News
HRH presents awards to the best young conductors
17th November 2004
The Prince of Wales attended a competition to discover the finest young conductors in Europe and presented the best of them with a prestigious award.
Three talented contestants were battling to win the prestigious Donatella Flick Conducting Competition 2004 at London‘s Barbican Centre
The Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, of which The Prince is Patron, aims to encourage and support young talent.
The three finalists were Dutchman Peter Biloen, Fabien Gabel from France and Claus Efland from Denmark, who were conducting the London Symphony Orchestra.
Upon arrival, The Prince was met by Sir John Tusa, Managing Director of the Barbican Centre.
His Royal Highness also met Queen Anne-Marie of Greece who was attending the event.
Before announcing the jury's decision, The Prince praised all three conductors who had performed and thanked Donatella Flick for founding the competition.
His Royal Highness said: “It's been a real treat to hear the orchestra be conducted by three such talented young musicians.”
The Prince, who is Patron of the event, announced that the winner was Fabien Gabel, 29, assistant conductor to Kurt Masur at the Orchestre National de France.
Mr Gabel was warmly congratulated by his fellow competitors and the audience who applauded the decision.
He received £15,000 to subsidise a period of specialist study and concert engagements and also won the opportunity to work with the LSO as assistant conductor for one year.