FRIDAY 14 June 2024
Celebrating Excellence: Directors' Recital Prize 2024 at St Mary's Music School
The Directors' Recital Prize 2024 at St Mary's Music School celebrated the remarkable talent and dedication of its young musicians, with George Brady taking top honors for his outstanding French horn performance.
Each year, the Directors' Recital Prize offers an opportunity for our pupils to showcase their talents in a prestigious and competitive environment. This annual event, funded by the Directors of St Mary's Music School since its inception in 2001, aims to give pupils the invaluable experience of performing solo in front of an audience.
On Tuesday, 11 June 2024, the final recital took place at St Mary's Cathedral, where four outstanding young musicians competed for the top prize. Each finalist took to the stage and delivered performances that were nothing short of exceptional.
This year's finalists included:
- Calum Landon (Organ)
- George Brady (French Horn), accompanied by Anna Michels (Piano)
- Alexander Kwon (Piano)
- Ben-David Zasman (Piano)
The adjudication panel, comprising Sarah-Jane Davies, Alistair Mackie, and Maya Iwabuchi, faced the challenging task of selecting the 2024 winner.
While the judges deliberated, the audience was treated to performances by last year’s prize winners:
- Shionka Kamikaji-Inkster – Winner of the Junior Recital Prize 2023, played Swan LK243 by Catriona McKay
- Michelle Huang – Winner of the Intermediate Recital Prize 2023, played Etude op.10 no.3 by Chopin
- India Reilly – Winner of the Directors' Recital Prize 2023, played Tzigane by Ravel
After much contemplation, the adjudicators awarded the Directors' Recital Prize 2024 to George Brady for his outstanding performance on the French horn.
A Moment of Recognition
In his closing remarks, Alistair Mackie, Chair of the Adjudicators, praised the performers:
"The virtuosity on display this evening was truly something to behold. Each of the finalists demonstrated a remarkable level of artistry and dedication."
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to George Brady and all the finalists. Their hard work and passion were evident in every note played.
The Directors' Recital Prize not only celebrates the exceptional abilities of our young musicians but also reinforces the spirit of musical excellence that is at the heart of St Mary's Music School.
