Orlando Success for Benyounes

RNCM alumni the Benyounes Quartet flew the flag for Great Britain in the Netherlands recently, winning Second Prize in the 2014 Orlando Competition.

Violinists Zara Benyounes and Emily Holland, violist Tetsuumi Nagata, and cellist Kim Vaughan were one of eight quartets – and the only participant from Great Britain – to take part in the annual international competition which forms part of the Orlando Festival.

Following two rounds in Rolduc Abbey, three ensembles made it through to the Final (including eventual winners the Berlin-Tokoyo Quartet and Third Prize-winners the Tercea Quartet) where they performed Beethoven’s String Quartet No 11 in F major Op 95 and a post-1940 quartet of choice to a panel of judges including cellist Stefan Metz who founded the Festival over 30 years ago.

Talking on behalf of the Quartet, Emily said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have won Second Prize at such a prestigious competition. The whole event had a very encouraging and supportive atmosphere; we felt privileged to be the only British quartet taking part and to have the opportunity to perform in the beautiful concert hall in Heerlen for the Final.’

In addition to a cash prize of 4000 euros, Benyounes also won performance opportunities within the Festival.

26 August 2014