Conductor keen for finalists' concert
The concert will feature the three finalists in the concerto competition — cellist Portia Bell, 18, and pianists Ozan Biner-McGrath, 16, and Roy Zhang, 18, in performance, accompanied by a combined Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Youth Orchestra.
Zhang has chosen to play the first two movements of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major , Bell has chosen to play the first movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto and Biner-McGrath has chosen to play the first movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto in D Minor .
This week, Judd has spent time with each of the young soloists, working through their performances and offering tips and support.
"It has been marvellous working with them, because they are all so prepared and confident," he said.
"It is very special and so important to encourage and celebrate such talented young musicians."
Over the course of his long international career, Judd has worked with many young players and regards it as a privilege and a responsibility.
"These sessions I have with them give me a chance to find out who they are, and encourage them to be courageous and free.
"It is a real achievement to reach the final, so I'm hoping they will really enjoy the experience."
The other aspect of the performance, combining the Dunedin Youth Orchestra with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, will be a new experience for him and is one he is looking forward to.
"It is quite a different skill to provide accompaniment for a soloist, so I will be encouraging everyone to listen very closely to each other," he said.
Judd has confidence in the skills of Dunedin Youth Orchestra director and conductor David Burchell to have the young players well prepared.
"I am so impressed by all the work that music teachers and leaders of music organisations do to nurture the talent of our young people," he said.
"It is something the Dunedin community can be very proud of and should celebrate."
The Dunedin Youth Orchestra will feature during the concert's first half, conducted by Burchell, performing a selection of popular classics, including Offenbach's Overture to La Belle Helene , Arnold's Little Suite No. 2 , Prokofiev's Montagues and Capulets from the Romeo & Juliet Suite , and Coates' Knightsbridge March .
Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust chairman Pieter du Plessis said the two-yearly event aimed provide exceptional performance opportunities for young classical musicians from across Otago and Southland.
The competition was made possible through the long-term support of its patrons, led by Bruce Hodgson, the Towers Charitable Trust, the Bill and Clare Hodgson Bequest and funding from the Dunedin City Council Arts Grants, Creative Communities, Otago Community Trust and the Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust.
Community support had been strong for the event, with good attendance at the preliminary rounds in March, and organisers were hoping for another full house for next week's finalists' concert, Mr du Plessis said.
"By attending, you're not just supporting three finalists — you're backing the whole stage of young 'rising stars' who represent the next generation of musicians, educators and cultural leaders," he said.
brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz
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