the opera Le roi d’Ys. the most diverse countries: the main subject of the first movement was written in Paris, the first theme of the second movement in Sarasate was famed for the sweetness of his tone and ease in , the instrumentation was completed in , and the reaching the highest notes, and there was plenty of scope in this premiere took place in December of 1935 in .” The concerto Thursday 24 July, 7.30pm piece for both these accomplishments. Russian Ballet Prom was an immediate success and has remained popular ever since. Lalo never intended that this should be a conventional concerto; The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra pay tribute to the Russian composers The concerto opens with an unaccompanied broad lyrical line, he composed it originally in four movements, instead of the usual of the last 100 years, who have given us some memorable music. setting the tone for the first two movements, which contain some of three, the extra one being the Scherzando inserted after the the most beautifully melodic music Prokofiev ever wrote. The third opening movement. Then he added still another movement, an movement is in Prokofiev’s other characteristic style; spiky and with intermezzo (omitted tonight). The final movement is probably the Friday 25 July 7.30pm great rhythmic drive, with original use of the percussion section. most famous and well-loved. Grand Classics Prom This includes castanets, and there is indeed a slightly Spanish air An enchanting concert to end a perfect Summer’s evening. to the music, perhaps not unconnected to the place of its first performance.

Lloyds TSB Last Night of www.welshproms.co.uk P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D Major, Op.35 Saturday 26 July 7.30pm the Welsh PromsCardiff See page 47 for programme notes. Dust down those party hats and streamers for the most spectacular event of the week, the last night of the Welsh Proms. 1 Biographies of the Finalists can be found on pages 37 - 41. Call 029 2087 8542 for a brochure. Certain discounts apply please call the box-office on 029 2087 8444 for further details. 35 Senior Competition

ANASTASIA AGAPOVA ADAM BANDA Date of Birth: November 23, 1987 Date of Birth: June 19, 1986 Nationality: Russian Nationality: Hungarian Anastasia was 12 when she won her first Adam started playing the violin aged seven, major competition and since then she has studying at the Balassagyarmat Art-School won top prizes at national and international under Klara Perneczky. After winning a competitions, including a special Jury Prize number of prizes at national competitions, at the 2006 David Oistrakh International he became a member of the European Youth Violin Competition in . In 2005, as Music Orchestra YMISO, with concerts in a recipient of the prestigious Woodruff Award for Excellence, she Croatia, Slovenia, , Austria, Italy and the . went to the USA to study with Prof. Sergiu Schwartz, currently at Since 2000, Adam has studied at the Franz Liszt Music Academy the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University. She has in with Eszter Perényi. In 2006, Adam went on a concert appeared as soloist with the CSU Philharmonic Orchestra, opened tour in the USA and . He has won prizes at a number of Patron / Noddwr Bryn Terfel the 2007-2008 concert season of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra international violin competitions including First Prize at the 2003 and performed at the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Karl Flesch Violin Competition in Hungary, Third Prize at the 10th International Violin Competition Kloster Schöntal 2003, Second Prize 1st Round: at the Yampolsky Violin Competition in Russia in 2006 and First J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, Prize at the Szigeti-Hubay Violin Competition in Hungary last year. Who will represent Wales at the Pwy fydd yn cynrychioli Cymru yn Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) 2009 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World? BBC Canwr y Byd Caerdydd 2009? W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 1st Round: N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.11 J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, The winner of the Welsh Singers Competition held at Enillydd y Gystadleuaeth i Gantorion Cymreig a gynhelir yn F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 St David's Hall Cardiff on Monday 16 June 2008 Neuadd Dewi Sant Caerdydd nos Lun Mehefin 16, 2008 Semi-Finals: N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.1 BEETHOVEN Sonata for Violin and Piano No.5, Op.24 ‘Spring’ (first F. KREISLER La Gitana movement) Laura Parfitt (soprano) M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) Semi-Finals: John Pierce (tenor) BBC National Orchestra of Wales I. FLEISCHER The Fury Dance R. SCHUMANN Sonata No.1 in A minor, Op.105 (first movement) N. PAGANINI La Campanella M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) Natalya Romaniw (soprano) Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Gymreig y BBC V. FANOS Tempo di ciaccona Finals: Claire Watkins (soprano) Conducted by / Arweinydd Nicholas Braithwaite J. HUBAY Carmen Fantasy P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major Finals: Accompanist: Official book online www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk archebwch eich tocynnau ar www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 or by telephone St David’s Hall Box Office: neu ar rif ffôn Swyddfa Docynnau Neuadd Dewi Sant: Accompanist: Official 029 2087 8444 029 2087 8444 KRISTINE BALANAS Date of Birth: May 8, 1990 Nationality: Latvian AMIR BISENGALIEV Kristine has won prizes since she was eleven Date of Birth: July 1, 1986 years old, including First Prize at the 12th Nationality: Kazakh International Violin Competition Kloster Currently studying at the Royal College of Schöntal 2007, First Prize in 2005 at the Music, London, under Itzhak Rashkovsky, National Music Competition in Riga, , Amir has played at the Wigmore Hall, First Prize in 2004 at the Young Musician Birmingham Symphony Hall, the Bridgewater International Competition in Tallinn, Estonia and the Grand Prix Hall Manchester, the , Cairo at the Gradus ad Parnassum International Competition in Kaunas, Opera House, Tel Aviv Opera House and the . She has given recitals both at home and abroad, and UNESCO headquarters in Paris. He has also taken part in master has been concert soloist with the Polish Chamber Orchestra, the classes with , Zvi Zeitlin, , Yair Kless and Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonietta Riga and Alexei Bruni. Vidzemes Chamber Orchestra. 1st Round: 1st Round: J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.1 in B flat major, K.207 N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.24 N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.10 F. KREISLER Zigeuner-Capriccio F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois Semi-Finals: Semi-Finals: R. SCHUMANN Sonata No.1 in A minor, Op. 105 (first movement) BEETHOVEN Sonata for Violin and Piano No.3, Op.12 (first M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) movement) M. ZUR Prelude for Solo Violin M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) C. SAINT-SAENS Caprice after a Study in Form of a Waltz H. KLAUS Eins nach dem anderen Finals: J. HUBAY Carmen Fantasy E. LALO Symphonie Espagnole, Op.21 (movements 1, 2, 4 & 5) Finals: Accompanist: Official S. PROKOFIEV Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63 Accompanist: Official

37 Senior Competition

JIAFENG CHEN 1st Round: Semi-Finals: ZOE MARTIN-DOIKE J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, L. BEETHOVEN Sonata No.8, Op.30 No.3 (first movement) Date of Birth: April 13, 1987 Date of Birth: November 28, 1989 Nationality: Chinese Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) Nationality: American W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.1 in B flat major, K.207 A. CORGHI Syncopations for Solo Violin Jiafeng began to play the violin at the age Zoe studied in Honolulu before taking up N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.4 E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.3 of three. He has received numerous awards her current place at the Indiana University F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois including First Prize in the Ninth Wieniawski Finals: Pre-College String Academy, studying with International Violin Competition in Poland Semi-Finals: P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 Mimi Zweig. At the Academy, she performs as in 2003 and Second Prize at the Sibelius J. BRAHMS Sonata No.3 in D minor, Op.108 (first movement) soloist and first violinist in a quartet, sextet, Accompanist: Official Competition in 2005. He moved to England to M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) and in the Violin Virtuosi Group. She has also study with Jan Repko at Chetham’s School of Music in 2004 and soon B. SHENG The Stream Flows (2nd movement) performed with the Bloomington Pops Orchestra, the Indianapolis after was awarded the Manoug Parikian Prize by the MBF; this led to F. WAXMAN Carmen Fantasy Symphony Orchestra and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. In RAGNHILD HEMSING an invitation to give his Wigmore Hall debut in December 2005. He 2006 she won the Honolulu Symphony Concerto Competition and Finals: has considerable international experience performing as a soloist with Date of Birth: February 15, 1988 the Music Teachers’ National Association Senior Strings Competition. P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 many eminent orchestras and conductors. Nationality: Norwegian 1st Round: Accompanist: Official Ragnhild was awarded First and Grand 1st Round: J. S. BACH from Partita No.3 in E major BWV 1006 (Gavotte en Prizes in the 2003 Kocian International J. S. BACH from Partita No.3 in E major BWV 1006 (Gavotte en Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourree, Gigue) Violin Competition in Tsjekkia, as well as Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourree, Gigue) W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 HANNAH CHOI First Prize and European Extra Prize in the W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.1 in B flat major, K.207 N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.6 2003 European Music Prize for Youth, held in N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.24 Date of Birth: October 10, 1987 F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois Austria, where she performed with her piano F. KREISLER Songs My Mother Taught Me Nationality: American trio. She has featured as a soloist with every professional symphony Semi-Finals: In 2002, Hannah won a place at the Curtis Semi-Finals: orchestra in , and has performed with the Danish Radio J. BRAHMS Sonata No.1 in G major, Op.78 (first movement) Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and is J. BRAHMS Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op.108 (first movement) Symphony Orchestra, the Kazan State Orchestra in Russia, St. Mark’s M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) currently studying under Yumi N. Scott. She M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) Orchestra in Italy and with the National Philharmonic of in W. HARVEY Sonata for Solo Violin is an active substitute for the Philadelphia J. ROUKENS Un Cuadro de Yucatán Kiev. She often performs with her sister Eldbjorg as The Hemsing H. WIENIAWSKI Polonaise Brillante in D Major, Op.5 Orchestra and has been awarded First Prize H. WIENIAWSKI Variations on an Original Theme, Op.15 Sisters, taking part in numerous international music festivals such as in the 2003 Philadelphia Albert M. Greenfield Finals: the Bergen International Music Festival and AlphenKlassik in Germany. Finals: Competition. Hannah has featured as a soloist with the Philadelphia P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 Orchestra, the Poland National Philharmonic Orchestra, the New 1st Round: Accompanist: Official Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, Accompanist: Brenda Blewett She has participated in numerous music festivals including the Great Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) Mountain Summer Music Festival in 2005 and the Tanglewood Music W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.1 in B flat major, K.207 HYEYOON PARK Festival in 2007. N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.10 F. KREISLER Caprice Viennois Date of Birth: January 17, 1992 1st Round: Date of Birth: March 6, 1989 Nationality: South Korean J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, Semi-Finals: Nationality: Australian Hyeyoon started to play the violin at the Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) R. SCHUMANN Sonata No.1 in A minor, Op. 105 (first movement) Ray has been studying with Aaron Rosand age of four, winning the Grand Prize at the W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) at the Curtis Institute of Music in the USA Hankookilbo Competition two years later. N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.15 O. KVAM 13 since 2005. He performed in the Australian When she was nine, she played with the F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.3 Recital Tour Series during 2004 and 2005 and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and with has also had coaching, master classes and Semi-Finals: Finals: the Starling Chamber Orchestra. She won lessons with notable artists including Midori, L. BEETHOVEN Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, Op.12 (first S. PROKOFIEV Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63 Third Prize at the Wieniawski International Competition for Young Joseph Silverstein, members of the Guarneri Quartet, Cho-Liang Lin movement) Violinists when she was 11 and recently won First Prize at the 5th Accompanist: Olga Sitkovetsky and . M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) International Louis Spohr Competition in , Germany. Hyeyoon A. READ THOMAS Incantation will be playing with the Jenaer Philharmonie during their 2008/2009 1st Round: N. PAGANINI La Campanella season. She currently studies with Prof. Antje Weithaas at the Hans J. S. BACH from Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 (Sarabande, QIANQIAN LI Eisler Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. Hyeyoon plays on a Lorenzo Double, Bourree, Double) Finals: Date of Birth: November 14, 1987 Storioni (Cremona 1781) on kind loan from the Deutsche Stiftung W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 Nationality: Chinese Musikleben. N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.5 Accompanist: Official Currently a freshman student at the New F. KREISLER Berceuse Romantique 1st Round: England Conservatory in Massachusetts, J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, Semi-Finals: studying under Donald Weilerstein, Qianqian Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) J. BRAHMS Sonata No.1 in G major, Op.78 (first movement) DANNY GU also studied in China at the Shanghai W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K.216 M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) Conservatory of Music from 2000 and in Date of Birth: November 11, 1986 N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.11 S. SEYFRIED Night Canada at the Morningside Music Bridge Nationality: Australian F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.6 at Mount Royal College in 2004. She won First Prize at the First When he was 12, Danny won the National International Violin Competition of Astana (Kazakhstan) and has Semi-Finals: Finals: String Association’s Violin Competition performed in symphonies and as a soloist in Japan, R. SCHUMANN Sonata No.1 in A minor, Op. 105 (first movement) F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 for violinists under 17 and since then has and China. M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) had great success in competitions which Accompanist: Official R. KLOPCIC Something Wild include the Paganini International Violin 1st Round: F. WAXMAN Carmen Fantasy Competition in Italy, 2006, the Menuhin J. S. BACH from Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 (Sarabande, Competition France, 2002, the Kendall National Violin Competition Double, Bourree, Double) Finals: STELLA CHEN and the National Youth Concerto Competition. He has broadcast on W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 Date of Birth: December 7,1992 ABC National Radio in Australia several times as part of the Young N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.1 Accompanist: Official Nationality: American Australia and Rising Star programmes, performing as a soloist F. KREISLER Tambourin Chinois Stella was a prize winner in the Junior with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Geminiani Orchestra and Semi-Finals: section of the Menuhin Competition in 2006. the Melbourne Youth Ensemble. Danny is currently studying with R. SCHUMANN Sonata No.1 in A minor, Op.105 (first movement) Studying under Li Lin at the San Francisco Prof. Rainer Schmidt at the Hochschule für Musik in . M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) Conservatory of Music, Stella has won many 1st Round: J. HOFFMAN Square One awards, including first place in the 2007 L.A. J. S. BACH from Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 (Sarabande, E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.3 Philharmonic Competition (Broknislaw Kaper Double, Bourree, Double) Award) and first place in the 2006 Music Teachers’ Association of Finals: W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 California Competition (Ensemble Division, with Stemari Trio). She E. LALO Symphonie Espagnole, Op.21 (movements 1, 2, 4 & 5) N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.7 has performed in China as well as extensively across the USA. F. KREISLER Liebesfreud Accompanist: Official

