The University of Aberdeen has secured the expertise of a notable North-east musical figure in its search for talented musicians of traditional Scottish music.
Well-known fiddler Paul Anderson, who is recognised as one of the most exciting fiddle players to come out of Scotland in recent years, will take the lead in the judging of the University’s Musician of the Year 2005 competition.
The competition, organised by University Music, was first held last year attracting almost 50 entries. The five finalists performed in front of a full-house in the Mitchell Hall, Marischal College.
The aim of this year’s competition is discover the finest performer of Scottish music in the University. The competition is open to all students, undergraduate and postgraduate, who can choose their own piece of music to perform, from modern to classical.
Competition organisers are hoping to attract students who play traditional Scottish instruments including bagpipes, fiddles, and clarsachs.
As chief adjudicator, Paul Anderson will select the winner. Paul, who plays solo and in groups, teaches the fiddle and composes new tunes for the instrument. He is the winner of most junior and senior Scottish competitions, and won the prestigious Glennfiddich championship in 1995.
Dr Roger Williams, Director of Music at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Aberdeen and the surrounding area has a rich tradition of music – a tradition that is very much alive today. In the University there are some very fine Scottish musicians and I very much hope that this prize will encourage them to come forward to let us hear more of this unique repertoire.”
The closing date for entries is Friday, March 11, with auditions scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 23.
The finalists will play at the University concert Music for a Summer Evening on Sunday, May 8, and will be awarded £500.
The University has a long tradition of music and the recently re-established BMus (Bachelor of Music) is proving to be very popular.
Recent honorary graduates include Dame Gillian Weir, Lisa Milne, Sir Richard Armstrong, Fiona Kennedy and Raimund Herincx.
There are regular concerts held at the University throughout the academic year in the Mitchell Hall at Marischal College, King’s College Chapel, and the Elphinstone Hall.
The University recently launched its new music programme for the spring season, which features some of the world’s greatest composers and celebrated soloists who will join a line-up of talented University musicians over the coming months.
Many of the high profile events include performances by the University’s own Symphony Orchestra, Choral Society, Chapel Choir, String Ensemble, and Concert Band.
Application forms for the University Musician of the Year 2005 competition are available from University Music, Powis Gate, College Bounds, Aberdeen, AB24 3UG, or by emailing requests for entry forms to j.rhind@abdn.ac.uk.