Students at Birmingham Conservatoire are set to to perform alongside the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra next week as they compete for the BPO Concerto Prize — the Conservatoire’s premier instrumental competition.

Respected

Originally known as The Ludlow Prize, it was founded in memory of David Ludlow, who was a widely respected and talented violinist who conducted the BPO in its formative years.

Students competing at this year’s competition on Sunday 13th April are Ching-Chun Chuang (playing Brahm’s Violin Concerto), Manqiu Lu (Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto) and Emily Walker (Pakhmutova’s Trumpet Concerto).

High quality

22 year-old Emily, from Kettering in Northamptonshire told 4BR: "I feel very privileged to be chosen to play with a high quality orchestra, such as BPO.

Rehearsing for the concert has been an exciting process and I’m sure it will be a highlight of my career so far."

Rehearsing for the concert has been an exciting process and I’m sure it will be a highlight of my career so farEmily Walker

Prizes

Adjudicating this year’s competition is Peter Stark, conducting professor at the Royal College of Music.

Winners of the prize are eligible for a substantial cash award at the discretion of the Trustees.