Classical Star
The competition
This is a classical music competition with a difference – it aims not only to discover new talent but also to develop and nurture the participants' musicianship by combining a competition with a specialist residential music academy.
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Hopefuls registered their interest via entry form and 200 were invited to first round regional auditions, held in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow from May 2007.
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Eighteen contestants progressed to the second round, which took place over two days in London (24 and 25 July) and was judged by academy judges Charles Hazlewood, Chi-chi Nwanoku, Jason Lai and Steve Abbott. Nine contestants were then selected to go into the residential Academy.
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The Academy ran from 11 to 31 August and gave contestants the opportunity to develop their skills and learn some of the new ones they will need to become well-rounded musicians and recording artists.
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Masterclasses in recording, performance, presentation, collaboration, improvisation and PR were just some of the essential lessons.
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Rigorous practice was part of the daily regime and the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with like-minded peers – all under the watchful eye of the academy's Music Director, cellist Matthew Barley.
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Each week, students performed a final challenge before the panel of judges which saw two contestants heading home, leaving just three for the grand final. The final will take the form of a concert at LSO St Lukes and an invited audience will participate in the judging process.
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The prize is a recording contract with Universal Classics and Jazz, as well as marketing support and a training bursary.
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