2018 was the first year that the Walter Hussey Composition Competition was run following its launch in January 2018.
The Competition was being promoted by Reading Phoenix Choir as part of its 50th anniversary season. The theme for the inaugural competition was therefore ‘Gold’. A line up of judges from the choral and composition world was assembled to do the judging, led by head judge, Kerry Andrew. The deadline for entries was 1st July 2018 and the winner was expected to be chosen by 1st December 2018.
On Saturday 9th March, after two years of excited anticipation, creativity and hard work, Reading Phoenix Choir gave the premiere performance of Golden Day, announcing it as the winner of the inaugural Walter Hussey Choral Composition Competition.
The Portuguese Composer of the piece, Gerson Batista, attended the choir’s Golden Phoenix concert at Reading Concert Hall to receive his £750 prize presented by competition judge, Anthony Jenner, and hear the choir perform his award winning piece.
Gerson was thrilled to win the inaugural competition and had travelled all the way from his home in Aveiro, Portugal to receive the award. He praised Reading Phoenix Choir for this first performance of the piece:
‘I was really overwhelmed by the amazing quality and professionalism of the choir. It was an epic day surrounded by incredible singers and people! It all felt like home!’
After the performance of his piece, visibly emotional and happy, the composer returned to the stage to acknowledge the applause of the audience and the choir.
The runners up were:
Gold Leaves by Ethan McGrath
Gold and Spices by Alison Willis
Eldorado by Justin Walker
Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold! by Edmund Jolliffe
The first two of which have since become regular pieces in Reading Phoenix Choir's repertoire.
2018 Competition Judges
