Strings
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student wins
music competition
Classical guitarist Sean Shibe has won the Gold Medal at won one of the world’s most prestigious music competitions.
Nineteen year old Sean Shibe from Edinburgh picked up
the top award and £15,000 prize money in the Royal Over-Seas League 59
th Annual Music Competition.
Sean, described by his teacher Allan Neave, as “an
exceptional artist in the making” is the Royal Conservatoire's first student to win this much
celebrated award and only the second classical guitarist in the ROSL’s 60 year history.
At the final on Tuesday 17 May 2011, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the classical guitarist overcame competition from the winners of the Wind, Singers and Keyboard sections to carry off the Competition Gold Medal.
“I am delighted to have won such a prestigious award. This is an internationally renowned competition and I am very much looking forward to the months ahead performing on tour for the ROSL,” said Sean.
“To be one of the youngest ever recipients of this award and only the second guitarist to win in 60 years, is a real honour. There are many people I would like to thank, but my teacher Allan Neave, comes to the top of that list.”
On congratulating Sean, Professor John Wallace, CBE, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “Sean plays with such human understanding. Listening to him is life enhancing – young artists like him carry the future of Scotland with ease. To say that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is proud of him, is an understatement.”
The other finalists, who each received £5,000 were Suzanne Thorn oboe (Royal College of Music), Kitty Whately (Royal College of Music), and Ashley Fripp piano (Guildhall School of Music and Drama).
During the jury deliberations, performances were given by the Cavaleri Quartet and Cries of London, winners of the competition’s two ensemble awards of £10,000 each.
At the final on Tuesday 17 May 2011, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the classical guitarist overcame competition from the winners of the Wind, Singers and Keyboard sections to carry off the Competition Gold Medal.
“I am delighted to have won such a prestigious award. This is an internationally renowned competition and I am very much looking forward to the months ahead performing on tour for the ROSL,” said Sean.
“To be one of the youngest ever recipients of this award and only the second guitarist to win in 60 years, is a real honour. There are many people I would like to thank, but my teacher Allan Neave, comes to the top of that list.”
On congratulating Sean, Professor John Wallace, CBE, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “Sean plays with such human understanding. Listening to him is life enhancing – young artists like him carry the future of Scotland with ease. To say that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is proud of him, is an understatement.”
The other finalists, who each received £5,000 were Suzanne Thorn oboe (Royal College of Music), Kitty Whately (Royal College of Music), and Ashley Fripp piano (Guildhall School of Music and Drama).
During the jury deliberations, performances were given by the Cavaleri Quartet and Cries of London, winners of the competition’s two ensemble awards of £10,000 each.
The Chairman of the distinguished panel of judges was
Gavin Henderson CBE, Principal of Central School of Speech and Drama. Prizes were presented by
Ursula Jones OBE.
Born in Edinburgh in 1992, classical guitarist Sean Shibe is currently studying under Allan Neave. When only 15 years old he became the youngest musician to ever study at the Royal Conservatoire. He previously studied at the City of Edinburgh Music School and the Aberdeen City Music School.
Born in Edinburgh in 1992, classical guitarist Sean Shibe is currently studying under Allan Neave. When only 15 years old he became the youngest musician to ever study at the Royal Conservatoire. He previously studied at the City of Edinburgh Music School and the Aberdeen City Music School.
In 2008, aged 16, he was a finalist in the “Westfalian Guitar Spring” in Germany, and received the Chanterelle Guitar Prize. In November 2010 he won the North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society Award, 2nd prize in the Ligita International Guitar Competition, and the Ivor Mairants guitar award.
He has worked with The Scottish Flute Trio and Scottish Opera, and is in regular demand for guitar festivals around the United Kingdom including Dundee Guitar Festival, Big Guitar Weekend, Ullapool Guitar Festival and West Dean International Classical Guitar Festival. He has also performed to critical acclaim in the United Kingdom, China, Holland, Germany, Liechtenstein and has featured on the BBC and European television and radio.
Future plans include solo recitals in the ROSL ARTS music @ 100 Princes Street concert series on the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and his Wigmore Hall debut as part of the prestigious Monday Platform series in 2012.
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