Imperial College Symphony Orchestra wins National Competition
Wednesday 02 Apr 2008
Imperial College Symphony Orchestra (ICSO), an auditioned 80-strong orchestra composed of Imperial students and staff conducted by Richard Dickins, won the first ever UK Inter-University Orchestra Competition on Thursday 27th March. ICSO held off strong competition from the three other finalists from Cambridge University, Manchester University and Southampton University at the Finals day hosted at the prestigious Cadogan Hall in London.
Dubbed as 'Symphuni', the event was organised by MB Promotions and sponsored by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in an attempt to find the best university orchestra in the country. Orchestras from the twenty Russell Group universities were invited to compete, and finalists were selected by audition CDs from previous concerts; Imperial were the only finalists chosen without a dedicated music department or full time music course to boast. The distinguished judging panel featured famous soloist Julian Lloyd-Webber and Classic FM magazine editor John Evans amongst others, and they listened to half hour performances from each finalist before reaching a verdict.
ICSO performed 'Storm' from the Four Seas Interlude by Benjamin Britten and 'Isle of the Dead (op. 29)' by Sergei Rachmaninov, two highly contrasting and technical pieces. The performance drew compliments from audience and judges alike, and it was little surprise to many that the panel unanimously decided to award ICSO the title of 'Symphuni Orchestra of the Year 2008' along with the accompanying cash prize of £5000. Congratulations to ICSO, now officially recognised as the best university orchestra in the country!
A few words from Richard, our conductor: "I've always regarded ICSO as one of the finest University Orchestras in the country but having to compete against Orchestras from Cambridge, Manchester and Southampton was a daunting task. The other orchestras played extremely well and the outcome was far from a foregone conclusion but the Jury obviously recognised the passion, commitment and polish of ICSO and it was a huge honour to be awarded the prize."
More information about the competition and ICSO can be found at www.symphuni.com.
