PERFORMER | EDUCATOR | ARTIST MANAGER
THE HASLEMERE INTERNATIONAL STRING COMPETITION 2022
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.
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.
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.
Second Prize was awarded to cellist Hugo Svedberg, 14
'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!'
Imaan Kashim, Finalist, 2019
NICOLE WILSON | ADJUDICATOR
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Nicole joined the London Symphony Orchestra as a first violinist in 1999 and enjoyed a decade travelling the world.
In 2008 she left the LSO to be an orchestral fixer for film and TV sessions and fixed, among other things, the sixth Harry Potter film.
After playing for five years as Principal second violin at the English National Opera, Nicole is currently a freelance leader in the UK.
As founder and managing director of Musical Orbit, Nicole connects top professional musicians across the world with music students, professionals and amateurs.
Spring 2022 saw Nicole also take up the position of Artistic Director of National Schools Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) at Malvern College, a residential music course for young musicians from around the UK.