Karl Sievers, Reporters
Superb, poised, and musical playing was the order of the day for this high profile, high stress ITG event. Each participant played movement one of the Gregson Concerto, plus a selection of their choice, and each participant did extremely well. Collaborative pianists John Wilson and David Hobbs did wonderfully as well. They not only mastered the accompaniments but were musically responsive to the soloists every nuance. Judges for this event were Michel Brydenfelt, Crispian Steele-Perkins, and Pierre Dutot.
The competition began with Manchester's own Jamie Prophet (student of Patrick Addinall at the Royal Northern College of Music). He displayed a great overall mastery of the horn in terms of sound, technique, and stamina, in addition to his terrific musicianship. His elective piece was the Hummel Concerto, to which he brought a highly thoughtful and very successful musical interpretation.
Kelly Watkins, of Illinois State University (student of Amy Gilreath) took a more intimate approach to her interpretation of the Gregson, and followed that with the Pakhmutova Concerto as her elective piece. She exhibits a very warm and elegant delivery, in addition to her fine musical interpretation and facile technique.
Brian Shaw (student of James Thompson) of the Eastman School was the final contestant and did a wonderful job on the Gregson. Shaw performed the Telemann Concerto in D as his elective piece. He handled the difficult 1st movement beautifully and sensitively, showing wonderful soft control in the extended lines. Shaw demonstrated poise and professionalism throughout his portion of the finals.
The judges certainly have a difficult job designating a winner in this competition, as each participant did beautifully and made very strong, yet individual, musical statements.
