Yamaha Clarinet Scholars Shine at UK Finals

The Royal Northern College of Music recently played host to the UK final of the annual Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship awards.

With the instrument discipline rotating each year, the chosen instrument on this occasion was Clarinet, with the prestigious scheme attracting students from all over the UK.

The three winners, selected from 7 finalists were Piotr Dec from the Royal Academy of Music, Antonio Perez- Barrera who studies at the host conservatoire and Adam Lee from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Each of the winners performed to the panel of judges comprising of Heather Nicoll, Andrew Dunn head of Wind, Brass and Percussion at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trinity Laban respectively and Nick Thompson, head of Wind, Brass and Percussion at the RNCM.

Each of the winners will receive €2000 to be used for the advancement of their studies plus important recognition of their talent thanks to the international profile of the scheme. Additionally Piotr Dec was invited to perform a concerto with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra by Damien Iorio, the Orchestra's conductor.

Launched in 1989, these prestigious international awards provide performance opportunities, valuable international profile and financial assistance to talented music students throughout Europe. The Scholarship scheme to date has provided over 1000 scholarships amounting to in excess of €1 million since its inception with awarded monies being dedicated to advancement of studies and career prospects.

Scholarships rotate between Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Strings, Percussion and Vocal and the programme is open to UK and Republic of Ireland students not older than 25 at the time of the application, currently studying on a full-time music course at a higher education institution.

The scholarships have an international reputation for showcasing the finest new classical music talent and boast internationally renowned alumni now enjoying successful international careers.