38 39 Senior Competition

SUNGMI PARK CSILLA POGANY ERIN SCHREIBER EVGENY SVIRIDOV Date of Birth: April 16, 1991 Date of Birth: January 10, 1991 Date of Birth: September 8, 1987 Date of Birth: February 17, 1989 Nationality: South Korean Nationality: British Nationality: American Nationality: Russian Sungmi’s performance experience ranges Csilla first studied at the Purcell School of Erin has performed across the USA as well as Having taken up the violin under Elena from working with the Korean Chamber Music and the before in Germany for the past seven years, working Bolotovskaya, Evgeny now studies with Orchestra and the Seoul Symphony Orchestra taking up her place at the Yehudi Menuhin with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, Prof. Pavel Popov at the St. Petersburg State in 2002/3, taking part in the Kumho Prodigy School in 2002 under Natasha Boyarsky. the Gateway Orchestra, Alton Symphony Conservatory. He regularly plays in concerts Concert in South Korea and the 11th She has given solo performances in concerts Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony Youth in Russia, Europe, the USA and Brazil and has Musashhin Academia Musicae International and music festivals in Italy, , , Orchestra. After training at the Chicago participated in numerous master classes and Summer School in Tokyo, competing in the Menuhin Competition France, Wales, Germany and Croatia. Csilla performed with the Bad Music Institute, she is now a Bachelor of Music candidate under musical festivals. Evgeny has gained awards at many competitions, 2006 in France, and performing with the Youth Chamber Orchestra Reichenhall Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany in 2004, at London’s the tutelage of Ida Kavafian at the Curtis Institute of Music in including the Third International Competition for Young Violinists and Quartet at MIT, Harvard and NEC Universities in the USA in Wigmore Hall in 2005 and in a concert with Sir Peter Maxwell Philadelphia. at in 2001, the Fourth International Tchaikovsky late 2007. She won First Prize at the Osaka International Music Davies at the Menuhin Hall in 2006 as well as with Pascal Rogé and Competition for Young Musicians in China in 2002 and the First 1st Round: Competition in 2005, and currently studies at Seoul Arts High Ashkenazy at La Foce, Italy in 2007. International for Violinists in Moscow in 2003. J. S. BACH from Partita No.3 in E major BWV 1006 (Gavotte en School. 1st Round: Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourree, Gigue) 1st Round: 1st Round: J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 J. S. BACH from Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 (Sarabande, J. S. BACH from Partita No.3 in E major BWV 1006 (Gavotte en Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.24 Double, Bourree, Double) Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourree, Gigue) W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.2 in D major, K.211 F. KREISLER Caprice Viennois W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.1 in B flat major, K.207 N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.23 N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.24 Semi-Finals: N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.24 F. KREISLER Dance Espagnole F. KREISLER Caprice Viennois F. SCHUBERT Sonata in A major (first movement) F. KREISLER La Campanella Semi-Finals: M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) Semi-Finals: Semi-Finals: F. SCHUBERT Sonata No.2 in A minor (first movement) A. READ THOMAS Pulsar F. SCHUBERT Sonata in A, Op.162 (first movement) L. BEETHOVEN Violin Sonata No. 1 in D major, Op.12 (first M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) E. YSAYE Caprice in the Form of a Waltz M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) movement) J. CORIGLIANO The Red Violin Caprices for Solo Violin D. SMIRNOV Danse Macabre Finals: M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.3 C. SAINT-SAENS Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 I. YUN Das Vögelchen Finals: Finals: H. WIENIAWSKI Variations on an Original Theme, Op.15 Accompanist: Official F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 Finals: Accompanist: Nigel Hutchinson Accompanist: Official P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 MIN-KYUNG SUL Accompanist: Official Date of Birth: December 2, 1991 MARI POLL Nationality: South Korean JING ZHANG Date of Birth: November 16, 1987 Min-Kyung won First Prize in the Music Date of Birth: January 3, 1988 MARTA PAWLOWSKA Nationality: Estonian Journal Competition in 1999, First Prize in the Nationality: Chinese Date of Birth: July 21, 1988 Having begun her studies in Estonia with Korean Chamber Ensembles Competition in Jing initially studied at schools affiliated with Nationality: Polish Professors Peaske and Tivik at Tallinn Music 2001, and First Prize in the Ewha Kyunghyang the Shanghai Conservatory of Music between Marta worked with the Polish Chamber High School, Mari attended Chetham’s School Competition in 2003. After training at Seoul 1997 and 2007 and is now working under Philharmonic in 2004 under Wojciech Rajski of Music in the UK to study with Prof. Jan Arts High School in she will study at the Prof. Donald Weilerstein at the New England and with the Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra Repko whom she has continued to work Korea National University of Arts in 2008. Min-Kyung’s concert Conservatory in Massachusetts. She has under Jerzy Salwarowski in 2005. Currently, with at the Royal College of Music, London. experience includes appearing at Kumho Prodigy Concert Recitals achieved awards including a Gold at the Pu she is studying at the Paderewski Academy In 2001 she won First Prize in the Estonian Young String Players in 2002 and 2003, performing with the Kangnam Symphony Gong Ying National Violin Competition in 2001 and Fourth Prize at of Music in Poznan under Prof. Kaliszewska. Competition, with Second Prize in 2003 in the ESTA National Young Orchestra at Seoul Arts Centre in 2003 and working with the Seoul the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in Marta has received many accolades for her work to date, including Violinist Competition. In 2005 she won the MBF’s Music Education Philharmonic Orchestra in both 2000 and 2006. 2002. She represented the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Middle First Place and Special Prize at the G. P. Telemann National Contest Award. She has played as a soloist with the Tallinn Chamber School in Australia in 2004 and has held several recitals and solo 1st Round: in 2003, Third Prize in the Morningside Music Bridge International Orchestra, Haapsalu Chamber Orchestra and the Mozart Liverpool concerts in Shanghai, Ningbo and Xiamen, China. J. S. BACH from Partita No.3 in E major BWV 1006 (Gavotte en Chamber Music Competition in China in 2006, First Place in the Orchestra. Florian Leonhard has kindly loaned Mari one of his fine Rondeau, Minuet 1&2, Bourree, Gigue) 1st Round: National Chamber Music Contest 2007 in Wroclaw. This year she has violins. W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 J. S. BACH from Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 (Sarabande, become a laureate of the ‘Young Poland’ programme in recognition 1st Round: N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.1 Double, Bourree, Double) of her artistic achievements. J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, F. KREISLER Variations on a Theme of Corelli W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 1st Round: Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.17 Semi-Finals: J. S. BACH from Partita No.2 in D minor BWV 1004 (Allemande, W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.2 in D major, K.211 F. KREISLER Caprice Viennois L. BEETHOVEN Sonata No.8, Op.30 No.3 (first movement) Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.11 M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 3 & 4) Semi-Finals: W. A. MOZART from Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K.216 F. KREISLER Gluck Melody Y-J. LEE Hon-za-nori L. BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 9 in A major (Kreutzer), Op.47 (first N. PAGANINI 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op.1, No.17 Semi-Finals: C. SAINT-SAENS Caprice after a Study in Form of a Waltz movement) F. KREISLER Dance Espagnole L. BEETHOVEN Sonata No.4, Op.23 (first movement) M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) Finals: Semi-Finals: M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) J. HOFFMAN Square One P. TCHAIKOVSKY Concerto in D major, Op.35 J. BRAHMS Sonata No.3 in D minor, Op.108 (first movement) C. ANSINK Capriccio E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.3 M. RAVEL Duo for violin and violincello (movements 1 & 2) H. WIENIAWSKI Variations on an Original Theme, Op.15 Accompanist: Official Finals: K. PENDERECKI Cadenza Finals: F. MENDELSSOHN Concerto in E minor, Op.64 E. YSAYE Solo Sonata No.3 S. PROKOFIEV Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63 Accompanist: Official Finals: Accompanist: Jennifer Hughes S. PROKOFIEV Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63

Accompanist: Official

40 41 t has been over 400 years since Andrea Amati fashioned the first I known violin, and in that time the small instrument has proven – An Icon itself to be one of music’s most enduring forms. Remarkably few changes have been made to the design over the centuries, and even those luthiers intrepid enough to challenge the original Cremonese away excess material from rough slabs of wood. The arched design masters have only strayed from the original by Vmillimetres at a time. not only gives the soundbox terrific strength, allowing it to survive T for hundreds of years, but also enables the body to nwithstand the Interestingly, many of the violin’s more elegant features were he very high iolistring tensions required to give the instrument its unique effectively forced upon its makers. Consider the sound box, for tone, which is far more powerful than that of its flat-backed cousins, example. Although a relatively large resonance chamber is needed the lute and guitar. to amplify the sound, the violin’s celebrated shape is more a product of practicality than acoustics. In order to accommodate an This matter of the violin’s tone, particularly with regard to the angled bow stroke, cut-outs must be made into the instrument’s perceived superiority of old Italian instruments, has long fascinated side. Known as C-bouts, these indentations were borrowed from players, makers, and collectors alike. Every manner of scientific lute makers and, when paired with the smooth contours needed for research has been applied to the subject – even such exotic a comfortable hold on the instrument, produce a graceful hourglass sounding procedures as Laser Holographic Interferometry – but none figure not unlike that of certain 1950s Hollywood starlets. has succeeded in solving the mysteries of the old masters. The fact that no one has yet been able to exactly replicate Stradivari’s Another of the violin’s more iconic features is the fluid arching of its modes probably has less to do with any secret varnish recipe than table and back. Creating these plates is the most labour-intensive the qualities inherent in 17th and 18th century materials, and the Nod Y Ganolfan yw denu'r gorau part of the fabrication process, and is managed by steadily carving gradual aging process of the pre-industrial age wood. o'r byd i Gymru a chyflwyno'r Since its conception, the violin has demonstrated a bewitching ability to entertain and frustrate in equal measure. In fact, that’s gorau o Gymru i'r byd. Mae bod yn part of its appeal. Centuries of musicians and luthiers have taken up their bows and chisels in the pursuit of perfection, but few, if rhan o Gystadleuaeth Menuhin any, have managed to master this slight body of spruce, maple, and 2008 yn cyfleu'r weledigaeth CYNGERDD GALA & glue. CHYFLWYNO GWOBRAU Florian Leonhard honno'n berffaith. GALA CONCERT & PRIZE GIVING Wales Millennium Centre's vision 20 Ebrill \ April ’08 Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru is to bring the best of the world to Wales Millennium Centre Tocynnau \ Tickets Wales and to showcase the best £10 - £35 of Wales to the world. Being part Cewch fanylion am gystadlaethau of the Menuhin Competition Menuhin eraill yn y Ganolfan oddi ar:

Cardiff 2008 encapsulates that For details of other Menuhin Competition events taking place at WMC please visit: vision so perfectly. menuhincompetition.org wmc.org.uk 08700 40 2000

43 Friday 11 April 7.30pm St. David’s Hall The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1SH Box Office 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Tickets £13.50 to £36.00 Concessions available Supported by The Celia Blakey Charitable Trust

MAXIM VENGEROV Joshua Bell (violin) Photo Sheila Rock Catrin Finch (harp) Akiko Ono (violin) Hrachya Avanesyan (violin) Maxim Vengerov (conductor) Paul Watkins (conductor) Serendipity Menuhin Competition Orchestra Leader Nicholas Ward Jane Jones (presenter)

