On Sunday February 9th, six soloists and ensembles, all students of conservatoria in The Netherlands, were in the running for the jury prize and the audience prize of the Grachtenfestival Conservatorium Concours 2020. Alderman Touria Meliani presented both prizes in a full NedPhO-koepel.
'The jury was impressed by the high level. What a talent we have seen and above all heard today. The diversity of the contestants this year really surprized us', said jury chairman Frank van den Brink.
Winner Duo Zeffiretti, alderman Touria Meliani and Grachtenfestival managing director Marie-Luce Bree © Melle Meivogel
The finalists were judged on instrument control and choice of repertoire. In addition, the jury also looked at the musician's presentation towards the audiance. The Amsterdam alderman for Art & Culture, Touria Meliani, presented both prizes and was impressed by the talent.
For over twenty years, the Grachtenfestival has been offering the stage to young musicians since 2003 with the conservatory concours.
Former editions of the Grachtenfestival Consercatorium Concours were won by Frederique Saeijs, violin (2004, Royal Conservatory The Hague), Miriam Overlach, harp (2006, Conservatory Amsterdam) & Raoul Steffani, baritone (2016, Fontys School of Arts Tilburg).
