The final of the percussion category
Friday 11th May at 19.30 on BBC 4 TV
The ultimate music contest continues, as BBC Young Musician 2012 shines a spotlight on some of the UK’s most talented young percussionists in the last of five category finals from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
Clemency Burton-Hill introduces extensive highlights from their performances, with behind-the-scenes access and insightful comment and analysis. Rhythm takes centre stage, as we witness a spectacular display of technique, showmanship and passion from five percussionists: 18-year-olds James Larter, Richard Rayner and Molly Lopresti, and 16-year-olds Peter Rayner and Hyun-gi Lee. Expect the unexpected from a mostly modern repertoire, which features backing tracks, shouting and self-penned compositions.
With the semi-final line up almost complete, each of the five young percussionists will be hoping that their journey doesn’t end here. They’ll be aiming to convince the judges that they deserve the one remaining place in the semi-final, taking them a step closer to the coveted title, BBC Young Musician 2012. Judges Adrian Spillett, the first percussionist ever to win the Young Musician competition and Andrea Vogel a freelance musician and teacher, are joined, as usual, by Gareth Jones.
I have highlighted one piece by each competitor which will take you to Youtube
and a performance – by someone else.
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James Larter Age 17
Emslie: Hugh’s Chilled Red
Maric: Trilogy, 1st Mov: Concentrics
Miki: Marimba Spiritual
Accompanist: Hristo Duchev
James, from Northampton, started playing percussion at the age of 11 and hopes to become a professional percussionist. He is joint-principal percussionist of the National Youth Orchestra and enjoys playing chamber music and jazz. He is influenced by Colin Currie and Evelyn Glennie. Aside from music, James enjoys swimming and playing football.
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Richard Rayner Age 18
Emslie: Hugh’s Chilled Red
Sammut: 4 Rotations for Marimba, Rotation 2
Rayner: Uprising
Lalo: Little Friendly Giant
Accompanists: Richard Craker (Drums); Chris Gilbertson (Bass)
Richard, from Chelmsford, started playing the drums at the age of five and progressed onto percussion, winning recognition in both. He also studies jazz piano and plays in many jazz and classical ensembles. He performs regularly with his weekend school’s Symphony Orchestra, Brass Band, Brass Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. Richard enjoys recording with his band Franko which recently completed a tour of Thailand and the UK.
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Molly Lopresti Age 18
Stout: Mexican Dance for Marimba, No.2
Glennie: A Little Prayer
DeLancey: The Love of l’Histoire
Abe: Dream of the Cherry Blossoms
Molly, from Totnes in south Devon, started studying percussion, in particular marimba, at the age of 13. She enjoys playing a wide variety of musical styles which is reflected in the various ensembles she performs with. Molly is currently studying for her A levels in Music, Spanish and History and will be going to music college in September in the hope that this will lead to a career in music.
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Peter Rayner Age 15
Abe: Prism for Solo Marimba
Hollinden: Cold Pressed
Abe: Michi
Peter, from Chelmsford, passed his Grade 8 drum kit on his 11th birthday. He studies percussion, drum kit and piano at his Saturday music school. He performs regularly with their Symphony Orchestra, Brass Band, Brass Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble which has given him opportunities to play at many prestigious venues. Peter also plays bass in jazz ensembles and has a passion for composing.
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Hyun-gi Lee Age 16
Miki: Marimba Spiritual
Campbell: Garage Drummer
Burritt: Caritas for Marimba, 3rd Mov: Majestic
Chopin arr Lee: Etude Op. 10, No.4
Accompanists: Hristo Duchev & Christine Burke (Percussion); Jeff Howard (Piano)
Hyun-gi from Seoul, Republic of Korea, discovered percussion when she was nine and started playing at the age of 11. Being the daughter of a piano teacher, she also played piano from an early age and still enjoys it. Hyun-gi came to the UK when she was 12 and is currently doing her GCSEs. In her free time she enjoys exercising and baking.
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Television schedule for the percussion final
BBC Four Saturday 12 May 2012 02:00
BBC HDSaturday 12 May 2012 16:30
