The XIIth Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition reached its climax at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin, Isle of Man with 19 year old Timothy Ridout (GB) carrying off the Lillian Tertis Memorial Prize of ?7000, a London recital and a viola bow presented by Mr Sean Bishop, director of Bishop Instruments and Bows Ltd, London.
The second prize, the Ruth Fermoy Memorial Prize of ?5000, was won by Manuel Vioque-Judde, 24, (France) and the third prize, the Artur Rubinstein Memorial Prize of ?3000 by Wenhong Luo, 23 (China).
The three finalists, from an initial entry of almost 100 from across the globe, had performed the world premiere of a specially commissioned test piece in a bid to carry off the prestigious award and a share of top prize money donated by the London based Tertis Foundation totalling ?15,000.
A wealth of additional prizes were awarded including awards at the discretion of the jury and five bursaries of ?150 each for students attending the festival.
The five strong international jury, chaired by experienced jurist Prof George Caird (GB) and including the festival president, the Russian viola virtuoso Yuri Bashmet, reached their decision following performances before a packed auditorium which included the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man Adam Wood.
Timothy Ridout studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London and was the winner of the 2014 Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition held at Birmingham Conservatoire.
Praised for ‘the warmth and eloquence of his tone’ Timothy began playing the viola aged 8 and made his concerto debut in 2011.
He has been a prize winner in several international competitions and is a passionate chamber musician, playing at many festivals around Europe.
Timothy plays a 1677 viola by Giovanni Grancino, kindly on loan from the Royal Academy.
Second prize winner Manuel Vioque-Judde has studied in Paris, Leipzig and Zurich.
He was the second prize winner in the 14th Primrose International Competition held in Los Angeles in 2014.
In third place, Wenhong Luo has studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, the Royal Academy of Music in London and the New England Conservatory in Boston, USA.
She was a semi finalist and prizewinner in the 2013 Tertis competition.
The test piece, fenodyree, commissioned from composer Stuart MacRae by the Tertis Foundation with funds provided by Friends Provident International, is described as having 'a capricious, changeable character, a little mischievous and slightly threatening at times'.
Mr MacRae added: "The music is mainly fast-moving and flowing but on three occasions it slows down almost to a complete halt giving way in the middle of the piece to a slower, more reflective passage."
The idea to title the work fenodyree came after the piece was completed, when he was reading about Manx folklore, Mr MacRae revealed.
"This nimble, strong, industrious yet ugly sprite seemed to me to have a fragility and a solitary sadness about him which seemed to fit the moods of the piece well."
During the week celebrity recitals have taken place open to the public given by members of the jury and professional staff.
The non competitive part of the festival has seen a viola ensemble class, lectures and masterclasses led by the distinguished viola player Louise Lansdown.
Speaking for the Isle of Man Arts Council, a long time supporter of the festival, which dates back to 1980, chairman Geoff Corkish MLC said: "Our Island continues to succeed in providing a range of diverse and high quality arts events to enhance our quality of life.
"Not only are these events accessible to the Manx public but with competitions such as this one reaching international status, the Erin Arts Centre achieves a truly global reach from our small island.
"The Arts Council has a long association with the Erin Arts Centre and is proud to provide support for events held here. The team here have a long established history of ensuring opportunities for audiences and participants to experience world class entertainment and varied creative activities.
"I hope that the Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival continues to flourish, attracting international musicians and delighting audiences."
Ahead of the final the Lieutenant Governor said: "I very much welcome the opportunity to visit the Erin Arts Centre at the conclusion of yet another marvellous Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition which has again drawn the international arts spotlight onto the Isle of Man.
"I have loved getting to know the island and one of my first engagements was presenting the awards at the International Oboe Festival so it is quite fitting that one of my last public engagements is being here to present the prizes at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.
"I have followed events during the week and know the jury, itself of international standing, has been extremely impressed by truly world class playing. I look forward very much to the prize giving.
"My very best wishes to the three finalists who are playing today. I cannot wait to hear them play."
Open to viola players up to the age of 30, an initial entry of almost 100 prospective competitors saw festival director Dr John Bethell and an initial jury sift through 96 DVD applications received from 26 countries with each recording of up to 15 minutes containing excerpts from this year's repertoire.
The Tertis Foundation promotes the heritage of the first and greatest virtuoso of the instrument who died in 1975.
Festival director Dr John Bethell said:"The event has come a long way since it first took place in 1980”.
It had been Mrs Tertis's ‘dearest wish’ to see her husband's name and achievements remembered in a practical way by viola players, according to Dr Bethell.
He has congratulated the foundation for 'their intense and much valued interest and input by their encouragement and financial support' and also the Isle of Man Arts Council for their continued backing.
The XIIIth Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition will take place between April 13 and April 20, 2019.
Photo - Timothy Ridout.
