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York student finalist in young composer awards

Posted on 18 January 2016

A University of York music student is through to the final stage of the prestigious Mozarts of Tomorrow competition at Newcastle’s Sage Gateshead.

Frederick Viner

Frederick Viner, 21, was selected for the final of the competition following a workshop for six young composers in November.

He is one of three finalists challenged to write a piece of music for a chamber orchestra in response to a piece or scene from one of Mozart’s operas. Frederick’s piece, 'Sleeping Gomatz', is a response to the aria 'Ruhe Sanft, Mein Holdes Leben' from the unfinished opera 'Zaide'.

The finalists’ orchestral work will be performed live by the Royal Northern Sinfonia on 22 January, conducted by Lars Vogt, during Sage Gateshead’s Emerging Artists Focus Week New Year: New Artists.

Work will be assessed by a jury including composers Sally Beamish, John Casken and Agustín Fernández, and Sage Gateshead’s Music Director Lars Vogt.

A final vote on the night from the jury, orchestra and audience will establish who wins the top prize of £2500, with the two runners up receiving £1500.

Frederick Viner, a third year undergraduate from Tunbridge Wells, said: “It is a privilege to be selected for the final and to have had the opportunity to work with such an inspirational and prestigious ensemble. This process has taught me so much and I cannot wait to hear the piece live!”

Professor Roger Marsh, composer and Professor in York’s Department of Music, said: “We are delighted that Frederick has been selected for this prestigious competition.  Fred is an outstanding student.  Last term he played the Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto with our University Symphony Orchestra.  His composition is very sophisticated, and it is no surprise to us that he was selected by Royal Northern Sinfonia.  We hope he wins!”

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