Oboists shine at the Prague Spring

Fedor Osver wins Second Prize- no First Prize awarded

Out of the twelve participants in the second round of the Prague Spring Competition in the oboe category, the following three oboists had made it to the final round: Leandro Lazari (27), Pedro Moreira (27) and Fedor Osver (21).

At the Finals, that were held in the beautiful Dvorak Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague, all three musicians, accompanied by the Prague Philharmonia and conductor Robert Kružík, played the remarquable and intense Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra composed by Jiri Gemrot. This compulsory work was created in 2018 by jury member oboist Vilém Veverka.

After the break, the finalists came back with a second concerto: the audience could hear three times the Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu. “Its music offers a synthesis of modern compositional trends and tender, emotionally charged inspirations by traditional folklore” writes musicologist Svatava Barancicova. The slow movement in particular is considered a small gem by many oboists. 

Fedor Osver, Second Prize

After long deliberations, the jury led by Nancy Ambose King decided to award 21-year-old Fedor Osver the second prize. Third place went to Pedro Moreira  while the Honourable Mention of the Jury of the First Grade went to Leandro Lazzari from Italy. No first prize was awarded. 

I think I will remember this evening for the rest of my life, how we played two beautiful concertos in this amazing concert hall with a great orchestra and conductor. I would like to thank everyone who took care of us. It was a wonderful ten days,” said Fedor Osver after the ceremony.

The winners also received several concert opportunities not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad.

A record number of 254 oboists registered for this year’s Prague Spring Competition. “All three finalists represent years of hard work, practice and dedication to their artistry and we thank them for inspiring us with their musicianship,” says the jury chair Nancy Ambrose King.

Pedro Moreira (Third Prize) at the Orchestra Finals

Awards:
1st Prize: not awarded
2nd Prize: Fedro Osver
3rd Prize: Pedro Moreira
Audience Prize: Fedro Osver

Jury: 
Nancy Ambrose King (chair); Clara Dent-Boganiy; Johannes Grosso; Kalev Kuljus; Jan Soucek; Fabien Thouand; Vilém Veverka
 

Artists: 
Prague Philharmonia
Robert Kruzik, conductor
 

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