21 March 2023
On a beautifully sunny spring evening, we welcomed Mr Christopher Stark (principal conductor of the Multi-Story Orchestra and freelance conductor) to adjudicate on the Intermediate Instrumental Solo Competition. There were some very notable performances here, such as Oliver Smith’s rendition of Allegro Brillante by Willem Ten Have and Benjamin Byrne’s energetic performance of the study Agitato by Burgmuller. However in the end, Fourth Year pianists Enoch Wang and Isaac Wu shared third place, both being commended for their innate rhythmical drive during their performances of Rumores de la Calta by Albeniz and Indigo Moon by Elissa Milne, respectively. Dilan Mandalia scooped second place with a technically assured performance of the Allegretto from Poulenc’s Flute Sonata. Finally, winning over the adjudicator and securing first place was Charles Geday, with a very ‘personal’ rendition of the Adagio Cantabile from Beethoven’s Pathetique Piano Sonata. Congratulations to all performers for what was a delightful evening of music making in the CMR.