W. A. MOZART Overture to the Marriage of Figaro J. S. BACH Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043 CATRIN FINCH BURTCH Elegy for (world premiere) RAVEL Tzigane Interval TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto in D major, Op.35

JOSHUA BELL

45 Opening Concert

W. A. MOZART awaiting the call to awake and rescue Britain in her darkest hour. We Brodsky in Vienna in 1881. It was not received well. The critic Eduard HRACHYA AVANESYAN Overture to the Marriage of Figaro drew on this to imagine a Welsh memory of Arthur, a ritual lament, Hanslick was particularly scathing: he famously wrote that it was Hrachya Avanesyan, the winner as might have been sung in the 8th century, when the actual Arthur “music … which stinks to the ear”. Menuhin Competition Orchestra of the Menhuin Competition had been forgotten, but the legend of him was starting. Maxim Vengerov (conductor) The first movement is full of Tchaikovsky’s trademark romantic, 2006, was born in 1986 in Gumri, “We invoke the names of the Celtic gods; we evoke the languages lyrical themes, lending themselves to virtuosic elaboration in the Armenia. After the earthquake This overture, written in 1786 to introduce what has become regarded of the Celtic and Norse battle poems. Throughout runs the spirit of lead up to a cadenza at the end of the development section. of 1988 he moved to Yerevan as one of the greatest operas of all time, provides a perfect curtain- Arthur, and the violin represents that spirit. with his family. He started to raiser to any concert. Whereas the opera is full of the antics of Figaro The second movement opens in G minor with a yearning melody, play the violin at the age of 6. and Susanna as they try to outwit the Count, along with numerous “After an introduction for the violin and harp, suggesting the despair giving way to a gorgeous, serene theme which seems to spin out From 1993 to 2003 he studied complicated subplots along the way, the overture is much more of Arthur’s army when they learn of his death, the intones endlessly. A long bridging passage leads straight into the last at the Tchaikovsky Specialized straightforward. Its material is not linked to themes within the opera, the names of those killed in battle. This lament changes to despair movement, a fast and furious Slavonic dance. Secondary and Musical School but its mood sets the scene for an opera buffa, or comic opera. for their future. A ghostlike march begins on violin and harp, and Eventually, Auer added the concerto to his repertoire, admitting that in Yerevan with Professor A. the voices enter with the glimmer of hope. When Arthur is needed It starts quietly and expectantly, with chattering semiquavers in he had initially misjudged it. Mkrtchyan. he will return: he is sleeping, not dead. The final section is a wild the strings, followed by the main part of the theme introduced by energetic dance, ending with a triumphant ‘He will return’. In 1996 he won the first prize at the bassoons and developing to bring in the rest of the orchestra. the Armenian republic competition The graceful second subject provides a contrast in mood, and “In times of great stress Arthur has returned; symbolically, in in both the junior and the senior originally led into a central Andante section, which Mozart removed literature and legend, to impart strength and hope. It seems fitting categories and had concert engagements in Armenia and Russia as to keep the piece shorter and more lively. The extended coda, to invoke him here, in a hall named after a saint who, if there really well as a concert with the Armenian National Chamber Orchestra and with the driving undercurrent of semiquavers which pervades the was an historical Arthur, would have been his contemporary”. Emin Khachaturian. The same year he became a member of Young piece, builds up gradually to a sparkling celebration of the joyous Mervyn Burtch and Mark Morris Virtuosos of Armenia, and has appeared as a soloist in several cities key of D major, and a sense of expectancy for an evening of fine in Europe, Syria, , , USA, Canada, Australia and China and entertainment. has been broadcast by American and Canadian television and radio. M. RAVEL Tzigane In August 2003 Hrachya won the first prize at the International J. S. BACH Competition in Gerardmer (France), after which he moved to Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043 Hrachya Avanesyan (violin) with his family where he studies at the Royal Conservatory of Paul Watkins (conductor) 1. Vivace with Igor Oistrakh. He has won first prize at the Henry Koch 2. Largo ma non tanto Tzigane was originally written for violin with luthéal accompaniment International competition in Liège, the gold medal at the European 3. Allegro in 1924 and dedicated to the Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi. Ravel Competition for Young Soloists in Luxembourg and the first prize at later arranged the accompaniment for piano and also for orchestra, the Henry Vieuxtemps competition in Verviers. Akiko Ono (violin) the version heard tonight. Hrachya performs with many orchestras in Belgium and abroad, Hrachya Avanesyan (violin) The name of the piece is derived from the generic European term including the Wallonie Royal Chamber Orchestra, the National The ‘Bach Double’ is perhaps one of his finest and most famous for “gypsy” although it does not use any authentic gypsy melodies. Orchestra of Lille, under the direction of Joji Hattori, and the MERVYN BURTCH instrumental works, and is considered among the best examples of In Ravel’s Paris, “gypsy” did not refer to the Romany people in any Armenian National Orchestra with Loris Tjegnavorian. Baroque instrumental music. Bach wrote it in Leipzig around 1730, strict sense, but rather represented a kind of popular exotic style, Mervyn Burtch is one of Wales’ most distinguished and prolific For the last two years he has been at the Queen Elisabeth College probably for the Leipzig Collegium Musicum of which he was the in the sense that Mozart’s Rondo alla Turca was not based on composers. Born in 1929 in Mynach, he has also taught of Music, working in the advanced module, under the direction of Director. Bach also arranged it for two harpsichords in C minor, and authentic Turkish music but represented a generic style. extensively, joining the staff of the Welsh College of Music & Augustin Dumay. it has more recently been transcribed for such unlikely combinations Drama (WCMD) in 1989, and becoming Head of Performance in In Ravel’s day, the luthéal was a new piano-like instrument that had as two double basses, and for saxophone quartet. 1994. He was appointed MBE for his services to Welsh music in He plays an eighteenth century Antonio Stradivarius “Piatti” violin, several tone-colour registers that could be engaged by pulling the 2003. on loan to him by the Foundation of the Queen Elisabeth College of The concerto is characterised by the subtle yet expressive stops above the keyboard. One of these registers had a - Music. relationship between the violins throughout the work, using fugal like sound, which fitted perfectly with the gypsy-like idea of this His music covers all genres, from concertos to choral works, imitation and counterpoint. piece. The instrument was briefly fashionable but quickly became including a notable series of string quartets. He has also made obsolete due to the extreme sensitivity of the mechanism. important contributions to music that extends a professional The first movement starts fugally, with the second solo violin taking JOSHUA BELL base into the community, writing extensively for diverse Welsh up the theme four bars after the first. From then on, they chase It is an unashamedly virtuosic piece, starting with a rhapsodic forces. While at the WCMD, he wrote 14 operas for children, Joshua Bell’s 2007-08 season each other throughout, taking turns to lead and accompany. It is a evocation of the gypsy’s life, with all its hopes, dreams and performed by College student forces (the Welsh Schools Opera follows a seminal year fully egalitarian relationship, with no sense of a leader and follower. suffering. This gives way to an energetic representation of a gypsy Project), and then in the 1990s developed, with librettist Mark highlighted by receiving the encampment in the countryside, culminating in a frenzied dance Whereas the first movement is a dialogue, almost competitive Morris, the KidsOp project, which has resulted in six operas for coveted Avery Fisher Prize and which takes the form of variations. in nature, the second resembles a beautiful vocal duet, with the mixed casts of adults and children, performed around the world his appointment to Indiana long lines of the serene and touching melody merging almost in venues as far afield as Wexford Festival Opera and Mexico’s University’s Jacobs School of Interval indistinguishably into each other. This is one of the most celebrated premiere new music festival. He is currently working on a concert Music faculty. In concerts and on and moving pieces in Bach’s output. work with children’s chorus for . recordings, his charismatic artistry brings a fresh voice to the most The last movement is a dramatic, almost relentless dialogue P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY MARK MORRIS venerable masterpieces and new between the violins, with ingenious use of counterpoint and Violin Concerto in D major, Op.35 works, as with the release of throughout. It brings to a close this perfectly balanced masterpiece, Mark Morris is a Welsh librettist, writer, photographer and 1. Allegro moderato ’s The Red Violin in which each soloist can show both their individual talent and broadcaster now living in Canada. His many works with 2. Canzonetta: Andante Concerto on CD. ability to blend with the other. composers include The Skin Drum with Julian Grant, which won 3. Finale: Allegro vivacissimo the 1988 North American Chamber Opera Competition, the opera After performances at Kafka’s Chimp with John Metcalf, seen in Canada, the US, and Tanglewood, the Verbier Festival M. BURTCH Joshua Bell (violin) , and many with Mervyn Burtch. Especially and Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center, BBC Proms at London’s Elegy for King Arthur (world premiere) Maxim Vengerov (conductor) notable among these have been the series of operas for children , a European tour with conducting the Akiko Ono (violin) One of the best known of all violin concertos, the Tchaikovsky is and adults to perform together – the KidsOp project, which has Orchestre National de France plus appearances with the Pittsburgh, Catrin Finch (harp) also considered to be among the most technically difficult. received international recognition, awards, and performances. Philadelphia and Chicago Symphonies, the Salzburg Mozarteum Serendipity Their most recent opera, Jason and Hanna, will receive its Orchestra and the Tonhalle-Orchester, he premiered a new work by The piece was written in 1878 in Clarins, on Lake , where Timothy Rhys-Evans (conductor) Canadian premiere this month. Jay Greenberg with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s at Carnegie Hall in Tchaikovsky had gone to recover from his disastrous marriage. October. Bell concluded 2007 with the ’s New “We wanted a subject that would reflect both the international Tchaikovsky was not a string player and he sought the advice of Mark’s second book, The Pimlico Dictionary of 20th-Century Year’s Eve Gala at Lincoln Center broadcast live on PBS. A recital nature of this concert, and its location in Wales, and King Arthur his composition pupil Yosif Kotek, a violinist, in relation to the Composers, is a major survey of the of the last tour with Jeremy Denk includes Europe and the US with appearances is undeniably deep in the iconography of legend in Wales and idiomatic writing of the solo part. They worked well together, with century, and he is now working on a book on Italian opera at The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Bell will also tour Europe across the world. There was probably an historical Arthur, in the 6th the concerto being completed within a month. after Puccini. He is currently Visiting Scholar-in-Residence in the as guest soloist with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. century, and the earliest Arthurian legends are Welsh, long before he Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta, where he is doing a The great virtuoso Leopold Auer refused to give the planned was taken up in medieval times. large-scale creative photography project commissioned by the For over two decades, Bell has been captivating audiences with his premiere in 1879, claiming the work was unplayable. It was over University for its 100th anniversary. poetic musicality. He came to national attention at age 14 in his “One legend is that he did not die, but sleeps in a Welsh cave, two years before the first performance could be given, with Adolph

