PERFORMER | EDUCATOR | ARTIST MANAGER
THE HASLEMERE INTERNATIONAL STRING COMPETITION 2025
Ishani launched the Haslemere International String Competition in 2017 to give talented young string players a chance to gain significant solo concert exposure. Originally aimed at students living in the counties around London, it has since expanded greatly, and now draws talented youth from across the South and West of the UK.
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Open to young string players aged between 11-22.
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First prize £1500 and a Concerto appearance with the London Mozart Players.
Adjudicators are chosen not only for their extensive experience but also for their ability to offer young players positive, constructive insight and encouragement. All finalists perform chamber music in a 'side by side' setting with professionals, giving students the opportunity to experience rehearsal and performance with professional musicians.
ENTRY FEE: £65
PRIZES
The Scandinavian Cello School will offer a special prize at Haslemere International String Competition for a cellist.
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a 5 day stay at Scandinavian Cello School “The Musical Farm” in Denmark (including lessons with Jacob Shaw)
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all food/lodging covered
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travel expenses up to 200 euro provided (travel to be booked for the special prize winner directly by SCS)
Barkham Exmoor will offer a ‘side by side’ opportunity for a Haslemere International String Competition finalist:
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A weekend at Barkham Exmoor for the competitor, rehearsing and performing a chamber work (tbc) alongside Ishani Bhoola and her fellow musicians
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All food / lodging covered
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Travel expenses up to £200 provided (to be booked directly for the prizewinner by Barkham Exmoor)
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The prize from HHH comprises of a concert at St Christopher’s Church, Haslemere on Thursday 20 November 2025 at 13:00.
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HHH will pay fees to the winner and his/her accompanist totalling £500 and will pay for travel expenses for both musicians from London Waterloo-Haslemere return.​
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The concert will be a public event which will be promoted by HHH at its cost to attract a worthy sized audience.
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All venue and marketing costs of the concert will be paid by HHH Concerts.
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The winner will provide an attractive one hour programme (no interval) by 30 April 2025 and the name of accompanist so that the concert can be promoted widely from July 2025.
The Final of the 2022 Haslemere International String Competition was held on Sunday 12 February 2023. Selected from an online first round, the finale showcased nine string players who each performed a mixed recital programme of 30 minutes.
The cellist Danushka Edirisinghe took First Prize, following his performance of works by Dani Howard, Nadia Boulanger, Frank Bridge and Karl Davydov. He won £1500, plus a concerto appearance with the London Mozart Players on 19 May 2023 as part of the Haslemere Festival. Excited that Hennessey Brown Music will be mentoring/managing this new super talented artist.
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Second Prize was awarded to cellist Hugo Svedberg, 14
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'The competition was a truly treasured experience in my journey towards music conservatoire’
Ketan Curtis, Winner, 2017
'The competition was a very positive experience with a friendly, supportive atmosphere and useful, detailed feedback. I was thrilled to be selected as a finalist and I very much look forward to working with a professional musician for the forthcoming chamber music concert. I have learnt a great deal through the Haslemere String Competition, it is a brilliant opportunity for young musicians like myself!'
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Imaan Kashim, Finalist, 2019
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