Sydney based euphonium soloist Jonathon Ramsay has been crowned 2013 Ern Keller Champion, after beating a field of experienced rivals to take the $1000 prize money and join a list of famous names as the winner of one of the banding world’s most prestigious solo competitions.
Carnival of Venice
Performing Arban's 'Carnival of Venice', his consistency, fluent style and stylish execution won the day in the judge's opinion, and at the age of only 18 he adds the Keller title to a CV that already includes appearances in the Symphony Australia ‘Young Musician of the Year’ and several high-profile concerto performances.
Chief Adjudicator Ron Prussing praised the competing field, but made specific mention of repertoire choice and suitability in performance.
Good brass playing
Assisted by Peter Walmsley and Howard Taylor, he also alluded to a basic need to fulfil the basics of what he termed, ‘good brass playing and good music making’.
The high class field of contenders included, Chris Moran (Australian National), Andre Carpenter (Queensland), Matthew Van Emmerick (Victoria), Joe Cook (Tasmania), Kevin Joughin (South Australia), Sarah Draper (Western Australia), Phil Johnston (New Zealand) and Shiho Takeda (Japan).
Band of the Year
Meanwhile, St Mary's Band Club Brass claimed the 'Band of the Year' title in the short contest that traditionally takes place after the solo event has concluded.
Opening with Leigh Baker's 'All Night Long', St Mary's paid tribute to Ern Keller's wonderful vision, with 'Once Upon a Time in the West'.
After a whip through George Alan's march 'The Wizard', and a breathtaking soloist showcase in Peter Graham's 'Cossack Fire Dance', the band headed to the finish with John Rutter's 'Lord Bless and Keep You' before closing with ‘Dundonnel’, from ‘Hymn of the Highlands’.
Also competing in the event were Warringah Concert Brass, as well as the Willoughby Band, who took the novel approach of presenting an Andy Scott inspired programme incorporating visual accompaniments.
Exceptional sopranos
Whilst the adjudicators made specific mention of the exceptional soprano playing from all bands, the soloist award went to Bella Harvey, of Willoughby for her rendition of 'And Everything is Still'.
a collegiate atmosphere and a celebration of the very best solo playing remains faithful as ever to the ethos of the competitionBen Crocker
Very best
Ben Crocker, Music Director, St Mary's Band Club told 4BR: "The Keller underwent a number of changes this year, but the essential focus on a collegiate atmosphere and a celebration of the very best solo playing remains faithful as ever to the ethos of the competition."
He added: "Our deepest thanks must go to Felicity Rynn, the contest organiser, who has produced an outstanding event for 2013. The future appears bright, with new partnerships and several exciting developments set to be unveiled for 2014 and beyond."