46 47 Opening Concert orchestral debut with and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Symphony Orchestra. She has collaborated with conductors JANE JONES MENUHIN COMPETITION ORCHESTRA A Carnegie Hall debut, the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and including Yehudi Menuhin, Joji Hattori, , Saulus Currently waking the nation at The Menuhin Competition Orchestra players include leading a recording contract further confirmed his presence in the music Sondeckis, Shlomo Mintz, George Alexander Albrecht, James Judd, breakfast time to the sounds of British musicians who join teachers and the Symphony Orchestra world. and Christian Arming. classical music, award-winning of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Bell has recorded more than 30 CDs since first signing at age Recent recital appearances include the Wigmore Hall, the Tokyo presenter Jane Jones has spent Violin 1 Ellen Casey 18 with London/Decca. He joined Sony Classical Masterworks Metropolitan Festival Hall and tours in the Middle East and Costa the last fifteen years working at Nicholas Ward Guest leader † Nick Gethin †§ label in 1996 resulting in a richly varied catalogue of recordings. Rica. Alongside her work as a soloist, Akiko sets great value on the nation’s biggest commercial William Hillman Kate Robey Recently released is The Essential Joshua Bell. His Voice of the outreach activities, performing in schools, orphanages and hospitals radio station, Classic FM, during Rebecca Davis Clara Pascall Violin continues to soar on the heels of Romance of the Violin. for the Japan Foundation for Regional Art Activities. In 2006 she was which time she’s hosted a wide Jamie Hughes Seb Poznansky He received a Mercury prize and Grammy award for the Maw invited by Midori Goto to join her community engagement projects range of programmes, and Ben Roskam † Kirsten Miller Violin Concerto, the Gramophone award for his recording of the in Vietnam. presented concerts ranging from Hugh Midford Bhabatosh Bogi Barber and Walton violin concertos and Bloch’s Baal Shem. He has classical cabaret at a London Akiko had great success at numerous competitions including the Sarah McLellan collaborated with numerous artists and on film scores including the burger bar to performances at Double Bass Yehudi Menuhin Competition, the Queen Elisabeth Competition, Sarah Ash Oscar-winning soundtrack for The Red Violin. the Royal Albert Hall. Cathy Elliot † the Szigeti Competition, the Paganini Competition and the Forval- Non Peters † Michael Cainen Bell received his first violin at age four and by age 12 was serious Scholarship Stradivarius Competition. Her love of music stems from Laura Schwelm Lesley Vincent † about the instrument, thanks to the inspiration of renowned violinist childhood piano lessons, Laura McAvoy Born in Tokyo, she moved to UK when she was 12 to study with David Guy and pedagogue Josef Gingold. followed by her study of the harp with the Principal Harpist from Alison Donnelly Yehudi Menuhin and Natasha Boyarsky at the Yehudi Menuhin David Hnyda † the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, but admits that her Hannah Simons In 1989, Bell received an artist diploma from Indiana University School, and with Dora Schwarzberg in Vienna at the University of William Stephens performances these days are marred by years of neglect and a Catherine Cavan Jacobs School of Music. A Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame inductee, Music and Performing Arts. Lord Menuhin had a special regard for Edith Trimby persistent failure to practice! Jonathan Davies Bell serves on the artist committee of the . Akiko and his encouragement and influence continued in the years Rachael Elliot Flute He plays the 1713 Gibson ex Huberman Stradivarius. after she left his school. She plays a violin by J. B. Guadagnini, Catherine White dated 1772. Violin 2 SERENDIPITY Kate Philpot Peter Hanson † § CATRIN FINCH Serendipity was formed in 2001 by its Musical Director Timothy Jenna Thorp MAXIM VENGEROV Rhys-Evans and although still a very young choir, they have already James Sandalls Miranda Rees Catrin is a phenomenal musician been recognized as one of Wales’ most innovative and diverse Cherman Tsui Karla Powell who is doing more than anyone Maxim Vengerov is recognised as winning S4C’s hotly contested Côr Cymru in spring 2005. Dafydd Williams † else so far to put the harp on one of the world’s most exciting Clarinet Susan Lord the musical map. Her rise to violinists. He studied with Galina Their busy schedule on the concert platform has included Rebecca Teager Adam Winskill prominence started almost as Tourchaninova and Professor performances in venues such as the Wales Millennium Centre, Royal Peter Lovatt Elen Haf Richards † soon as she plucked her first Zakhar Bron, and won First Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall with orchestras including Sinfonia Vieda Mercer Bassoon strings. After being inspired at Prize in the Junior Wieniawski Cymru, BBC NOW, WNO, and the LPO and individuals such as Shân Sarah Hearne Harriet Petty the age of five she has been Competition in Poland and at the Cothi, Karl Jenkins, Aled Jones and Bryn Terfel. Elizabeth French Laura Pursey delighting audiences worldwide. Carl Flesch International Violin Broadcast and recording work has included regular appearances on Simone Trollmo Competition. Maxim Vengerov Horn From 2000-2004 Catrin had BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4, Classic FM and on BBC television, ITV1Wales Charlotte Smith performs regularly with all the Fabian Knopf the honour of holding the and S4C with highlights including Radio 3’s The Choir. Jane May major orchestras and the most Christine Ranson appointment of Royal Harpist eminent conductors. He has The choir’s repertoire is as diverse as it is exciting. The choir’s Viola Simon Lewis to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, taken up different projects in musical language spans centuries and includes sacred music, opera, Steve Broom † Elizabeth Nolan-Neylan reviving this ancient tradition last addition to the usual concerto jazz, musical theatre and cutting edge contemporary music. Sam Parratt held in 1873. During those years Trumpet and recital repertoire including Rock Sheila Photo Ben Kaminski she gave many performances at the Royal Palaces and to royalty Last year they appeared on the Classic FM Voices album and have Alison Kidd Baroque violin, viola and improvisation and tango. Since 2005, Aimee Bryett from around the world. recently performed with Juan Diego Florez and Katherine Jenkins at Philip Picton Vengerov has been Professor of Violin at the Royal Academy of Richard Crabtree † § the latter’s Margam Park Festival, and also with José Carreras at the Having performed extensively throughout every continent, her career Music, London. Full biography link Aled Jones Timpani/Percussion Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. is now expanding into television. She has appeared on all the major Rachel Stacy Matthew Hardy Maxim Vengerov is a member of the distinguished jury for the television and radio networks in the UK as well as abroad, and has Serendipity - Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, the debut album, is available Bethany Brit Menuhin Competition 2008. Harp added presenting her own programme to her extensive performance now, and shows the more reflective side of the choir. Music of Mari Hunter Gwenllian Llyr appearances. Her documentary Charlie’s Angel has been broadcast A full biography can be found on page 13. the English Cathedral tradition, German Romanticism, American Bethan Carter internationally and was awarded a Welsh Bafta. contemporary choral music and traditional Welsh sacred music are Jennifer MacCallum Celeste all featured on this CD. With a strong accent on spirituality, the James Grindle Hazel Lee She has collaborated closely with Karl Jenkins, including the PAUL WATKINS album includes music that has consoled, enlightened and uplifted premiere of a new double harp concerto commissioned by H.R.H. Cello for hundreds of years. the Prince of Wales and is also currently working on new works for Paul Watkins is one of Britain's # † § Peter Esswood † Guest player the harp with and Howard Goodall. foremost cellists. He studied Timo McVey § Member of RWCMD teaching staff cello with William Pleeth, Melissa Kyle Patterson # Head of Strings RWCMD Phelps and Johannes Goritzki AKIKO ONO and first came to public attention as winner of the string section Akiko Ono made her debut with of the BBC Young Musician of Yehudi Menuhin and the Essen the Year in 1988. Alongside his Philharmonic Orchestra at the playing, Paul is also a keen UNICEF Gala Concert in 1998. conductor and in 2002 won Since then she has enjoyed both first prize and audience a thriving international career prize at the Leeds Conductors' performing with orchestras Competition. As a cellist Paul including the London Mozart performs regularly with most Players, London Festival

of the major British orchestras. Large Nina Photo Orchestra, Belgian National Alongside his concerto appearances, Paul is a dedicated chamber Orchestra, Weimar Staatskapelle, musician and has been a member of the Nash Ensemble since 1997. Beethoven Academy, Lille Paul is dividing the 2006/7 season between performing as a cellist National Orchestra, Lithuanian and conducting. Chamber Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo A full biography can be found on page 13. Symphony Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic and Sapporo

48 49 THSH ad 03-08 Chamber 20/3/08 16:38 Music Page Evening1

Tuesday 15 April A. DVOR˘ÁK Piano Quintet in A Major, Op.81 7.30pm Reardon Smith Theatre, National Museum, Cardiff 1. Allegro, ma non tanto Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP Experience a close encounter with the artistic director and jury 2. Dumka (Andante con moto) Tickets from St David’s Hall Box Office: 029 2087 8444 members of the Menuhin Competition in an evening of 3. Scherzo (Furiant) (Molto vivace) Tickets £15 Concessions available outstanding chamber music. 4. Finale (Allegro)

Joji Hattori (violin) Michael Ma (violin) Robert Smissen (viola) GUTTERIDGE PHOTO:MIKE Paul Watkins (cello) Gordon Back (piano) Dvor˘ák was born in 1841 near Prague, where he spent most of his life. He studied music at Prague’s Organ School and developed into an accomplished player of the violin and viola. A prolific composer, C PaulM Watkins, Edith PeinemannE & friends he was director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York hamber usic vening from 1892 to 1895, where he wrote his most popular work, the Symphony No. 9 “From The New World”. As a viola player, Dvor˘ák had a particular affection for chamber music, which could offer more scope for that instrument than the orchestra. In fact, his Opus 1 – the first piece he deemed worthy of an opus number – was a string quintet featuring two violas. The Piano Quintet Op. 81, composed in 1887, started life as a revision of an earlier Quintet: Op.5, also in A major, although Dvor˘ák ended up writing an entirely new piece. It has wonderful melodies Edith Peinemann Joji Hattori Michael Ma Robert Smissen Paul Watkins Gordon Back and exciting which evoke the folk songs and dances of DISCOVER GREAT (violin) (violin) (violin) (viola) (cello) (piano) Bohemia, and indeed this period of his compositional life has been dubbed his first Slavonic period. PERFORMANCES AT J. BRAHMS Sonata for violin and piano in D minor, Op.108 The first movement opens quietly with a broad melodic theme from S. PROKOFIEV Sonata for cello and piano in C major, Op.119 the cello. The violin introduces the second subject – another lyrical melody. The second movement is marked ‘Dumka’ – a Slavic folk THE HEART OF Interval ballad or poem evoking heroic deeds. The third movement (Scherzo) A. DVOR˘ÁK Piano Quintet in A major, Op.81 evokes the folk dance, the Furiant – a rapid and fiery bohemian BIRMINGHAM dance in three-four time. The finale is a happy and robust affair including both a fugal and chorale section. J. BRAHMS S. PROKOFIEV TOWN HALL AND The work received its first performance in Prague in 1888. Sonata for violin and piano in D minor, Op.108 Sonata for cello and piano in C major, Op.119 SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM 1. Allegro 1. Andante grave 2. Adagio 2. Moderato GORDON BACK 3. Un poco presto e con sentimento 3. Allegro ma non troppo GUTTERIDGE PHOTO:MIKE Gordon Back has been described by the New 4. Presto agitato York Times as “a superlative sensitive pianist” Paul Watkins (cello) and “technically stunning, musically exciting” Edith Peinemann (violin) Gordon Back (piano) by Le Figaro. His distinguished career has Gordon Back (piano) Prokofiev’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, composed in 1949, was taken him to Europe, USA, China, Japan, By the time Brahms spent the summers of 1886, 1887 and 1889 written as a result of the composer’s late life friendship with the Korea and the UK, performing and recording at Hofstetten on Lake Thun, he was getting close to his retirement young . The two men met in 1947 when the with artists such as Yehudi Menuhin, Nathan from composing, having successfully established his international cellist was a 20-year old student at the . After Milstein, , Maxim Vengerov, Sarah reputation with large-scale works including the four symphonies. hearing Rostropovich play his Cello Concerto, Prokofiev excitedly Chang, Yo-Yo Ma and the . Nevertheless, in this idyllic setting, he wrote a large number of rushed backstage and promised on the spot to rewrite the piece Gordon Back was born in Neath and studied piano and viola at the Lieder and chamber works, including two sonatas for violin and especially for him. Royal Northern College of Music. He was awarded the Lady Grace piano: Op.100 in A major and Op.108 in D minor. Later he wrote the C major Sonata for Cello and Piano, a work in James Scholarship, to study in Italy with Guido Agosti. On returning The virtuoso, extrovert D minor sonata is distinctive from Brahms’s which Rostropovich’s hand is much in evidence. By the late 1940s, to England he was one of the youngest members of faculty to join other two violin sonatas. It is almost as if Brahms meant the work Prokofiev’s health had deteriorated so much that he could only the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1974. He received the to be performed in a concert hall rather than a salon-type room, as work for an hour or so each day. Holed up at his summer dacha honour of being made a Fellow of the Guildhall School in 1984. the term chamber music suggests. outside Moscow, he and Rostropovich spent weeks exploring the BIRMINGHAM He has participated in many international music festivals including cello’s technical and expressive capability, thrashing out ideas that There are four movements, opening with a lyrical theme of Schleswig-Holstein, Harrogate, Bath, Stresa, Aix-en-Provence and Prokofiev would incorporate in the Sonata. The line from Maxim shimmering beauty played by the violin, while the piano Blossom Festivals. He has also been official accompanist to most INTERNATIONAL Gorky that Prokofiev inscribed on the first page of his manuscript accompanies with syncopated rhythms, creating a feeling of of the major international violin competitions including Tchaikovsky “Man - that has a proud sound” – is a tribute to Rostropovich. urgency. The middle two movements offer great of (Moscow), Queen Elizabeth (Brussels), Carl Flesch (London), CONCERT SEASON tuneful simplicity and nonchalant humour. The finale offers fire and The first movement gradually develops towards one of those Indianapolis (USA) and Menuhin (Folkestone). excitement and is the most symphonic of all the movements. particularly rich, melodic tunes so characteristic of Prokofiev’s later Recordings include Bach-Schumann Sonatas and Partitas with Jean- work, despite the composer’s claim that he was no good at writing 2008/09 The work was premiered in Budapest on 22 December 1888 by the Jacques Kantarow (which received a French Grand Prix du Disque), melodies. The second movement is by turns energetic and smooth, Hungarian violinist Jeno Hubay with the composer at the piano. cello sonatas with Daniel Lee for Decca and a series with clarinettist and the third combines a very Russian turn of melody with another Emma Johnson for ASV. telling characteristic of Prokofiev’s music – his talent for rhythmic ON SALE SOON drive. He gives regular master classes all over the world. In the summer he teaches in Courchevel. He has been the Director of the Menuhin For more information visit www.thsh.co.uk Competition since 2002. Interval or call the box office on 0121 780 3333

Biographies of jury members can be found on pages 12 - 13

50 51

Thursday 17 April 6.30pm for 7.30pm Fonmon Castle Fonmon, Nr. Barry CF62 3ZN Tickets from St David’s Hall Box Office: 029 2087 8444 www.castleswales.com/fonmon.html Tickets £40 including tour of the castle and canapé and champagne reception

St Michael’s College, Cardiff

Chamber M sic

By kindt invitation F of the Competitionnm Patron n Castle Sir Brooke Boothby o o u

Jeremy Menuhin (piano) Erich Gruenberg (violin) Paula Watkins (cello) L. BEETHOVEN No. 31 in A flat major, Op.110 C. DEBUSSY Estampes C. DEBUSSY x Situated in the tranquil city of Llandaff only a 10 minute bus ride from the vibrant city centre of Cardiff. L’Isle joyeuse x Close to Llandaff Cathedral with Jacob Epstein’s striking ‘Christ in Majesty’ (the Majestas). Interval x Conveniently located for many tourist attractions. L. BEETHOVEN x Easily accessed from the M4 motorway. Archduke Trio in B flat major, Op.97 x Traditional attractive buildings, complemented by a more modern Grade 2* listed chapel. x On-site car parking. x Beautiful, secluded grounds.

