PERFORMER | EDUCATOR | ARTIST MANAGER
THE HASLEMERE STRING COMPETITION
Ishani launched the Haslemere 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.
RESULTS OF THE 2021 ONLINE COMPETITION CAN BE VIEWED HERE
Judges have been 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.
Side by Side concerts form part of the annual Haslemere Festival.

'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
Results of the Haslemere International Online String Competition 2021.


Senior Competition (ages 16 to 18)
First prize £300
(not awarded)
Second prize £150
Flora Clapham - Violin
Third Prize £50
Paloma Barucha - Violin
Senior Highly Commended
Nathan Perry - Double Bass
Layla Ballard - Cello
Junior Competition (ages 12 to 15)
Joint First prize £300
Dawid Kasprzak - Violin age 15:
Sophie Hayin Chung - Violin age 14:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Q_cUhmzrk
Second prize £150
Hugo Svedberg - Cello age 12:
Chamberlain Bow Prize for Most Promising Young Musician
Third Prize £50
Jaren Ziegler - Viola
Aki Blendis -Violin
Junior Highly Commended
Ophir Dahari - Violin
Cody Conley - Violin
Alfie Weinberg - Violin
2019 COMPETITION RESULTS
WINNER
Will Duerden – double bass
Playing Eduard Tubin’s Concerto for Double bass
(Eduard Tubin 1905-1982 was an Estonian composer
You can read more about him here: https://aviolinslife.org/eduard-tubin/)
RUNNER UP
Jude Chandler – double bass
Playing Dittersdorf’s Double Bass Concerto Movement 1
SPECIALLY COMMENDED
Briona Mannion – violin
FINALISTS
Harry Scott-Burt – Cello
Alex Heather – Double Bass
Imaan Kashim – Violin
Hannah McFarlane – Cello
Rachel Stonham – Violin
JUDGES
Ishani Bhoola (Chairman), Richard Crabtree, and Simon Blendis
The first rounds were held in Haslemere and Bristol and the final was held on Thursday 16 May 16 2019 at St Christopher’s Church, Haslemere as part of The Haslemere Festival
2017 COMPETITION
The winners of the 2017 Competition were:
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Ketan Curtis – Double Bass
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Alinka Rowe – Viola, who performed with the Waverley Ensemble on 10 March 2018 at St Christopher’s Church Haslemere.
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2nd prize to Will Duerden, double bass
Other finalists of the Haslemere String Competition performed a side by side chamber music concert on Saturday May 26 2018 at St Christopher’s Church Haslemere.
