On Monday 29 September, we welcomed Trinity Laban alum and representative of Howarth of London Manon Davis for our annual Saxophone Competition.
Howarth of London is a specialist woodwind instrument maker and retailer. Known all over the world as makers of the finest oboes, oboes d’amore and cors anglais, their instruments are made in dedicated manufacturing workshops in Worthing, West Sussex. Howarth use high-tech CNC machinery to make precision components for their instruments which are then hand-assembled by highly experienced technicians into beautiful instruments. Howarth of London continues to support Trinity Laban’s Saxophone Competition this year, providing a voucher to be spent at the retailer as the prize.
Ash Fairs performed an atmospheric rendition of Escapes for Alto Saxophone by John Williams while Molly Walters took the audience on a vibrant musical journey with Vacances for Alto Saxophone by Jean-Michel Damase. Matthew Knowles beautifully interpreted Sonata for Alto Saxophone by Phil Woods and Xinquan Yin expressively concluded the programme with Prélude et Cadence from Prélude, Cadence et Finale for Alto Saxophone by Alfred Desenclos. Students were accompanied by accomplished pianist Daniel King Smith. Judged by our talented Interim Head of Woodwind Fiona Kelly, first prize was awarded to Ash Fields. Congratulations to Ash and all of our fantastic saxophonists who took part.
Howarth representative and alum Manon Davis said: “It was really lovely to spend the afternoon at Trinity Laban and hear the students’ performances, and particularly special for me to visit my old department. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and to Ash Fairs, this year’s recipient. Howarth of London was delighted to be able to support this event once again.”
Saxophone Professor Melanie Henry said: “The Saxophone Competition is an important event in the saxophone department calendar. For many years, Howarth of London have generously supported us by donating the prize and attending on the day and we are extremely grateful for this. Listening to the performances this year, I was particularly impressed by the lyrical phrasing, well controlled tone and nicely judged intonation displayed by all the students. Alumni and friends were in the audience and it felt a really good way to start the term.”
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support we receive from Howarth of London to make this annual competition possible and extend our thanks to alum Manon Davis for joining us for the competition.
