It’s Three in a Row as RNCM Secures Another ROSL Prize

It’s a hat-trick for the RNCM as the Solem Quartet makes it three ensemble wins in a row at the Royal Over-Seas League ARTS competition.

Solem, comprising violinists and 2013 graduates Michael Jones and Catherine Landen, postgraduate violist Alistair Vennart and fourth year cellist Stephanie Tress, won the Ensemble A Section Finals of this year’s competition, continuing the success of the Aurora Percussion Duo and Tempest Flute Trio who won the Ensemble B category in 2012 and 13 respectively.

Michael said: ‘The competition was an extremely enjoyable experience as we entered the process with no expectations of reaching the final and were absolutely gob-smacked when the adjudicators announced that we had won! We programmed music for each stage that showed off our strengths, and I think that our passion for performance shone through.’

The Quartet’s performance of Haydn’s String Quartet in D major Op 20 No 4 and Three Divertimenti by Benjamin Britten secured them £10,000 and a performance opportunity at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, during the ROSL Annual Music Competition finals on Tuesday 6 May.

Alistair added: ‘It was a real pleasure to get to the final and the audience was extremely receptive and supportive. It means a great deal for us to win the competition. Alongside the prize money and a performance at Queen Elizabeth Hall, it’s a platform for international exposure which is very, very exciting!’

Celebrating its 62nd anniversary, the ROSL ARTS, the arts division of the Royal Over-Seas League, has developed a diverse portfolio of arts activities in music, visual arts and literature. It is devoted to the career development of talented young professional artists and musicians from the UK and the Commonwealth, and also presents readings and literary events at its central London Headquarters.

Talking of Solem’s success, Jeremy Young, Head of the RNCM’s International Chamber Music Studio, said: ‘I’m delighted that the Solem Quartet are winners of this significant competition. The RNCM Chamber Music Department is one of the most prestigious and active in Europe and Solem have made much of their opportunities whilst students here. I congratulate them warmly.’

6 March 2014