University News Last updated 08 March 2016
Birmingham Conservatoire Principal, Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, has been named among the line-up of music industry professionals that will form the judging panels for BBC Young Musician 2016.
Professor Lloyd Webber will be judging the five finalists in the strings category at the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff on Thursday 10 March.
The world renowned solo cellist and conductor will be joined by violinist Thomas Gould as they determine which performer will be put through to the semi-final on Sunday 13 March.
“I wish all finalists the very best of luck and I am looking forward to their individual performances. Regardless of who finishes where, this competition provides a unique platform for all participants and will pave the way for their future careers.”
Now in its 38th year, BBC Young Musician is a part of the BBC’s ongoing commitment to supporting and providing a platform for new and emerging talent. Alongside strings, musicians will be judged in four other categories including keyboard, woodwind, percussion and brass ahead of the semi-final.
The final will take place at the Barbican, London, on Sunday 15 May and will see the three finalists perform with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth.
Dobrinka Tabakova, Chair of the BBC Young Musician will sit across all five categories alongside her fellow judges. She said:
“BBC Young Musician of the Year is without doubt the most important accolade for a young musician in the UK, a launch pad for a life in music. Each year I am uplifted by the dedication of the young musicians, wishing to give their best and I am excited about experiencing more extraordinary and unforgettable moments throughout this year’s competition.
“Above all it will be the performances which create a connection between the stage and the audience, which I will be looking out for, the ability to communicate without words and to paint sonic pictures.”
Other judges announced for BBC Young Musician 2016 include recorder player Pamela Thorby, pianist Llŷr Williams and Alpesh Chauhan, Assistant Conductor at the City of Birmingham Symphony orchestra (CBSO).
Running alongside BBC Young Musician 2016 is the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award, in which Birmingham Conservatoire student Elliott Sansom was named a finalist in January.
Pianist Elliott now joins four other musicians in the final, which will take place on Saturday 12 March 2016 in the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.