Young Musician of the Year: David won't blow his big chance

Published on Saturday 10 May 2008 11:19

NO pressure then. Absolutely none. The competition has only launched the careers of Nicola Benedetti, Jennifer Pike, Emma Johnson and Mark Simpson, after all.

But rather than be nervous ahead of the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2008 competition, which takes place in Cardiff tonight and tomorrow – and is aired on BBC2 tomorrow evening – 18-year-old David Smith, a flautist from Burntisland, Fife, can't wait.

"It's a total buzz," enthuses David, who is a pupil of St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh, and a member of the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra. "I'm nervous, but it's a good nervous. More so, I'm excited.

"When I started playing the flute at 14, I watched the competition that year on television and thought, 'one day I want to be there.' I never thought I'd do it, but here I am."

David managed to beat off stiff competition from around the country to make it to the final five young musicians who will battle it out to win the illustrious title which has launched the careers of many a successful classical musician.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition, resulting in a two-day celebration at the Millennium Centre, Wales.

"When I heard my name being called out I was absolutely overwhelmed and shocked," laughs David.

"A finalist in BBC Young Musician of the Year? I was totally gobsmacked – and I still am.

"My flute teacher had a big grin, firmly shook my hand and looked a little pale – but was really excited for me. And everyone at school was so happy for me too. I got lots of 'well dones' . . . and a few drinks too.

"My family was extremely exited and happy for me. In fact, my mum screamed down the phone, she was so happy."

And David? "Oh yeah," he beams.

The talented teen found out he'd got this far in February, following five heats which took place throughout 2007.

Since he got the news, he's been working hard to perfect his performance, which will tonight include a concerto of his choice with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and principal conductor Thierry Fischer, performed in front of the judging panel and live audience.

Tomorrow sees the competitors return to the stage to reprise part of their concerto performance, chosen by the judges. David will then perform a piece that is personal to him.

"There's been a lot of hard graft to get to this point," says David. "I've been practising really hard, every day of the week. But you also need to get into the right state of mind too – I've been preparing mentally. You need to be ready for it and not get overwhelmed."

So, how does it feel to play alongside the BBC National Orchestra?

"Amazing," he enthuses. "The first time I played with them I got a bit emotional. It's weird because there is this amazing, famous orchestra and they're doing it for me. They're practising to play – with me."

David's first instrument was the saxophone, but, after six months he gave it up. "It wasn't for me," he laughs. But the flute was. "It was just so appealing to me. From the look, the feel, to the sounds that came out of it. I started playing six months after my 14th birthday."

The final five are each from a different instrument category, with David representing the very best in woodwind. And ensuring that his category wins over everything else is a huge challenge. "Last year's winner was from the woodwind category so the pressure is on," he admits. "

But to be honest I'm not thinking like that. I'm wanting to enjoy the experience, every minute of it. Opportunities have already come out of the competition so far, so to win is just a title – but a great title."

His dream is to become a soloist, but his love of chamber music and the orchestral flute means he's keeping his career options open. And the successes, varied career, and the ability of French-Swiss flutist, Emmanuel Pahud, is clearly a big inspiration for him.

"My biggest musical inspiration is Emmanuel," agrees David. "I love his playing, and I admire what he has achieved in his career. His drive and energy is just phenomenal."

But getting more young people interested in classical music is another aim. "I don't think younger people enjoy classical music as much as they could because some have not been introduced to it, and also because of the stereotypical image that is associated with classical music.

"I think younger classical musicians who have more of an influence on younger people need to show younger people a wider range of classical music and maybe express the music in a different way too.

"I would try do this by mixing very catchy, fun music which they are more used to with more detailed structured classical music and maybe tell them a little bit about the story behind it, something about the composer to try to make them more involved in the music."

But for now, it's all about the competition.

"I can't wait," he smiles. "My parents aren't musical, so tend to not get involved too much, but they love coming along to watch me."

He adds, laughing: "Mum will cry. Every time she watches me perform she cries. She's like a tap, seriously. I've already told her: no crying. At least, do it when I'm not there. I've got a job to do."

&#149 The Young Musician of the Year 2008 will be shown on BBC2, tomorrow at 6pm.

THE OTHER CONTESTANTS

David's rivals for the Young Musician of the year title are:

&#149 Jadran Duncumb, guitar, 18: Jadran began playing the guitar aged eight in Manchester. Currently based in Ski in Norway, Jadran has won the Norwegian Youth Music Competition twice.

&#149 Peter Moore, trombone, 12: Peter is the youngest remaining musician in the competition. All his family are brass players and he started playing the trombone aged six.

&#149 Jim Molyneux, percussion, 17: Jim took up percussion at the age of seven. Ten years on, he is a student in at Chetham's School of Music. As well as playing in bands at school, he plays with touring folk band 4Square, and rock group The Zero Symphony.

&#149 Erdem Misirlioglu, piano, 18: Erdem is a pupil at Northgate High in Ipswich and travels for classes in the junior department at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.