The Thalia Ensemble, a group of five early music players from the Netherlands, has won the 2013 York Early Music International Young Artists Competition.
The ensemble was one of ten early music groups from across Europe in the running for the prize. Thalia Ensemble will now receive a cheque for £1,000, opportunities to work with BBC Radio 3, a concert as part of the 2014 York Early Music Festival and a CD recording produced by Linn Records.
Thalia Ensemble, which is made up of Belén Nieto Galán on flute, oboist Sarah Aßman, clarinettist Diederik Ornée, horn player Hylke Rozema and José Rodrigues Gomes on bassoon, performed a programme of works by Danzi and Reicha.
The competition, which took place from the 11 to 13 July, was part of the 2013 York Early Music Festival. The other ensembles who took part were: Der Musikalische Garten, Duo 1702, Duo Domenica, Ensemble Daimonion, Ensemble Versailles, Les Mélomanes, On Air, Repicco and Seldom Sene.
Harpsichordist and conductor – and chairman of the jury – Laurence Cummings said: 'What a fantastic final! A day full of joyous music-making which showed every effect from the transcendent euphoria to the death knoll of a lament. The standard of playing was superb. Altogether a very uplifting experience and lovely for the jury to sit back and soak it all in.'
Highlights from the event and music from the winner’s recital will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show on Sunday 11 August at 1pm.
Sophie Sinclair