The Cowichan Consort board of directors has announced the winners of the 2025 Concerto Competition.
The 29th annual competition, which featured rising talent from across Vancouver Island, saw it's biggest turnout to date with 16 applicants, 15 of whom performed this past November for a judging panel inside a Maple Bay studio.
"It took all day with so many candidates," said Cowichan Consort board member and rehearsal conductor Joy Anne Bannerman. "Each student auditioned their concerto and a variety of instruments were played by contestants, including one voice candidate. A piano accompanist does the orchestra part when each student auditions on their instrument, so for the piano concerti contestants, we must use two keyboards."
Winning the senior category was pianist Simi Luttrell, while flutist Daniel Sanabria, who is only 13, won the junior category. Both young musicians will perform live on March 8 at 7:30 p.m., with the Consort Orchestra conducted by Pippa Williams for the 2025 Solo with Orchestra concert at Duncan's Christian Reformed Church located at 930 Trunk Rd.
Sanabria will perform the flute Concertino by Chaminade, while Luttrell will play the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1.
"The level of artistry and talent was extremely high this year with Simi and Daniel rising to the top," said Bannerman.
Tickets for this night of music are $20 and will be available at Volume One Bookstore located on Kenneth Street in Duncan as well as through Cowichan Consort members. All remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the evening of the event.
