PYO Concerto Auditions were held on March 3rd at the Music Centre in St John’s Academy and yet again there was an excellent evening of music for those family members and friends who came along to support the young musicians taking part.
In all there were twelve entries competing to perform with PYO and/or Senior Strings, including one duet partnership. Strings, woodwind, brass and piano all featured, with repertoire ranging over the centuries from Bach to John Williams.
Sandra Taylor from Fife kindly agreed to act as adjudicator again, and her task was made extremely difficult by the uniformly high standard of performance.
Finally it was announced that Jamie Salem Dalgety (Albinoni Oboe Concerto in D minor) and Neil Coe (Bruch Romance for Viola) were selected to perform as soloists with PYO at the annual concert on April 12th, with Stephen Smith being chosen to play the first movement of the Reiding violin concerto with Senior Strings at their music camp concert.
These auditions always make for an inspiring evening, and if you have never been along to listen, put it in your diary for next year, especially if you think you might aspire to be the one on the stage in a year or two.
It is a good learning experience for musicians and parents alike. Thanks must go to all who auditioned, and to their tutors and family for encouraging them in the hard work of preparation.
All who attended were impressed by the talent and commitment of our musicians, and the dedication of the amazing staff of tutors led by Allan Young.
A special thanks to Mo Rutherford, who accompanied many of the performers so capably.