Meeting Rooms The college has five meeting rooms of varying sizes for hire, including presentation equipment if needed.

Catering Our excellent Chef caters for all tastes and dietary needs. Meals are served in the Refectory which seats a maximum of 60 people. Conference buffets can be provided in the Common Room or meeting rooms.

Accommodation Bedrooms can be provided on a bed and breakfast or fully catered basis. Accommodation is available in vacation time, although we can usually take some bookings during term time.

If you would like to book any of the facilities at St Michael’s College or require further information, please contact Sheryl Williams-Gascoigne, Conference Co-ordinator.

St Michael’s College Tel: 029 20563379 54 Cardiff Road Fax: 029 20838008 Llandaff Email:[email protected] Cardiff www.stmichaels.ac.uk CF5 2YJ

53 Fonmon Castle

L. BEETHOVEN L. BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op.110 Archduke Trio in B flat major, Op.97 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo 1. Allegro moderato 2. Allegro molto 2. Scherzo (Allegro) 3. Adagio ma non troppo 3. Andante cantabile ma pero con moto 4. Allegretto moderato – Presto Jeremy Menuhin (piano) Jeremy Menuhin (piano) Composed in 1821, this is Beethoven’s penultimate piano sonata Erich Gruenberg (violin) and central in the group of three, Op. 109-111. All three are towering Paul Watkins (cello) pieces in the history of the genre, each with its own character. They combine strong, dynamic, almost orchestral music with This piano trio takes its nickname from the Archduke Rudolph of the classicism of the earlier works, alongside the most deeply Austria, its dedicatee and Beethoven’s most devoted patron for over introspective music, coming from Beethoven’s strange inner world twenty years, starting as his piano and composition student in the of sound due to his complete deafness at this point in his life. They early 1800s until Beethoven’s death in 1827. are considered to represent the supremely challenging examples It was written in the middle period of Beethoven’s compositional of the form, and pianists approach them with trepidation. Bizarrely career, around 1810, and is considered to represent the pinnacle of though, after completing the set, Beethoven said to his publisher the piano trio repertory, combining the grandeur suggested by its that “the piano is, after all, an unsatisfactory instrument”. nickname with dance-like and intimate moments. Opus 110 is the most lyrical of the three, with the first movement The impressive first movement has themes as noble as the piece’s following the classical sonata form. There are many features of nickname suggests. The contrasting elements of the second Beethoven’s late piano style, including high octave tremolandos, fast movement – chromatic fugato and a waltz tune – anticipate arpeggio passages, trills, and use of the extremes of the keyboard. Beethoven’s later adoption of the form. The slow movement is The second movement is based on two folk tunes, and combines a moving and complex set of variations, and the finale is in rondo straightforward four-square tunes with syncopated cross-rhythms, 1862 - 1918 form, by turns grand and lighthearted. JEREMY MENUHIN and this spikiness is enhanced by Beethoven’s characteristic use of C. DEBUSSY The first public performance was given in 1814 by Beethoven Jeremy Menuhin made his New York debut as winner of the Young extremes of dynamic, with jagged sforzandos on offbeats. Estampes himself, together with violinist Ignaz Schuppanzigh and cellist Concert Artists’ Piano Competition in 1984 and soon afterwards gave As so often in Beethoven’s late music, the last movement uses Joseph Linke. It was to be his last appearance at the piano, as his the first in a number of concerts with the . He 1. Pagodes that most Baroque of forms, the fugue, preceded by an opening worsening deafness was increasingly jeopardizing his ability to has regularly given recitals in the Kennedy Center in Washington, 2. La Soirée dans Grenade recitative and plaintive arioso. The arioso returns before a passage perform. the Philharmonie in Berlin, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and the 3. Jardins sous la pluie of repeated G major chords, growing in intensity before the Salle Pleyel in Paris. The work is featured in several novels, namely Kafka on the Shore restatement of the fugue, this time in its inversion. From here to the Jeremy Menuhin (piano) by Haruki Murakami, A Traitor to Memory by Elizabeth George and Jeremy Menuhin’s broad musical education included composition end, the textures are built up, as the home key of A flat major is Assassini by Thomas Gifford. with in Paris, piano studies with Mindru Katz in reached and triumphantly reasserted, leading to an ecstatic close. Debussy’s music virtually defines the transition from the late and conducting with in Vienna. Romantic to twentieth century . He was interested in many different forms of music, rather than just Western ideas of He has played with many leading orchestras such as the Royal harmony, and absorbed influences from pentatonic and modal Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Orchestre Nationale de music. He wrote a wide range of works, from opera to orchestral to France, the Houston Symphony, the Israel Philharmonic, the Czech chamber music to songs, and in the period 1902-1910 concentrated Philharmonic, Salzburg Mozarteum and the chamber orchestras of chiefly on piano music. Zurich, St Petersburg and Prague as well as the English Chamber Orchestra. Estampes, written in 1903, is French for engravings, and the three pieces that make up this work are perfect little musical depictions. During recent seasons Jeremy Menuhin has toured with the Sinfonia Pagodes uses the sounds and feelings of Japan as filtered his own Varsovia and the Philharmonia Hungarica in Spain, Switzerland, and French sensibilities, drawing on Debussy’s discovery of oriental art France and in Russia with the Camerata St Petersburg. In Britain at the 1889 Paris Exhibition. La Soirée dans Grenade is a sensuous he has appeared at the South Bank, Wigmore Hall, the Barbican, and passionate Habanera, evoking an Andalusian scene. As Debussy St. John’s Smith Square, Symphony Hall Birmingham and the Usher wrote, “When you don’t have the money for a holiday, you must use Hall in Edinburgh. Other recent engagements have included tours of your imagination.” The final piece is a musical impression of rain Germany, Lithuania, Holland and France, solo recitals at the Ubeda falling steadily on a garden, building gradually to a storm before the Festival, Spain, Ravello Festival, Italy, and for Radio France and rain dies down to drops before a brilliant shower brings the piece to concerts in Zurich with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Spain with the its close. Camera Reina Sofia conducted by Sir , Luzern with the Württembürgisches Kammerorchester and the Gstaad Festival

with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. C. DEBUSSY 2004 saw the launch of a major project, in partnership with the L’Isle joyeuse English Symphony Orchestra, to record all Mozart’s 27 piano concerti for Nimbus Records. Jeremy Menuhin is both the soloist and director Jeremy Menuhin (piano) and the first CD of the series was released in 2005. Debussy was a great admirer of the painter Antoine Watteau Jeremy Menuhin has recorded works by Schubert, Mozart, Debussy, (1684-1721) and Watteau’s L’embarquement pour Cythère inspired Beethoven and Dvor˘ák for Chandos, EMI and Ades. His recording him to write L’Isle joyeuse (The Joyous Island) in 1904. The mood of Bartók’s Sonatas for Violin and Piano with his father, Yehudi of Debussy’s music suggests an enchanted landscape, both real Menuhin, was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque. His and imaginary. The real landscape was the island of Jersey, to which Schubert recordings for Dinemec Classics (four CDs to date) have Debussy escaped with his lover Emma Bardac in the summer of been widely acclaimed “every harmonic side-step, every momentary 1904. change of pace is tasted to the full.” The Times. Recordings of It is a pianistic tour de , making full use of the whole keyboard, Beethoven Piano Concertos, recorded with the Sinfornia Varsovia, with a mixture of deep bass pedal notes underlying other textures, and also Beethoven were released on the Dutch label swirling triplets and fanfare-like passages. The dance rhythms, Cobra. expressive sonorities and passionate themes culminate in an ecstatic close. Biographies of Erich Gruenberg and Paul Watkins, who are both members of the distinguished jury for the Menuhin Competition ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH OF AUSTRIA Cardiff 2008, can be found on pages 12 - 13 1770 - 1827 Interval 1788 - 1831

54 55 Tymor Sunday 20 April Cyngherddau 11.30am Reardon Smith Theatre, National Museum, Cardiff Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP 2008 - 2009 Tickets: National Museum of Wales 029 2057 3466 Tickets £8, £6 Concessions, £10 on the door Free tickets for 8 to 22 year olds in full time education thanks to Concert Season the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust

“..the Welsh orchestra, conducted by Thierry Fischer, was outstanding from the downbeat.” Washington Post “...roedd y Gerddorfa o Gymru, dan arweiniad Thierry Fischer, yn aruthrol o’r curiad cyntaf.” Washington Post

Lesley Hatfield (violin) CIan Brown (piano)ardiff Coffee Concert W. A. MOZART Sonata in A, K.526 C. FRANCK Sonata in A

W. A. MOZART Sinfonia she was soloist in a BBC Promenade concert at the Royal Sonata in A, K.526 Albert Hall, and in the Suntory Hall, Tokyo. Her solo recordings under the Chandos and Naxos labels have received critical acclaim 1. Molto allegro and she broadcasts frequently on BBC Radio 3, most recently in a 2. Andante performance of Lutoslawski’s Chain 2 with the BBC NOW. An active 3. Presto exponent of contemporary music, Lesley has had works written for her by Philip Cashian and John Casken, whose Après un Silence she This is the penultimate of Mozart’s 39 pieces for violin and piano performed with the at the Royal Festival Hall. and arguably his finest. It was written in 1787, when Mozart was at the height of his fame; the same year as he wrote , She has an extensive duo recital repertoire and has collaborated with two string quintets and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, among other a number of pianists including Ian Brown and Andrew Ball. Lesley works. Also in that year, the sixteen-year-old Beethoven studied is a member of the Gaudier Ensemble, with whom she has made briefly with Mozart. a number of highly acclaimed recordings, and is regularly invited to appear with other ensembles and at international festivals. Her The first movement, in 6/8 time, is exuberant and joyful, the second, directing activities have covered a wide range of works, and have in D major, mostly flowing and gentle, and the third fast and included performances on BBC television and Radio 3. She was furious, and the perpetual motion of the third building up to a joyful recently elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, and is Violin conclusion. The whole piece is a dialogue between the instruments, Consultant at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. with as much interest and importance in the piano part as for the violin. IAN BROWN C. FRANCK Ian Brown is a musician of great versatility whose career embraces Sonata for Violin and Piano solo playing, chamber music and conducting. His wide musical 1. Allegretto ben moderato interests and large repertoire range from Bach to the present 2. Allegro – Quasi lento - Allegro day. As a concerto soloist he has played with many of Britain’s 3. Recitativo-Fantasia, Moderato – Largamente – Molto vivace leading orchestras. He has also appeared as soloist in Messiaen’s Aberystwyth | Bangor | Bradford-on-Avon | Brecon | Cardiff 4. Allegretto poco mosso at the Proms. His performances have taken him worldwide. | | | | César Franck wrote this, one of the best-loved sonatas in the Cheltenham Llandudno Monmouth Newtown St Asaph He is pianist of the Nash Ensemble and during this long association repertoire, in 1886 to mark the marriage of the renowned violinist has played at all the major British festivals, appeared annually in and fellow Belgian, Eugène Ysaÿe. All the movements share | | their Wigmore Hall series and recorded a large repertoire of chamber St Davids Swansea Wrexham thematic material, and run the full gamut of emotions from calm music. He also teaches chamber music at the Royal Northern College contemplation to passionate outbursts. It is a tour de force for and the Royal Academy of Music. violinists and pianists alike. Perhaps the most famous movement is Call FREE for details of all our 2008/09 concerts. the finale, with the two instruments handing the soaring, melodic Ian is in demand as a duo player, working with many distinguished Rhowch ganiad AM DDIM am fanylion ein holl gyngherddau yn 2008/09. opening theme from one to the other. musicians including Mstislav Rostropovich, , , Ralph Kirshbaum, György Pauk and Dame . For Although Franck wrote many pieces, he remains most famous for his some years he worked with , has recently recorded BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line: Symphony, some organ music and this piece, which many believe to and toured in Russia with Maxim Vengerov and has a regular duo be the ultimate in Romantic violin sonatas. Llinell Cynulleidfaoedd Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Gymreig y BBC: with Min-Jin Kym. In recent years he has worked as conductor with the Philharmonia LESLEY HATFIELD Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, City of London Sinfonia, English 0800 052 1812 Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Leader of the BBC National Orchestra of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He regularly directs concertos Wales, Lesley Hatfield has established a .co.uk/now from the keyboard. He made his London debut conducting a highly distinguished career as soloist, chamber successful performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony at musician, orchestral leader and teacher. the Barbican. He works with orchestras in Poland and the Czech She appears regularly as soloist with Republic and has toured Germany with them. He has recently visited the BBC NOW, and has appeared with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and will work with them again next other major orchestras. With the Northern season.

