In Tuesday’s (11/16) Gazette (Montreal), Arthur Kaptainis writes, “Alex Volkov, Timothy Chooi, Marianne Di Tomaso: they draw their bows and bring their violins to Tanna Schulich Hall tomorrow morning. The names might sound international, but the Standard Life Competition is open to Canadians only, which, these days, makes it international after all. ‘It’s a chance to hone in on who’s hot stuff,’ Andrew Wan, the official spokesman of the scrimmage, said yesterday after an MSO rehearsal. The Edmonton native is no icicle himself, having won the 2007 contest and an opportunity to perform the Elgar Violin Concerto with the orchestra. His confident work in that concert clearly had something to do with his appointment the following year to the position of MSO concertmaster. … The younger string players (violinists and cellists) perform tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by harpists on Thursday (10 to 3) and older string players on Friday (9 to 4). Finals in all categories take place Saturday, from 9 to 6. … Prizes, including cash, concert engagements, a studio recording and camp tuition, are valued at $100,000. Perhaps the choicest jackpot is the chance to play a concerto with the MSO next Tuesday in Place des Arts under the baton of Jean-Francois Rivest.”
Posted November 16, 2010
