Neville and Lottie Young, Reporters
Thirteen’s an unlucky number, some people think. But the thirteen young trumpet players who competed in this event made us feel very lucky to be there. There were players from six years old right up to fourteen and we heard an interesting range of skill, approach and choice of music. Space isn’t going to permit an exhaustive analysis of each performance and anyway that’s the judges’ job, but we’re going to name everyone because, among these thirteen, are people you’re going to be hearing more of: William Roberts, Matthew Howcroft, Jaan Ots, Caleb Hudson, Victoria Budden, Ross Clarke, Adam Thatcher, Callum James, Jason Lewis, Abigail Brook, Lucy Sanderson, Lucien Russell-Price, and Daniel de Gruchy-Lambert.
The performers all had to do one set piece from a list of five, and one piece of their own choice. The set pieces were Balay’s Andante and Allegro (chosen by 3 contestants), the 2nd movement of the Haydn Concerto (chosen by 4), Salm O Dewi Sant by Jenkins (3), Llewellyn’s My Regards (none), and Ascent by Pritchard (3). The wide variety of self-chosen pieces included the first movements of the Hindemith and Flor Peters, the Goedicke Concert Etude, and a wonderful first movement from Amos’ Second Concerto.
The judges had a long and difficult job: we wondered whether it might perhaps have been a little easier if the choice of set works was more restricted, so that at least part of the playing field was more level – but since they were needing to accommodate such a wide age group, perhaps the choice really did need to include all five pieces - or at least the four which were actually used. We spoke to the judges afterwards and learned that they had enjoyed the competition, and thought it should be continued and developed in later years. We had thought the room perhaps a little acoustically unfriendly and lacking in atmosphere but the judges didn’t feel this was a big problem – of course it would be nice if the competition were held in a larger space but in a busy event like ITG there are so many things going on that even in the RNCM a really great space can’t be found for everything. Maybe in future years the first prize winner, could be fitted into a concert or prelude somewhere so that more people get to hear them and they benefit from a performance in a grander space? The other point that the judges mentioned, and that we felt we should share is that one fluff or split note does not mean you’re finished and out of the competition – certainly they are listening to technique to some extent, but very few people never fluff anything and they are also very much looking at the quality of the musical interpretations and the communication between the performer and audience.
At a brief ceremony following the Hardenberger master class we found out the results of the judges’ deliberations. First prize went to Caleb Hudson, (Lexington, Kentucky, USA) whose “all round polished performance” of the Balay, and of Levy’s Russian Fantasia impressed us all. The second prize winner was Daniel de Gruchy-Lambert (Wells, Somerset, UK) who played the Haydn and Franci’s Sonatina, and who pleased judges and audience alike with his “great enterprise and expertise beyond his years.” Victoria Budden (Manchester, UK), took the third prize with “something special and a beauty of sound” in her performances of the Balay, and Richards’ Pastorale. Highly Commended mentions went to Lucien Russell-Price (also from Wells) and Ross Clarke (Manchester). Finally, a Special Commendation was given to the six-year-old Callum James (Ellesmere Port, UK) who impressed us all greatly, not only with his performances in the competition itself, but also with his impromptu recital out in the foyer where a gentleman named Marvin Stamm ended up being his music stand during a lengthy program. This boy will go far.
This event was sponsored by Dawson’s, a Stockport music shop who clearly know where their future clientele is to be found, and who were thanked for their generosity. We think it was a wonderful opportunity for the young players, and for their audiences too. The judges’ last comment on what they’d like the contestants to do rings loud and true for all of us: “Keep on enjoying your playing!” (Neville and Lottie Young)
