Last evening (January 10), the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (in partnership with the University of Calgary, and funded by the RBC Foundation) presented its second annual Concerto Competition. Five U of C students (two flutists, two pianists, and an erhu player) competed for the opportunity to perform with the orchestra as guest soloist and audition for a CPO guest conductor.

In the words of Edmond Agopian (professor of violin at the University of Calgary and the conductor for the evening), “the mentorship and performing opportunities provided by this event are unique in Canada….The support and nurturing of these deserving young artists is a testament to the great interest in the promotion of culture and musical education of the highest order of our young generation.”

The jury included William Jordan, Head of the University of Calgary Music Department, Laurie Radford of the University of Calgary Composition Faculty and Heather Slater, the Director of Artistic Operations at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.