Matthew Fletcher wins 2019 Cassel Prize Final
On Saturday 23rdMarch the The Cassel Prize Final of the Royal Marines Young Musician of the Year took place at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. In conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Musicians the Royal Marines School of Music has held The Cassel Prize Final, an open solo competition, in the Spring Term each year since 1945.
Matthew’s winning programme began with Philip Wilby’s much loved ‘Zeibekikos’, the Greek Dance from his Euphonium Concerto, continuing with ‘Ephemeral’by Hannah Drage before finishing in fine style with Vladimir Cosma’s ‘Giocoso’. He faced stiff competition from fellow musicians Corin Dennehey (Percussion), Philip Powell (Bassoon), Hannah Smither (Voice) and Bonita Deathridge (Violin) with an exceptional standerad being set this year. Head of the esteemed judging panel, Dr. Robert Childs commented, “I was so impressed with the musicianship on show; such a variety of talent. My colleagues on the panel and I had an extremely enjoyable afternoon’s listening, but in the end the decision was unanimous. I’ve known Matthew since he was a young boy on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and of course during his time studying with David at the Royal Welsh College of Drama; he has continued to develop his talent within the Royal Marines and he should be very proud of his achievements. He performed superbly today and thoroughly deserved his success.”
Following Matthew’s success he will be awarded a Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and along with runner-up Bronze Medalist Philip Powell will attend the Worshipful Company of Musicians’ Annual Livery Dinner later this year.
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