The final of the 8th European Composers Competition was won by Theo Rossier from Switzerland on Friday evening at Birmingham Town Hall.
Stenhal's Syndrome the winner
Rossier's work 'Stendhal's Syndrome' took the first prize of 1,500 euros plus 1,000 euros to support a future commission from EBBA plus a commemorative trophy
Machiavelli: Ruminations on 'The Prince' by English composer Andy Wareham was second, winning 1,000 plus 500 euros to fund a future commission, with third prize of 500 euros plus 250 euros to support a future work went to 'Insecurity' by Thibaut Bruniaux. He has also won both the Audience Prize and the Band Prize — each worth 500 euros.
Esteemed judging panel
The competition was judged by the esteemed panel of Jan de Haan, Kenneth Hesketh and Prof. Philip Wilby.
Grimethorpe on song
Grimethorpe Colliery Band, who provided the excellent performances of the three works, returned in the second half to provide classic 'Grimey' entertainment under the baton of Dr David Thornton which included a tribute to the late Richard Evans.
A full news report will appear here in the days ahead.