Final Day at the Tertis/Aronowitz Competition
A journey to remember!
Sunday, January 26, 2025, began with a stunning sunrise and the lingering echoes of an unforgettable finale for both the Tertis and Aronowitz competitions. If ever there was doubt, the viola has proven itself not a swan that emerged from an ugly duckling, but a swan all along.
The previous day, the skies had cleared after storm Eowyn swept across northern England. I took the opportunity to hop on a train for a brief visit to nearby Durham, home to the magnificent Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle and university were equally awe-inspiring, reminding me of the importance of embracing the surroundings when attending an event like this. Returning refreshed, I was ready to listen with renewed focus to the Aronowitz Competition finals, performed with the Royal Northern Sinfonia conducted by Thomas Zehetmair.
The three finalists, Jackson Hill, Jaeyun Han, and Xunyu Zhou, each played the Hoffmeister or Stamitz concertos as well as Lachrimae by Benjamin Britten, arranged for string orchestra. The self-composed cadenzas added a unique personal touch, brimming with creativity. It was heartening to hear that those eliminated earlier in the competition had played their cadenzas for one another on Friday’s beautiful show of camaraderie.
Jackson Hill opened the finals with Hoffmeister. His cadenza began by developing the concerto’s main theme and caught us off guard with a surprise extension when we thought it was over. His interpretation of Britten’s Lachrimae showed a deep understanding of its structure, particularly in the pizzicato variations, which he brought to the forefront with clear direction.
Jaeyun Han followed with Stamitz. His assured performance showcased a strong rapport with the orchestra, and though his cadenza was brief, it included some delightful twists. His Lachrimae was particularly moving, with a refined tone and a deep sense of the piece’s overall narrative.
Xunyu Zhou closed the Aronowitz finals with a masterful Hoffmeister performance. Her cadenza was intricate, blending harmonic depth with virtuosic flourishes. Zhou’s playing revealed a maturity beyond her years, honed by her studies in Berlin under Tabea Zimmermann. Her Lachrimae was flawless- both technically impeccable and emotionally resonant.
After their performances, we had to wait until the conclusion of the Tertis Competition for the results.
The Tertis Competition: A Symphony of Mastery
Between the competitions, there was time to network- a crucial aspect of events like this. Conversations about music, research, and education, alongside the exchange of ideas and contacts, help us all grow as musicians and educators.
The Tertis final was highly anticipated, not just by the audience but by the orchestra as well, as they tackled three remarkable concertos. The French horns must have particularly enjoyed their many solos!
Sam Rosenthal opened with York Bowen’s Viola Concerto, a symphonically grand work with full orchestration, including three percussionists. The concerto’s magical opening was like stepping into a new Harry Potter film, immediately drawing us into the story. Sam delivered a captivating performance, leading us through a journey filled with adventure and wonder. It’s a demanding piece, requiring the soloist to maintain prominence over the orchestra’s rich textures, but Sam met the challenge brilliantly.
Next came Ami-Louise Johnsson with William Walton’s Viola Concerto, a deeply romantic piece with rhythmically complex twists. She embraced the interplay with the orchestra, delivering a performance full of joy and expression. Her evident enjoyment elevated the music, and the audience responded in kind.
The final performer, Nicolas Garrigues, presented Bartok’sViola Concerto, a work brimming with energy and complexity. Nicolas’s interpretation was agile and thrilling, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The orchestra matched his intensity, creating a dynamic and electrifying collaboration under Zehetmair’s direction.
A Celebration of Talent
As the jury deliberated, the audience was treated to performances by all the competition participants. The Aronowitz competitors played Sibelius’s Andante Festivo, while the Tertis participants delivered Gordon Jacob’s Octet. The evening culminated in the premiere of Robin Ireland’s Mosaic, performed by all the participants alongside students from the Royal Northern College of Music.
Finally, chairs were arranged on stage for the juries and finalists. Louise Lansdown took the microphone and delivered an inspiring speech, filled with gratitude and praise for everyone involved.
The results:
Aronowitz Competition
1st: Xunyu Zhou
2nd: Jaeyun Han
3rd: Jackson Hill
Tertis Competition
1st: Sam Rosenthal
2nd: Nicolas Garrigues
3rd: Ami-Louise Johnsson
The room erupted in applause, followed by joyful celebrations.
As I reflect on this incredible week, I am struck not only by the extraordinary talent but also by the connections made and the sense of community shared. The future of viola music is bright, and with your support, this new generation of violists will continue to share their dreams and inspire us all.