Perth Concert Hall to host Dewar Award talent show

Nov 18 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE Dewar Awards, set up by the Scottish Executive in 2002 as a fitting memorial to Scotland's first First Minister Donald Dewar, aims to help exceptionally talented young people fulfil their potential in any branch of the Arts.

As the Awards reach their 10th anniversary, the fund has already given out over £2.5m and set many young awardees on the path to international success.

To celebrate the first decade of the Dewar Awards, Perth Concert Hall is hosting a unique concert bringing together a top billing of Dewar Award recipients to showcase the musical talents which make them worthy award holders and fantastic ambassadors for the Scottish arts on the worldwide stage.

The concert next Friday (November 25) gathers a range of brilliant instrumentalists from classical and jazz backgrounds and links them with Dewar Award-winning composers.

Compered by well-know Scottish musician and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall, performers include 2008 Dewar Award recipient, guitarist Sean Shibe, only one of two guitarists in the Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition to claim the Gold Medal and First Prize.

Sean will play Rosewood by fellow awardee, composer David Fennessy, who, since receiving his award in 2006 has had his music performed in Europe, Australia, South America and the US to critical acclaim.

Bright young jazz stars performing a variety of works include former BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Alan Benzie and Berklee College contemporary, singer and pianist Maureen McMullan.

Gordon Bragg, currently assistant conductor in residence at BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will conduct Wagner’s Siegried Idyll.

Other Dewar Award winning participants include mezzo soprano Jemma Brown, viola player Alexa Beattie and pianist Maryam Sherhan who will perform Viola Songs by Brahms. Conductor Bede Williams will conduct the ensemble in La Revue de Cuisine by Marinu and a piano trio will form to play Mind Restless by Alasdair Spratt. Composer and pianist Lliam Paterson will perform Songs of his composition with soprano Louise Alder

James Waters, Horsecross Arts creative director for classical music said: “Dewar Arts Awards holders really are the crème de la crème of Scottish talent – across all fields from poetry to film-making.

“It is a great honour for Perth Concert Hall to host this musical celebration and a rare opportunity for our audiences to see such a talented line-up perform under one roof. These are all musicians poised to go on to great things, so an event like this is a true one-off not to be missed.”

The concert is open to all – children go free. For tickets and info contact Horsecross Arts box office on 01738 621031 or visit www.horsecross.co.uk