57 WNO’s Hansel and Gretel photo by Sunday 20 April WMC Foyer Music: The Violin Through The Ages 6-6.45pm, Tesco Stage, Glanfa Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre Free

Sunday 20 April 6.45 Prize Giving Ceremony / 7.30pm Concert Donald Gordon Theatre Wales Millennium Centre Summer Season 2008 Cardiff CF10 5AL Box Office: 08700 40 2000 www.wmc.org.uk Hansel & Gretel Tickets £10 to £35 Humperdinck Concessions 10% Cast includes Rebecca Evans

An Evening of Rossini Rossini

WORLD PREMIÈRE / NEW COMMISSION Carbon 12 – 27 May – 14 June A Choral Symphony / Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Alexander Nevsky 08700 40 2000 / wmc.org.uk Errollyn Wallen / Prokofiev WNO also performs Verdi’s Aida – returns only

19 Sept – 11 Oct 2008 7 – 28 Feb 2009 13 May – 6 June 2009 NEW PRODUCTION NEW PRODUCTION The Queen of Spades Otello The Marriage Tchaikovsky Verdi Mozart Rebecca Evans (soprano) Dong-Suk Kang (violin) Jennifer Pike (violin) Supported by the WNO Partnership of Figaro Supported by a generous gift from the La bohème Parry family Puccini Junior and Senior Prize Winners (violin) The Barber Orchestra of Welsh National Opera Joji Hattori (conductor) of Seville The Elixir of Love Donizetti Mitridate, rè di Ponto Rossini Mozart Supported by Colwinston Charitable Trust G. ROSSINI In concert Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia Jenu˚ fa J a n á c˘ e k W. A. MOZART Supported by the Friends of WNO L’amero, saro costante from Il Re Pastore Richard Strauss W. A. MOZART Non temer, amato bene, K.505 Subscription booking now open Movements from Concerto of Senior 1st Prize winner Now’s the time! General sales open 1 May (online) 16 May (phone/counter) Interval P. AP SION Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff The White Wheat (by winner of Composer’s Prize) VIVALDI 08700 40 2000 / wmc.org.uk (chosen Season by Junior 1st Prize winner) M. BRUCH Join WNO’s free mailing list Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.26 0800 328 2357 / [email protected] wno.org.uk

WNO’s The Queen of Spades photo by Clive Barda, The Elixir of Love photo by Glenn Edwards, La bohème photo by Brian Tarr. 5959

sum_eh_13 Menuhin comp ad_P2.ind1 1 17/3/08 16:21:18 Closing Gala Concert

G. ROSSINI P. AP SION REBECCA EVANS In addition to his regular engagements in Erfurt and with the Vienna Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia The White Wheat Chamber Orchestra, Joji Hattori serves as Music Director of the Tokyo Born in Wales, she studied at Ensemble, a project-based chamber orchestra he founded in 2001. Rossini, like many other composers writing in the eighteenth and Programme note can be found on pages 23 the GSMD and has appeared As guest conductor he regularly works with distinguished orchestras early nineteenth centuries, begged and borrowed from his own with , Covent such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, work, and did not put the overtures to his operas high on his list Garden (Pamina, Despina, Slovakian Philharmonic or the Yomiuri Symphony Orchestra Japan and of priorities. About the overture to this, his seventeenth opera, he A. VIVALDI Susanna, Johanna), ENO collaborates with eminent soloists including Maria João Pires, Piotr admitted, “I did not compose an overture, but selected for it one The Four Seasons (Governess, Ginevra, Romilda), Anderszewski, Elisabeth Leonskaja and Elena Bashkirova. which was meant for a semi-serious opera called ‘Elisabetta’. The WNO (Mimì, Pamina, Susanna, The Junior First Prize Winner will play one concerto Season. public was completely satisfied.” He seems to have forgotten that Ilia, Gretel, Marzelline, He was born in Japan and spent his childhood in Vienna. Influenced See page 25 for programme notes for The Four Seasons. he had also “borrowed” it on that occasion, and that the piece was Norina), Deutsche Staatsoper by both cultures, Hattori is today one of the very few conductors of originally written for Aureliano in Palmire, in 1813. Berlin (Despina), Scottish Asian heritage who is respected internationally for his interpretation Opera (Vixen), Bavarian State of the Viennese classics. He started playing the violin at the age of It is extraordinary to realize that the premiere of Il Barbiere di M. BRUCH Opera (Ginevra, Susanna, five and studied at the Vienna Academy of Music. In 1989 he won Siviglia was an unmitigated disaster, with some of the pieces Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.26 Sophie, Zdenka, Servilia, Ilia), the International Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition in England. not yet written; but it achieved more success at the second 1. Vorspiel: Allegro moderato Opera (Ilia), San performance, and has remained one of the most popular operas in After a decade of being a violin soloist, he turned to conducting 2. Adagio Francisco Opera (Zerlina, Anne the repertoire ever since. and in 2002 participated at the inaugural Maazel-Vilar Conductors’ 3. Finale: Allegro energico Trulove, Adina), Lyric Opera Chicago (Pamina, Adele) and the Competition where he was given a major award. The overture has all the characteristically Rossinian brio and sparkle, Metropolitan Opera, New York (Susanna, Zerlina). Dong-Suk Kang (violin) enabled him to give his conducting debut at New York’s Carnegie full of catchy tunes and exciting, exuberant rhythms and dynamics. She has performed in concert and recital at the Wigmore Hall, BBC Hall and continues to support his career. It sets the mood perfectly for an evening of entertaining opera buffa. This is German composer ’s most famous piece, and it is Proms, and at the Salzburg, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Ravinia, Belfast, one of the best-loved violin concertos in the repertoire. His opera debut at the Vienna Kammeroper with Mozart’s La Finta Tanglewood, and Melbourne Festivals. Giardiniera was praised unanimously by all major newspapers in The concerto was written between 1857 and 1866 and first performed W. A. MOZART Her recordings include Pamina, Ilia, Gretel (for which she won a Vienna and following a successful Japan premiere of Leoncavallo’s by Otto von Königslow in 1868. Even though Bruch had been working L’amero, saro costante from Il Re Pastore Grammy Award), Marzelline, Miss Wordsworth (Chandos), Nanetta Zaza at the New National Theatre in Tokyo, he was invited to open on the piece for nearly ten years, he was still uneasy about it, fearing (Philips) and a solo recital (EMI). the Mozart anniversary year with a production of The Magic Flute in Rebecca Evans (soprano) that it was too free in form to merit the title ‘concerto’. With the January 2006 there. Jennifer Pike (violin) advice and criticism of the eminent violinist Joseph Joachim, long- Future engagements include Despina (Munich), Ginevra (Oviedo) and time associate of Brahms, to guide him, Bruch completely revised the her role debut as Countess Almaviva (WNO). Apart from his performing activities, he has been teaching at the The opera Il Re Pastore (The Shepherd King) was written to a work and dedicated the new version to Joachim. Joachim assured him Royal Academy of Music in London and has served as Chairman and libretto by Piero Metastasio and was first performed in 1775 in that the title was indeed justified and that: “… the different sections since 2007 President of the International Menuhin Competition for Salzburg at the Archbishop’s palace. It was commissioned to mark a DONG-SUK KANG are brought together in a beautiful relationship, and yet – this is the Young Violinists. visit by the Archduke Maximillian Franz to Salzburg. Mozart spent six principal thing – there is sufficient contrast”. Dong-Suk Kang (Korea/USA) weeks working on the opera – he was 19 at the time. was born in Korea and studied Instead of the traditional sonata form in the first movement, JENNIFER PIKE It is often referred to as a serenata – a type of dramatic cantata. at the Julliard School and Curtis Bruch wrote an elaborate prelude, connected without pause to The principal theme of the opera is the demands of love against the Institute in the USA. Following In 2002, at the age of twelve, the second movement, a lyric and passionate aria principally demands of kingship, as Aminta, the shepherd-king, tussles with his a debut at the Kennedy Center Jennifer Pike became the centred around E-flat major. The finale is in the grand virtuoso conscience. he went on to win top prizes youngest ever winner of the tradition with its energetic opening theme entirely in double stops, in international competitions BBC Young Musician of the Aminta (originally a castrato role) is a shepherd in love with Elisa. and the contrasting lyric second theme. There are no extended, including the Montreal, the Carl Year competition, following her Following a war, when the tyrant Stratone is deposed, Aminta unaccompanied cadenzas for the soloist (another of Bruch’s Flesch and the Queen Elisabeth. performance of Mendelssohn’s is declared the lost heir to the throne of Sidon and in this aria innovations – and he instructed that none should be inserted in the Since then he has appeared Violin Concerto with the BBC “L’amero saro constante” (I shall love her and be constant) he future) but the movement closes with a fiery burst of speed. with many great orchestras Symphony Orchestra conducted declares his love for Elisa. and conductors and performed by Sir Andrew Davis. Earlier at major music centres and the same year she won fourth festivals including the BBC prize in the Yehudi Menuhin W. A. MOZART Proms in London. Dong-Suk International Violin Competition. Non temer, amato bene, K.505 Kang is also a sought after She has appeared as soloist with Rebecca Evans (soprano) recording artists whos CDs have won critical acclaim. His Walton many major orchestras and given Jennifer Pike (violin) Concerto CD was chosen CD of the month by the Gramophone recitals around the UK, Europe, magazine and nominated for the Gramophone Award. Dong-Suk This concert aria has links with Mozart’s opera seria, Idomeneo, the Middle East and the USA. At the age of fifteen she made her BBC Kang is a professor at Yonsei University in Seoul and artistic director text by Varesco, its recitative having been used for a performance in Proms début in the Royal Albert Hall, and since then she has made of the MusicAlp Festival in France and the Seoul Spring Festival in 1786 to replace the original opening of Act II. her evening recital débuts in London’s Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room Korea. to great critical acclaim. Past engagements include performances with Mozart wrote the aria for the famous English soprano Nancy Dong-Suk Kang is a member of the distinguished jury for the many UK orchestras, with the London Symphony Orchestra in the Storace, who was the first Susanna in Il nozze di Figaro and the Menuhin Competition 2008. Gramophone Awards Ceremony and last year she performed as soloist toast of Vienna in the 1780s. She was about to leave Vienna after with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra as part of the Vienna Festival, four years to return to London, and this was Mozart’s parting gift to A full biography can be found on page 12. televised throughout Europe. her, to perform at her final concert in Vienna with the composer at the piano. The intimacy and passion of the piece fuelled rumours Jennifer’s current engagements include performances with the JOJI HATTORI that Mozart and Storace were lovers, rumours that have never been Academy of St. Martin in the Fields at the Barbican’s Mostly Mozart substantiated. Joji has enjoyed a very varied Festival and with the BBC Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony, Ulster career as a musician, firstly as Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The opening recitative, “Ch’io mi scordi di te”, gives way to an aria a concert violinist, an activity BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Tampere Philharmonic. This marked Rondo, as the opening words are treated as a . It is which has developed into season’s repertoire includes the Sibelius and Mendelssohn concerti, in two sections, the first marked Andante (at a walking pace) and directing chamber orchestras, Bruch 1, Vivaldi Quattro Stagioni and several of the Mozart concerti. the second Allegretto (quite fast). conducting symphony orchestras In November she will give a Wigmore Hall recital to celebrate her and finally operas. He has eighteenth birthday. been Associate Conductor of At the age of 16 she was awarded a postgraduate scholarship Movements from Concerto of Senior 1st Prize winner the to study with David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and since 2004 and this year was Programme notes can be found on pages 35 and 37 Drama, winning the Derek Butler London Prize in 2007. In 2005 she appointed Principal Resident won the prestigious Manoug Parikian Award administered by the Conductor of the State Opera Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. She is also grateful for the support of House in Erfurt, Germany, where Interval the Philharmonia/Martin Scholarship Fund. MAX BRUCH he will conduct three premieres 1838 - 1920 during the coming season. She plays a violin made by in 1708.

