Flautist Katy Ovens wins College Concerto Competition
Concerto Solo for Flautist Katy
Twelve talented musicians studying A level Music at Farnborough Sixth Form College competed for the first prize in the College Concerto Competition held at the University of Surrey. The competing musicians treated the enthralled audience to a magnificent display of adept, at times dazzling, performances in an evening which provided a diverse programme of beautiful music, embracing Bach, Mozart and Elgar interspersed with wonderful surprises by lesser known 20th century composers.
The students exposed their playing skills to the scrutiny of an illustrious panel of judges led by Professor Sebastian Forbes, one of the country’s most distinguished musicians and Director of Music at the University. Professor Forbes was joined by Clive Williamson, internationally renowned pianist and Head of Performance at Surrey and Susan White, who has played with many of Britain’s leading orchestras, performing widely in Europe and the USA.
Commenting on the high standard of musicianship, Professor Forbes delighted all present in highly commending the performance of Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto No 1, by Katy Nagle (aged 17, from Farnham). The judges were unable to separate the winners of the second prize, which was jointly awarded to pianist Rachel Mills (aged 16, of Hook) for her mature performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no 1, and Ralph Wyld (aged 17, from Fleet) who played the Concerto for Vibraphone and Orchestra by Ney Rosauro with evident gusto.
The judges were unanimous, however, in their appreciation of the winner, Katy Ovens (aged 18, of Woking) for her near-faultless, interpretation of Jacob’s Concerto for Flute and Strings. In winning this competition, Katy will perform the complete Concerto later in the year before a packed audience at Guildford Cathedral. Rachel and Ralph will also contribute to the event in July, reprising movements from their chosen pieces.
Katy said, “I am very excited to be playing in such a wonderful venue as Guildford Cathedral – but a bit daunted by the prospect of learning the entire Jacob Concerto and performing it to concert solo standard!”
Director of Music and inspiration behind the competition, Paul Bambrough was thrilled by the success of the evening. He said: “I’m so proud of all the students. They have shown great skill, discipline and courage tonight. It’s been a wonderful learning experience for them all, stretching and challenging them to play to such a high level before such an eminent panel.”
In thanking the students and the judges, Vice Principal Simon Jarvis said: “The real winners of this competition were not those selected for prizes but those fortunate to have been present to enjoy this sumptuous evening presented by these gifted young musicians.”