We are delighted to announce the results of the 2011 Cambridge Young Composer of the Year competition. Full results are given in the column on the right.
The overall winner and Cambridge Young Composer of the Year 2011 is 17-year-old Alex Cook, a student at Hills Road Sixth Form College for his composition 'Silvered Sounds' for flute, violin, cello and piano.
Judge Dr Jeremy Thurlow described it as "a beautiful piece, very sophisticated in its creation of a rich variety of sonorities from the four instruments." Alex has been composing for many years and also plays violin, viola, piano and double bass. He composes in a wide range of styles including jazz, orchestral and electronic music. He is a member of the Aldeburgh Young Musicians programme.
The winner of the 13-15 class was 15-year-old Alexander Woolf, a pupil at Swavesey Village College. Dr Thurlow described his composition 'Silver Mask' for flute and piano as very striking with some very inventive harmonies. Alex is studying composition at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama and like Alex Cook is a member of Aldeburgh Young Musicians. He plays violin, piano, alto and tenor saxophones as well as mandolin.
Dr Thurlow said that this year's compositions had all been of a very high standard. The theme of the competion was 'Silver Sounds' and entrants responded in an exciting variety of ways. They were also invited to compose their pieces to accompany images or a piece of film and two of the entrants took up this challenge.
All the entries were performed by professsional musicians at a workshop in Cambridge on 30 March when Dr Thurlow discussed each work and provided advice on composing to those taking part.
Winner Alex Cook was presented with the Young Composer of the Year cup and a cheque for £50. He will also be invited to compose a piece for the Ely Sinfonia.
Many congratulations to all those taking part!
See details of the 2011 competition here. |