60 61 Closing Gala Concert Education and Outreach

Sunday 13 April Monday 14 April

ESTA National Forum Day String Teachers’ Inset Day 10.00am - 4.00pm Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Admission Free For more details and to book, 10.30am - 12.00pm phone 0845 241 2198 Folk Fiddle Workshop with Oliver Wilson-Dickson A day of talks, workshops and concerts Since graduating in music from the University of York in 1999, presented by the European Strings Oliver has been carving a name for himself in the music world. He Teachers’ Association in conjunction with plays at the cutting edge of folk and world music with the bands RWCMD. Szapora, Mabon, the Téa Hodzic Trio and NewFolks, with whom he has toured for many years through Yehudi Menuhin’s Live Music Now In the String Master Class, Nicole Wilson explores audition scheme. preparation of different levels and discusses common difficulties and techniques to overcome them. Demonstrations are with 12.00pm - 12.30pm students of varying levels. Talk by John Stagg, Master Bowmaker After completing an Honours Degree in Engineering Science at

Photo Brian Tarr Brian Photo Durham University, John worked as a racing boat builder before joining the prestigious firm of W. E. Hill & Sons in 1977. He rose THE ORCHESTRA OF WELSH NATIONAL OPERA (WNO) Together with the full company, the Orchestra of WNO has toured to the position of Senior Bowmaker and left to work for himself in to Tokyo, New York, , Paris, Wiesbaden, , Berlin, Leipzig The Orchestra of Welsh National Opera was founded in 1970. Since 1983. He has been based in Bristol since 1989. and Porto and in Spring 2007 returned from sell out performances then it has established itself as an extremely fine and versatile of La bohème at Hong Kong Arts Festival. 12.30pm - 1.30pm orchestra, highly praised as much for its distinction in a wide- Enhancing Performance with Dr Alan Watson and Matthew Jones ranging operatic repertoire as for its concert work and extensive In 1995, the Orchestra of WNO won the Royal Philharmonic Society See Lunchtime Seminars page 66 portfolio of recordings for many different recording companies. Music Award in the Large Ensemble category. The whole company Former Music Directors include Richard Armstrong (1973-86), Sir followed this with four further major awards from RPS, as well as 2.30pm - 4.00pm Charles Mackerras (1987-92) and Tugan Sokhiev (2002-2004) and Evening Standard Award for Best Opera Production, 1998; Laurence Baroque Style with Rachel Carlo Rizzi (1992-2001 and 2004-2007). Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production, 1998 and 1999; Podger Barclays Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, 1998 Rachel teaches baroque The Orchestra of WNO gives many concerts in venues, both large and and 2001. In 2004, RPS Award for education work was added to this violin at the RWCMD and small, throughout England and Wales, including appearances at major list for Katerina, a large-scale community project which took place in brings with her a world-class festivals including BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall in London and Merthyr Tydfil and Rhyl. In 2005 WNO’s new production of reputation as performer, has made many recordings (under many distinguished conductors won the ‘Achievement in Opera’ award from TMA, for the partnership director and teacher. A including Sir , Sir Charles Mackerras, Carlo Rizzi, of Richard Jones and and also the RPS Opera graduate of the Guildhall Richard Bonynge, ), in repertory ranging from Bellini to Award. WNO’s new production of Mazepa was also awarded TMA School of Music and Drama, Maxwell Davies, by way of Verdi, Wagner and Gilbert and Sullivan. ‘Achievement in Opera’ award, 2006. she has worked with many leading period instrument orchestras and ensembles

and is in demand around the world as a soloist and NICOLE WILSON chamber musician. Her Taught the violin by her father in Cardiff, Nicole studied at Chetham’s recordings of J. S. Bach and School of Music in Manchester and at the Royal Academy of Music Mozart have been highly Dealers, restorers and makers of fine violins, violas, cellos and bows in London with Erich Gruenberg and Mateja Marinkovic. She was a acclaimed. member of the first violins of the London Symphony Orchestra from 1999-2007 and a founder member of the Tippett String Quartet. She has freelanced with all the major London Orchestras and is now a freelance leader and session fixer. Saturday 19 April Nicole presents concerts throughout the UK and programmes on the radio and television including the BBC Proms and her own series on JMAS Lunchtime Recital LONDON Classic FM Radio. & Celebrity Master Class 30 Queen Anne Street 1.00pm - 4.30pm In Suzuki Today, presented by Helen Brunner, learn how the Suzuki 020 7307 9666 Weston Gallery - Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Method continues to flourish and grow globally. Helen draws on Box Office: RWCMD 029 2039 1391 her wide teaching experience of Suzuki and her teaching career has Tickets £5 for Recital and Master Class. NEW YORK gone from strength to strength. Her London Gold Group has made over a dozen international tours, including France, Belgium, Sweden, With Competition juror Pamela Frank, junior competitors and 1776 Broadway Poland, Canada and the USA. Her students have played at the violinists from the RWCMD Junior Music Department. Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, Buckingham Palace, QEH, Birmingham 212 765 3275 Non-finalists perform a programme of their choice in this intimate Symphony Hall, and the Kennedy Center. setting for RWCMDs Junior Music and Access Studies Students, followed by a master class with Competition juror, Pamela Frank, SEOUL and junior competitors and violinists from RWCMD junior music. Jongro-Ku Pamela Frank has established an outstanding international +82 2733 1181 reputation across an unusually varied range of performing activity. In addition her soloist work with prestigious orchestras around the world and recitals on the leading concert stages, she is a sought- after chamber musician with leading soloists and ensembles. Her accomplishments were recognized in 1999 with the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize. Pamela Frank is professor for violin at the Curtis Institute of Music. www.beares.com A full biography for Pamela Frank can be found on page 12

62 63 Education and Outreach

Thursday 17 April A Day of Open Master Classes

The Grand Final Weekend

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2008 BBC National Orchestra of Wales Wales Millennium Centre Conducted by Thierry Fischer

10.00am – 5.00pm The search for the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2008 is nearly over. Five players compete in Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama the Final of the UK’s most prestigious classical music competition for young people. Box Office RWCMD 029 2039 1391 Tickets £8 Concessions £5 Tickets for each class to be purchased separately To celebrate the 30th anniversary of BBC Young Musician of the Year, the musicians face two days of competition: See teaching in action and understand the secrets of perfect performance. Here the audience will have a unique opportunity to Saturday 10 May 7.00pm Concerto Concert watch some of the world’s most famous players share their expertise with competitors and students of leading UK conservatoires. Each of the five finalists will play their chosen concerto with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, 10.00am – 12.00pm conducted by Thierry Fischer in front of an expert judging panel. Biographies of the jury members can be found on pages 12 - 13 Paul Watkins, Erich Gruenberg, Dong-Suk Kang

Sunday 11 May 1.30pm The Final Concert The competitors return with BBC National Orchestra of Wales for their final challenge in front of the judging panel.

The BBC Young Musician of the Year 2008 will be announced on Sunday 11 May

BOOK NOW 12.30pm – 2.30pm Wales Millennium Centre Box Office: 08700 40 2000 Pamela Frank, Edith Peinemann

Tickets £12, £10, £8, £5 concessions available 20% Discount when booking for both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May

The Grand Final Weekend is supported by The Tabor Foundation

Both concerts will be filmed for broadcast across the BBC’s television, radio and online services.

3.00pm – 5.00pm Maxim Vengerov, Michael Ma

65 Education and Outreach T e Menuhin Competition 25th Anniversary Lunchtime Seminars hh y In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Menuhin Competition, Wednesday 16 April, 12.30-1.30pm Competitorsin t e Countr Go Outside and About the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is delighted to present From Violin to Viola a series of seminars themed around areas that were key to the life Non-finalists will have the opportunity to perform part of their Matthew Jones (viola) and Michael Hampton (piano) and work of Sir Yehudi Menuhin. programme from the Competition to thousands of young musicians Reflecting Sir Yehudi Menuhin’s own excellence on across South and West Wales. They all take place in the Sir Geraint Evans Recital Room at the both violin and viola, Matthew Jones talks about and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. performs his transcription of the Walton Violin Sonata, a Friday 18 April work commissioned by Menuhin. This work has been undertaken Monday 14 April, 12.30-1.30pm as part of Matthew’s Walton Fellowship, jointly funded by the Royal Foyer Concert Enhancing Performance Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Walton Trust. 1pm, Wales Millennium Centre Dr Alan Watson & Matthew Jones Non-finalists from the Junior and Senior sections of the Competition Thursday 17 April, 12.30-1.30pm Healthy performance and prevention is increasingly perform a selection of work from their programmes. important in today’s hectic and pressurised world. Dr Alan Watson Menuhin’s recorded legacy (Biosciences, ) discusses common injury problems Dr John Cranmer Friday 18 April for upper string players and Matthew Jones (RWCMD Walton Fellow) Dr John Cranmer, Head of Undergraduate Programmes at the looks at a range of ways of dealing with them or preventing them 11am: Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest RWCMD, leads an exploration of Sir Yehudi Menuhin’s extensive from occurring, including the use of yoga. recorded legacy and its impact on musical traditions in the 20th Competitors perform to hundreds of children who are currently century, using the Elgar Violin Concerto as his starting point. members of the Pembrokeshire Music Service youth ensembles. Tuesday 15 April, 12.30-1.30pm Entry by invitation from Pembrokeshire Music Service. Live Music Now! Friday 18 April, 12-1pm 11am: Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Blackwood Gillian Green Music Competitions Today Competitors perform to over 650 children who are currently Gillian Green is the Director of Live Ariane Todes members of the Caerphilly Music Service youth ensembles and other Adopt a Competitor Music Now! Wales. She talks about the Editor of The Strad magazine, Ariane Todes, chairs a lively secondary schools in Caerphilly Borough. development of this exciting and vibrant Following the trail of their adopted competitor, primary and discussion of the role of music competitions today, reflecting on Entry by invitation from Caerphilly Music Service. organisation from its roots in Sir Yehudi Menuhin’s pioneering secondary schools will be hosting very special private concerts the Menuhin Competition from its evolution over the past 25 years work to its current crucial position as one of the core deliverers of for their pupils. School children will have the chance to meet to its position today as the foremost international competition for quality live music, performed by young artists, to needy sectors of Saturday 19 April their adopted competitor and learn more about the violin, the young violinists. Come and voice your opinion! competitor’s home country, and will be able to ask them questions the community. 11.30am: High School, Pontypridd rwcmdjunioradvert[FP2]26.3.8 26/3/08 11:19 Page 1 about their lives as prodigies. senior strings will have the unique opportunity Adopted competitors will be visiting the following schools: to perform side by side with one of the competitors in this unique programme which will include the Capriol Suite, Vivaldi’s Autumn Tuesday 15 April RWCMD’S JUNIOR COURSE MAE CWRS IAU CBCDC yn and a piece of the competitor’s choice. St. Mary’s R.C. Primary School provides advanced training on darparu hyfforddiant uwch ar Admission by invitation from Rhondda Cynon Taf Music Service. Marlborough Junior School Saturdays for talented musicians Ddyddiau Sadwrn ar gyfer Ysgol Pencae aged 8 – 18 years from Wales cerddorion talentog 8 – 18 oed Wednesday 16 April and South West England. o Gymru a De Orllewin Lloegr. The Cathedral School The course focusses on individual Mae’r cwrs yn canolbwyntio ar tuition which is offered on all hyfforddiant unigol a gaiff ei St Monica’s C.I.W. Primary School main string, wind, brass and gynnig ar bob offeryn llinynnol, orchestral percussion instruments chwyth, pres ac offerynnau taro Bryn Deri Primary School plus piano, guitar, composition cerddorfaol ynghyd â’r piano, Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof and voice.There is special gitâr, cyfansoddi a’r llais. Ceir Reaching Out with Fairwater Primary School provision for students of creative darpariaeth arbennig ar gyfer music technology and jazz. myfyrwyr technoleg cerddoriaeth The Menuhin Competition greadigol a jazz. Tuition is delivered by a large Each year the RWCMD provides hundreds of schools team of expert tutors – many who Darperir yr hyfforddiant gan dîm are distinguished professional o diwtoriaid arbenigol – llawer with interactive concerts and workshops specifically performers, composers and music ohonynt yn berfformwyr designed to encourage learning through music for technologists – in the unique proffesiynol enwog, yn surroundings of the Royal Welsh gyfansoddwyr ac yn dechnolegwyr children of all ages from 3 to 18, and to enhance the College of Music & Drama, the cerddoriaeth – yn amgylchoedd tuition currently available to young musicians from National Conservatoire of Wales. unigryw Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru, Conservatoire their county music services. This year some schools For information on how to Cenedlaethol Cymru. apply visit around Cardiff have also had the opportunity to ^ www.rwcmd.ac.uk/jmas I gael gwybodaeth ynglyn become part of the events surrounding the Menuhin or telephone 029 2039 1365 â sut i wneud cais ewch i www.cbcdc.ac.uk/jmas Competition by adopting a competitor, following neu ffoniwch 029 2039 1365 the competitor’s progress and welcoming them into their schools. Going further afield, the College has worked with music services who will host a range of activites, including concerts, rehearsals and workshops with competitors.

