25 March 2022
This year’s Intermediate Instrumental Solo Competition consisted of nine outstanding musicians, playing repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary. Rudolph Flossman (piano) opened the competition with a shaped and characterful Prelude by Glière. Tom McGonnell (oboe) then created a completely different atmosphere with his convincing rendition of Gordon Jacob’s Sonatina. Justin Mi (piano) really impressed with his technically assured Sonatina by Clementi, and there was a real sense of contours and musical shape here. This was followed by the first movements of two Poulenc Sonatas, David Hrushovski (clarinet) played with contrasts and rhythmic drive and Dilan Mandalia (flute) played with a generous tone, warm vibrato and real focus. Lachlan Keene (trumpet) then followed with a robust and sincere performance of Hummel’s trumpet concerto. Oliver Smith (violin) was fully committed in his Vocalise by Rachmaninov, followed by an energetic and exciting Gopak by Mussorgsky, performed by Wyatt Ip (violin). Enoch Wang (piano) ended the evening with a confident and insightful performance of Summer by the Japanese composer, Hisaishi.
John Mann, the Head of Instrumental Studies at Magdalen College School, Oxford was very impressed by the high standard of the musicians. He complimented all with the way they handled themselves on stage, but at the same time he gave positive feedback on how one can improve even more regardless of nerves. It was a difficult decision as all the musicians played extremely well, but his comments were fair and positive. He gave third place to Dilan Mandalia, second place to Lachlan Keene and first place went to Justin Mi.
Thank you to all of the performers, not only did they play well, but also behaved really professionally. We are also grateful to John Mann for his enthusiastic approach as well as useful comments and advice.
