University News Last updated 10 December
Graduate guitarist Aidan Pope has earned the top honour of first place at the Roma Jazz contest for 2025. Aidan is no stranger to technique and artistic craftsmanship when it comes to his guitar playing. During his time at RBC, he was also awarded the Phil Miller Solo Guitar Prize.
The purpose of the Roma Jazz Contest is to enhance and promote young, international jazz artists. The jury was filled with internationally acclaimed musicians such as Danilo Rea, Giovanni Tommaso, Israel Varela, Ada Montellanico, Gabriele Buonasorte, Brenda Pretorius and Alfredo Santoloci, and Aidan impressed them all.
The judges expressed: “Aidan stood out for his impeccable technique, fluid and musical, a modern approach to the jazz guitar, never derivative, and a personal, bright, articulated, constantly evolving sound.”
Aidan’s participation in the contest was encouraged by one of the event organisers and other musicians. Of the songs that he performed, two were original pieces.
Aidan said: “I performed two pieces of my own called Red Rock and Lesconil, as well as a Sam Rivers’ piece called Cyclic Episode that I arranged into 7/8 time. Red Rock is currently available as a track that I arranged for octet on my new record, In Between Lands.”
The graduate competed alongside ten semi-finalists, two of whom were also guitarists. He shared that there was a fair amount of pressure leading up to the competition.
Aidan added: “Playing jazz standards would have been a more solid choice in this scenario, but I wanted to truly represent myself as a musician and, although risky, original compositions tend to present this more.”
The jury recognised his technique and willingness to take risks, which ultimately led to his success.
The judges shared: “His performance, which was intense and elegant, best represented the spirit of the Roma Jazz Contest: Discovering and enhancing the new performers of contemporary jazz.”
As the prize winner, Aidan is set to perform at the Boogie Club in Rome as a part of their 2026 programme.
Aidan concluded: “After studying at RBC, it feels incredibly special to be able to represent the Jazz Course and be able to share our city’s artistic culture with other European musicians. The opportunities we were provided such as world-class musicians at RBC have absolutely shaped the musician I am today.”
Pictured: Aidan (centre) with the competition judges.