A fantastic four days of music climaxed last night (April 29) with the University of Aberdeen‘s Prize Gala Concert at The Cowdray Hall.
The concert saw the five composers have their scores for string quartet performed by members of the BBC SSO in front of a live audience. Judges John Casken and Judith Weir – two of Britain's most distinguished composers – then announced the winning piece by Woojun Lee (South Korea) with Langsam Musik.
The successful composer was awarded £5,000 in the form of a commission to write a full piece for orchestra, which will be premiered by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
Around 400 scores were submitted for the Aberdeen Music Prize after the University of Aberdeen, in association with the BBC, launched a global search for the composers of tomorrow in the autumn of 2006. And entries duly flooded in from countries as far afield as Australia, China, India, Russia and South Korea.
Giovanni Albini (Italy) with Snowing L.A., Woojun Lee (South Korea) with Langsam Musik, Barnaby Hollington (England) with Bagatelle, Bushra El-Turk (England) with Eating Clouds, and Ian Wilson (Republic of Ireland) with Unbroken White Line, battled it out for the £5,000 first prize and prestigious commission.
Dr Paul Mealor, Director of the Music Prize, said he was "thrilled" with how the Music Prize weekend had gone. Hundreds of people turned out to the series of colourful concerts, events, workshops and talks across the city aimed at challenging people, young and old, to find out more about how composing works.
"It's been an absolutely terrific four days and it's been a real privilege to have been part of so much creativity and fun," said Dr Mealor. "The skill and maturity shown by some of Aberdeen's most promising young composers at some of our workshops was a joy to behold.
"Equally, the competition to take part in the Aberdeen Prize Gala Concert was fierce, and all five composers chosen to have their scores performed are truly exceptional talents in their own right.
"The Aberdeen Prize – as it is now known – has become one of the most talked about compositional prizes in the world and has really put Aberdeen on the map. I'm thrilled about how the whole weekend has gone. Everyone involved has had a wonderful experience, and to have such esteemed composers as John Casken and Judith Weir judging the Gala Concert was the icing on this year's cake."