|
Written 22/06/08
 Anyone watching the
recent BBC Young
Musician of the Year
Competition could not fail to
be impressed by the young
guitarist Jadran Duncomb who
won the string section of the
competition, but did not win
the overall final. If you missed his perfomances, see
www.bbc.co.uk/youngmusician/sites/competition/video/jadran_perf.shtml
It is probably not surprising he was not overall winner
since how can our quiet, intimate, parlour instrument
compete with say the grand piano which
can be a whole loud impressive 10 piece orchestra.
However, member Chris Sweatman has just proved
that it can be done by winning the Robert Headley
award which is part of the Funtington Music Festival.
The competition is only open to students
studying music at Chichester University. Over 30
entries took part and only 6 were selected for the
showcase final on 23rd April. Chris was competing
against piano, cello, recorder and voice. He played
Gavotte en Rondeau by Bach, Asturias by Albeniz
and Etude no. 11 by Villa Lobos. None of these
pieces are for the faint hearted. The final was a
close fought affair, but the judges eventually
awarded Chris the first prize of £500 (which apparently
is to be earmarked for driving lessons). Chris
was then privileged to later perform Asturias at the
Chichester Cathedral Gala Concert.
Chris feels that although he won on the
night, anyone could have won, as the competition
was very good and everyone played extremely
well. He has been studying with Sasha for 3 years
now. Chris says Sasha has been a great inspiration
in all aspects of his playing. He always has ideas on
how a piece should sound and how you can improve
upon it. Chris feels very indebted to Sasha for all
his help over the years. Chris has also had lessons
from Roberto Gonalaz who has helped in terms of
tone production and quality and how to view the
pieces he plays.
Chris plans to continue with the guitar by
studying for a Masters Degree at Chichester University.
We all wish him well and are glad that he will
still be around for at least another year. Well done
Chris and very well deserved.
|