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Education and Outreach EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR THE MENUHIN COMPETITION 2008 SUBSCRIBE TODAY

FOR JUST £2 AN ISSUE Sunday 13 April Wednesday 16 April FMusic in the Museum CChamber Music Encounter s 12 ISSUES OF THE STRAD ree oncert WORTH £46.75 1.00pm-2.00pm, National Museum, Cardiff 11.30am, Weston Gallery, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama String students from the Royal Welsh College THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL BERKELEY Get closer to the world of strings of Music & Drama present works by RWCMD students perform solo and J. S. Bach, Beethoven and Schubert. every month with the biggest chamber works in a range of combinations to continue the College’s celebrations of their interviews, exclusive news, the Monday 14 April Composer-in-Association’s 60th birthday. latest reviews and more! Foyer Concert 1.00pm, Wales Millennium Centre Foyer Concert THREE FREE SUBSCRIBER RWCMD string students present a selection of works from across the 1.00pm, Wales Millennium Centre violin repertoire. ONLY SUPPLEMENTS Students from the RWCMDs Historical Performance Department perform solo and ensemble music for baroque violin. WORTH £20 Tuesday 15 April Find out the best summer Chamber Music Encounter Thursday 17 April schools, degree courses and 11.30am, Weston Gallery, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Foyer Concert accessories with our fantastic 1.00pm, Wales Millennium Centre O. MESSIAEN Quatuor pour la fin du temps KOSMOS FREE supplements. Sarah Cuthbertson, clarinet Timo McVey, cello William Hillman, violin Tom Coltman, piano Kosmos is a new, innovative ensemble inspired by traditional music from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Classically trained RWCMD students perform this seminal chamber work as part of the FREE STRAD DIRECTORY at top music colleges in London and the USA, its members are College’s celebrations of Messiaen’s 100th birthday year. sharing their knowledge of Jewish, Gypsy, Balkan and Contemporary WORTH £15 “I saw a mighty angel come down from Heaven clothed with a music with audiences across Europe. Prepare to be intoxicated by Exclusive directory of cloud: a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were entrancing dance rhythms, soulful improvisation and gypsy passion the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire; and he set his right upon delivered with panache and virtuoso technique. international string instrument the sea, and his left foot on the and standing upon the sea makers, dealers and trade and upon the earth he lifted up his hand to Heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever that there should be time no suppliers. longer but in the days of the trumpet of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be finished.” This deeply moving work was composed under the most TWO FREE POSTERS extraordinary circumstances. In 1940, Messiaen was a prisoner of WORTH £15.95 war in Stalag III, finding himself in the company of three well-known musicians – a violinist, clarinetist and cellist. Initially he wrote a Stunning trio for them, which they performed in the latrines, inspiring him to compose this piece for them and himself at a battered piano. They images of the ALL gave the first performance to an audience of 5,000 fellow prisoners best rare in the freezing cold. He was to say later, “Never was I listened to FROM with such rapt attention and comprehension.” instruments, The work was inspired by the first seven verses of the tenth chapter with the full JUST of the Revelation of St. John the Divine, quoted above. Its eight movements include the other-worldly, highly rhythmic, taut qualities specification £24 associated with the work of this deeply religious man. on the reverse. Foyer Concert 1.00pm, Wales Millennium Centre WWW.THESTRAD.COM/SUBSCRIBE RWCMD string students present selection of works from across the SUBS HOTLINE: +44 (0)20 8606 7506 violin repertoire. Please quote order reference STMC81 when subscribing 69 Previous Winners

2000 1989 Akiko Ono Japan Senior 1st Prize Joji Hattori Japan Senior 1st Prize, Bach Feng Ning PR China Senior 2nd Prize Prize & Audience Prize Viatcheslav Chestiglazov Russia Senior 3rd Prize Yu Yuanging PR China Senior 2nd Prize Chen Gu PR China Senior 4th Prize Bartlomiej Niziol Poland Senior 3rd Prize Karen Lee USA Senior 4th Prize Mi Sa Yang Korea/Japan Junior 1st Prize Alina Ibragimova Russia Junior 2nd Prize Livia Sohn USA Junior 1st Prize & Naoto Sakiya Japan Junior 3rd Prize Audience Prize Yossif Ivanov Belgium Junior 4th Prize Sylvie Sentenac France Junior 2nd Prize Hye Jin Kim Korea Junior 5th Prize Mu Na PR China Junior 3rd Prize Ja Ram Kim Korea Junior 6th Prize Jennifer Koh USA Junior 4th Prize Ye Sha PR China Junior 5th Prize 1998 Krzysztof Baranowski Poland Junior 6th Prize Susie Park Australia Senior 1st Prize 1987 Akiko Ono Japan Senior 2nd Prize Boris Brovtsyn Russia Senior 3rd Prize Elisabeth Glass W. Germany Senior 1st Prize Xu Yang PR China Senior 4th Prize & Bach Prize Elisa Barston USA Senior 2nd Prize Hu-Jiong Wang PR China Junior 1st Prize & Audience Prize Oleg Yatsina Belarus Junior 2nd Prize Zheng Qing PR China Senior 3rd Prize Mikhail Simonian Russia Joint Junior 3rd Prize & Bach Prize Mayuko Kamio Japan Joint Junior 3rd Prize Joji Hattori Japan Senior 4th Prize Sophie Moser Germany Junior 5th Prize Yoon Jung Cho Korea Junior 6th Prize Dong Qun PR China Junior 1st Prize 2006 Previous inners Bartlomiej Niziol Poland Junior 2nd Prize Hrachya Avanesyan Armenia Senior 1st Prize 1995 Suzy Whang UK Junior 3rd Prize Robin Scott USA Senior 2nd Prize & Audience Prize Lisa Kim USA Senior 1st Prize, Audience Shuai Shi China Senior 3rd Prize Ryotaro Ito Japan Junior 4th Prize Prize & President’s Prize Sulki Yu Korea WSenior 4th Prize David Chan USA Junior 5th Prize Corina Belcea Senior 2nd Prize Samika Honda Japan Composer’s Prize (Senior) Carla Kihlstedt USA Junior 6th Prize Yoo-Kyung Min Korea Senior 3rd Prize Dragos Mihail Manza Romania Special Prize for Zhanna Tonaganyan Russia Senior 4th Prize & 1985 Outstanding Performance Bach Prize in Senior Semi-Finals Natalia Lomeiko Russia President’s Prize Xiao-Dong Wang PR China Senior 1st Prize, Bach Prize Mathieu Van Bellen Holland Special Prize for & Tunnicliffe Prize Julia Fischer Germany Junior 1st Prize Outstanding Performance Tasmin Little UK Senior 2nd Prize Jeanne de Ricaud France Junior 2nd Prize in Senior Semi-Finals Liang Chai PR China Senior 3rd Prize Piotr Kwasny Poland Junior 3rd Prize Abigail Young UK Senior 4th Prize Sunao Goko Japan Junior 1st Prize Teruyoshi Shirata Japan Junior 4th Prize & Audience Prize Fumiaki Miura Japan Junior 2nd Prize Daniel Khalikov Uzbekistan Junior 5th Prize Yu-Chien Tseng China Junior 3rd Prize Ilia Gringolts Russia Junior 6th Prize Chang Guo PR China Junior 1st Prize Robyn Bollinger USA Junior 4th Prize Sally Cooper Australia Junior 7th Prize Elizabeth Glass W. Germany Junior 2nd Prize Stella Chen USA Junior 5th Prize Scott St John Canada Junior 3rd Prize & Sirena Huang USA Junior 6th Prize 1993 Audience Prize Lara St John Canada Junior 4th Prize Gabriela Demeterova Czech Senior 1st Prize & 2004 David Le Page UK Junior 5th Prize Republic Audience Prize Chwan-Liang Lee UK Junior 6th Prize Hye-Jin Kim Korea Senior 1st Prize Alina Komissarova Ukraine Senior 2nd Prize Daniel Khalikov Uzbekistan Senior 2nd Prize Stefan Milenkovic /Italy Senior 3rd Prize 1983 Je Hye Lee Korea Senior 3rd Prize Marta Abraham Hungary Senior 4th Prize Yusuke Hayashi Japan Senior 4th Prize Leland Chen PR China/ Senior 1st Prize Daishin Kashimoto UK Junior 1st Prize Anthony Sabberton UK Chamber Music Award Taiwan & Bach Prize Igor Malinovsky Russia/Italy Junior 2nd Prize (Senior) Isabelle van Keulen Netherlands Senior 2nd Prize Wei Wei Le PR China Junior 3rd Prize & Audience Prize Joel C. Link USA Junior 1st Prize Yi Jia Hou Canada Junior 4th Prize Tasmin Little UK Senior 3rd Prize Danbi Um Korea Junior 2nd Prize Natasha Lomeiko Russia Junior 5th Prize He Hong Ying PR China Senior 4th Prize Ray Chen Australia Shared Junior 3rd Prize Akiko Ono Japan Junior 6th Prize Dorota Siuda Poland Senior 5th Prize Yoo Jin Jang Korea Shared Junior 3rd Prize Micha Sugiura USA Senior 6th Prize Esther Kim USA Junior 5th Prize 1991 Xiao-Dong Wang PR China Junior 1st Prize (No 1st Prize awarded) 2002 Zheng-Dong Wang PR China Junior 2nd Prize Qing Guo PR China Senior 2nd Prize Le Zhang PR China Junior 3rd Prize So-Young Yoon Korea Senior 1st Prize & Bach Prize Julian Shevlin UK Junior 4th Prize Rintaro Omiya Japan Senior 2nd Prize Eugeny Andrusenko USSR Senior 3rd Prize Szu-Ching Lu PR China Junior 5th Prize Simone Lamsma Netherlands Senior 3rd Prize & Bach Prize Eunice Lee USA Junior 6th Prize Maksim Brylinski Ukraine Senior 4th Prize Birgit Kolar Austria Senior 4th Prize Anna Savytska Ukraine Composer’s Prize (Senior) Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider Senior 5th Prize & Audience Prize Chiharu Taki Japan Junior 1st Prize Yyun-Su Shin Korea Junior 2nd Prize Ning Kam Singapore Junior 1st Prize Markus Tanneberger Germany Junior 3rd Prize Wen Lei Gu PR China Junior 2nd Prize Jennifer Pike UK Junior 4th Prize Jennifer Koh USA Junior 3rd Prize & Saki Shirokoji Japan Junior 5th Prize Audience Prize Alexandra Korobkina Russia Junior 6th Prize Yonatan Gandelsman Israel Junior 4th Prize Esther Kim USA Chairman’s Special Prize Natsuko Yoshimoto Japan Junior 5th Prize (Junior) Mona Marie Knock USA Junior 6th Prize

70 71 Competition Finalists Junior Section Booking Information Name Country

The Menuhin Competition is held in several venues and tickets must be booked with individual venues and promoters. St David’s Hall The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1SH Box Office: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL Box Office: 08700 40 2000 www.wmc.org.uk Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) Castle Grounds, Cathays, Cardiff CF10 3ER Box Office: 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk Reardon Smith Theatre Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP Tickets available from St David’s Hall Box Office: 029 2087 8444 www.museumwales.ac.uk Fonmon Castle Fonmon, Nr. Barry CF62 3ZN Senior Section Tickets available from St David’s Hall Box Office: 029 2087 8444 Name Country www.castleswales.com/fonmon.html

Book online at

For full details of the programme visit www.menuhincompetition.org and www.rwcmd.ac.uk

Access For access details, please call individual venues or Nvisit their websites.

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