Sophie Cashell Wins Classical Star
Pianist Sophie Cashell from Ireland has been crowned the winner of BBC Two’s Classical Star series.
Sophie beat bassoonist Karen Geoghegan and guitarist Ian Watt to the title and has secured the prize of a recording contract with top label Universal Classics and Jazz.
The judges Charles Hazlewood, Chi-chi Nwanoku, Steve Abbott and Jason Lai had to review the three candidates as they performed at LSO St Luke’s alongside the 40-piece City of London Sinfonia Orchestra.
Their decision was split which meant that the 100-strong audience, randomly selected from the website, had the deciding vote.
Sophie said: “I think all of us who performed here tonight really gave as much as we could and I think that for us the most important thing was playing.
“It’s been wonderful to get to know all of these people and to play and just enjoy making music because that’s what it’s all about really.”
Acclaimed musician and Classical Star Musical Director, Matthew Barley, commented: “I think Sophie will make a fantastic CD. I think she’s really ready for that, she’s dying to do it. She’s it, she’s the Classical Star. She’s off!”
Loading ...
November 15th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Seriously when you hear all of the contestants for this show, you realise that these youngsters are the ones with the X factor. They were all exceptional and will all hopefully find fulfilling music industry careers.
Sophie you go girl let those fingers do the talking. Fantastic.
I’ll continue to strive with the old Hannon finger gymnastics.
Maureen
Newcastle.
October 21st, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I’m happy for Sophie. I thought all the young ladies and gentlemen were great. I am also extremely disappointed for Karen. I have never heard the bassoon played so beautifully. She had this 65 year old curmudgeon in tears and clapping at a TV screen. I would love to hear more from this amazingly talented bassoonist.
Ken
Port Orchard, WA