University reveals line up for ‘classical idol’ weekend

The University of Aberdeen today announced the full programme of performances and workshops which will be on offer during its inaugural Music Prize Weekend (Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1).

The weekend, which has been dubbed the classical answer to ‘Pop Idol’, will see musicians from all over the world converge on Aberdeen for a packed programme of concerts and workshop sessions which will attract around 2,000 members of the public, schools and music groups.

Highlights include two concerts by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the chance for the public to go behind the scenes as the orchestra rehearses the five new string quartet pieces which have been short-listed for the prestigious Music Prize.

The public can also put their own musical talents to the test and use some of the latest music technology during a free beginners session in the university’s Create Studio.

The weekend will climax with a Gala Concert by members of the SSO when the five pieces by the international finalists will be premiered and the winner of the inaugural prize announced.

Dr Paul Mealor, Director of the University of Aberdeen Music Prize, said, “The Music Prize is sure to be a fun-packed, informative and interesting opportunity to find out about the process of composing classical music! Aberdeen will play host to one of the biggest competitions of its kind anywhere in the world. All eyes will be on North-east Scotland as five of the best composers battle it out for the top prize.”

The pioneering Music Prize has attracted over 400 scores from international composers all competing for the coveted prize of £5,000 and a commission for a full-scale work to be premiered by the BBC SSO and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The five finalists who come from Russia, South Korea, England and Scotland will be judged by distinguished musicians Jonathan Harvey and Robert Saxton.

For more information about the full programme of events and booking information visit www.abdn.ac.uk/aberdeenmusicprize Copies of the programme are also available from Aberdeen Box Office and by calling the University of Aberdeen on 01224 274444.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of the University of Aberdeen Music Prize by the BIG partnership. For more information contact Kathryn McKee on 01224 224433 or 07968 079 022.