Tuba takes Center Stage

The Città di Porcia Competition returns with their 2022 Tuba edition

Organized by the Amici della Musica Association of Porcia (Pordenone), the competition is the only such opportunity for brass players organized in Italy and ranks among the most important in the world: at an international level there are very few competitions reserved for brass instruments.

The 32nd International Competition 'Città di Porcia' was dedicated to the Tuba and took place from October 31st to November 5th. After a week of preliminary tests which saw 30 competitors from all over the world, three finalists were selected for the last round at the Teatro Verdi in Pordenone, accompanied by the FVG Orchestra and Maestro Luciano Acocella. Among the music played were two rare pieces for tuba and string orchestra: the "Alpine Concerto" by the American composer Michael Forbes (1973), and Concertino op. 77 by the Danish Jan Koetsier (1911-2006).

Chaired by Gérard Buquet, the Jury awarded First Prize to the French Florian Wielgosik, Second to his compatriot Martin Cornwell, and Third Prize to the Venezuelan Igor Martinez.

As per tradition, also public of the Teatro Verdi in Pordenone was able to express their preference by voting directly in favor of one of the three competitors: the Audience Award was thus awarded to second placed Martin Cornwell.

Giampaolo Doro, Artistic Director of the Competition, expressed full satisfaction for the high quality of the participants who, with their presence - double compared to last year - confirm the importance of this event at an international level. The Director also underlined the enthusiasm of the public during all phases of the Competition at the Teatro Verdi foyer and, during the final concert, the presence in the hall of some competitors eliminated in the previous phases. In fact, despite coming from afar, many of the young musicians who took part in this edition stayed until the end of the event to be able to attend all the stages of the competition.