The Sir Karl Jenkins Classical Music Award returns for 2018
9 November 2017, 08:00 | Updated: 26 March 2018, 16:01
The prestigious award, in association with Classic FM, is now in its fourth year, searching out the greatest young classical talent in the county.
The Arts Club has announced details of the fourth Sir Karl Jenkins Classical Music Award in association with Classic FM. This follows the success of last year’s award, which was won by cellist Jamal Aliyev.
The competition is open to instrumentalists aged 18 to 25 years old. Submissions will be reviewed by Sir Karl and Lady Carol Barratt in conjunction with a consultation panel of internationally renowned soloists: multiple Classic BRIT Award-winning trumpeter Alison Balsom, former Royal Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales Catrin Finch, acclaimed percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, clarinettist and former Young Musician of the Year Emma Johnson and outstanding British violinist Tasmin Little.
Twelve candidates will be chosen to compete in the first live competition round on Saturday 10th March. At this event, candidates will be judged on technique, individualism, communication and future potential, leaving just six finalists to perform in the final on Saturday 24th March. Both events will be held at The Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, London, W1S 4NP.
Joining jury Chairman Sir Karl Jenkins on the judging panel will be Classic FM’s Managing Editor Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s Deputy Managing Editor Phil Noyce, music educationalist Lady Carol Barratt, Chairman of City Music Society Leslie East, Managing Director of Decca Classical Label Group Dr. Alexander Buhr and clarinettist Emma Johnson in search of the most talented instrumentalist within the UK, aged between 18 and 25 years old.
Sir Karl Jenkins CBE D.Mus. FRAM LRAM has this mission statement:
“My award, in conjunction with The Arts Club and in association with Classic FM, has been created to acknowledge and celebrate the classical musicians of the future. I was privileged to have studied at grammar school, university and the Royal Academy of Music at a time when music education, including instrumental tuition, was free to all. This is no longer the case and it frustrates me that recent governments, of all persuasions, have failed to invest in the musical future of our society. I am therefore more passionate than ever about championing young musicians and ensuring that great talent is given an opportunity to shine.”
The winner will be awarded a cash prize of £4,000. In addition, a short piece from the winner’s competition repertoire, as well as a composition specially written by Sir Karl, will be recorded in a London studio. The runner-up will receive a cash prize of £1,000.
