Notes from Scotland 2018 – Final

Sunday 1 July 2018, 2pm–3pm

Notes from Scotland is an exciting competition for young composers aged 12-18 years.

Composers attended an afternoon workshop, where they gained top composing tips from experts, before submitting a short work for an instrumental trio, quartet or quintet. The live final will be held in the New Auditorium at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall where five shortlisted pieces will be performed and recorded by RSNO musicians for an audience and panel of judges. The winning composer will receive a pair of Bose SoundLink® headphones and enjoy VIP access to RSNO concerts.

Notes from Scotland 2018 finalists

Laura Workman

Alexander Papp
Composition Title: Progeny
Inspired by Glen Coe
Alexander, age 16, is in Year 11 at Bedford School, where he is a Music Scholar. Alexander studies violin at Junior Guildhall (JGSM) with Gonzalo Acosta and composition with Paul Whitmarsh and Emma-Ruth Richards.
Currently, he is an Associate Composer with the Britten Sinfonia Academy, who performed his piece The Book of Hours at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and workshopped his piece Divergent on stage at the Barbican with Sir James MacMillan.
In September 2017, Alexander took up a scholarship at the Purcell School, following which he intends to pursue a career as a composer.

Panelist and RSNO Artistic Director for Learning and Engagement William Chandler:
“The year’s Notes from Scotland composition competition was the largest and most competitive one ever. Pieces were submitted from as far away as New York City and from composers as young as twelve years old. I don’t envy the judges’ task in choosing a winner this year but am thrilled that Progeny by Alexander Papp has been awarded the top prize. Congratulations to Alexander for a truly remarkable work and a huge thank you to all who entered.”

Panelist and Composer Jennifer Martin:
“The culmination of projects like Notes from Scotland are always incredibly inspiring. The four finalists have us the full range of emotional responses to the National Trust for Scotland properties which provided their inspiration. Our winner, Alexander Papp, is one to watch!”

Notes From Scotland 2017 winner Alexander Papp:
“I am delighted to win this prestigious award! I never thought I would reach the final so winning it was just a dream come true! I would like to thank the RSNO for giving me this immense opportunity. I will remember it for the rest of my life.”

Terms & Conditions

- The personal information you provide such as name, age, email address will only be used by the RSNO for the purposes of the administration of the competition and will not be passed on to third parties.
- However, shortlisted candidates’ names, ages and a short biography will be published on the RSNO website and any associated publicity materials for the competition.
- With your permission, we may also contact you in the future with information about the RSNO and our activities.
- Only one submission per person will be accepted.
- All work must be your own.
- Composition entries will still be accepted if the composer is unable to attend the workshop day on 02/06/18.
- Compositions must be for chamber ensemble of either trio, quartet or quintet.
- The work must be between two- to five-minutes in length.
- The only restriction on instrumentation is that the instrument must be found within the Orchestra.
- There are no restrictions on the genre of music you can submit, compositions can be influenced by any stimulus.

© Royal Scottish National Orchestra 2018