When considering the concerto as a musical form, the musicologist Sir Donald Francis Tovey wrote: “Nothing in human life or history is much more thrilling or of more ancient and universal experience than the antithesis of the individual and the crowd; an antithesis which is familiar in every degree from flat opposition to harmonious reconciliation.”

From 8-9 May, 37 boys from Years 7 to 12 embraced the opportunity to perform a movement from a concerto for their instrument on the Prescott Hall stage to a supportive and expectant crowd in the annual Concerto Competition. Lyrical melodies, flashing arpeggios, emotional restraint and bravura existed alongside each other in a broad palette of repertoire from the Baroque Period to the Modern Age. It was a particular delight to hear the first movement of our Composer in Residence’s violin concerto presented by our Leader of Orchestra, Year 12 student James Rossé (12/PR).

Adjudicators for the Senior and Junior event were Susan Newsome (Sydney Conservatorium) and Benjamin Adler (ON 2009) respectively.

Congratulations to everyone who slaved away for hours learning their pieces. The winners on the night were:

Senior Competition:
1st place Eric Liu (11/JN) – Trombone
2nd place (eq) Geordie Maclean (11/KL) – Violin; Nico Maclean (11/KL) – Saxophone; Andrew Wang (10/LE) – Violin
3rd place Angus Mackie-Williams (11/PR) – Clarinet
Highly Commended Jack Crawford (12/KL) – French Horn; Angellos Korsanos (10/FL) – Guitar; James Rossé (12/PR) – Violin; Rohen Wong (11/LE) – Cello; Andrew Xie (10/PR) – Flute

Junior Competition:
1st place (eq) Hugh Matthews (8/JN) – Violin; Leroy Ma (8/KL) – Piano
3rd Place Yusei Matsuoka (8/FL) – Violin
Highly Commended Christian McLoughlin (9/JN) – Percussion; Julian Potkonjak (8/PR) – Violin; Max Tobin (9/PR) – Clarinet.

Mr Mark Scott
Head of Music