RNCM Makes History at 2014 ROSL ARTS
Second year student Toby Hughes has made history by becoming the first ever double bassist to win the Strings Section Final of the Royal Over-Seas League ARTS competition.
Toby, currently studying for a BMus with Jiri Hudec, continues the RNCM’s success in the 2014 competition as alumnus Huw Wiggin (saxophone) won the Wind and Percussion Section Final and the Solem Quartet (comprising violinists Michael Jones and Catherine Landen, violist Alistair Vennart and cellist Stephanie Tress) the Ensemble A Section Final.
On his win, which happened on Tuesday 18 February, Toby said: 'It was a great experience competing in this year's Royal Over-Seas League to such an experienced and insightful panel of judges, and it’s amazing to have made history this year, I’m very much looking forward to competing in the finals in May!'
Chris Hoyle, Head of the School of Strings, added: 'This is further exciting news for the RNCM's flourishing double bassists, and bravo to his teacher Jiri Hudec, Principal double bass with the Czech Philharmonic.'
In addition to winning £5000 each, Toby and Huw now have the opportunity to compete for the Gold Medal and First Prize in the ROSL Annual Music Competition held at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, on Tuesday 6 May, while Solem (whose win marks the third time in a row the RNCM has achieved success in an ensemble category) will perform during the event.
The ROSL ARTS, the arts division of the Royal Over-Seas League, has developed a diverse portfolio of arts activities in music, visual arts and literature. It is devoted to the career development of talented young professional artists and musicians from the UK and the Commonwealth, and also presents readings and literary events at its central London Headquarters.
For more information or to request interviews and images, please contact Liz Rowley, PR and Media Relations Officer, at or 0161 907 5369.
ENDS