ALUMNUS SUCCESS AT INTERNATIONAL 'PRAGUE SPRING' CELLO COMPETITION 2012

Vashti Hunter, member of the EUYO in 2008 and 2009, has become the first British cellist ever to win a prize at the International Cello Competition 'Prague Spring', a prestigious event that has been running for 65 years. Vashti was awarded 3rd prize for her performance of the Dvořák cello concerto, conducted by Koji Kawamoto, in Prague's Rudolfinum Hall.

This was not Vashti's first experience of this famous venue, however, as she took part in the EUYO Summer Tour 2009 when the Orchestra performed at the Dvořák Prague Festival in the Rudolfinum Hall. Vashti also toured to Asia with the EUYO in 2008, and looking back on the experience she said: "I had an incredible time, making many friends and playing great music. Memories I shall never forget!"

Vashti has performed as a soloist in many exciting UK venues including the Barbican Hall, Royal Festival Hall, St. John's Smith Square and Kings Place in London. Additionally, as a chamber musician Vashti is very much in demand, performing regularly with Trio Gaspard and having collaborated with artists such as Tanja Tetzlaff, Radovan Vladkovich and Slvia Markovicci. Based in Hannover, Germany, she is currently studying for a 'Konzert Diplom' with Leonid Gorokhov.

In a reflective article for the London Cello Society, Vashti wrote:

"Being awarded 3rd prize at the famous City Hall in Prague was the icing on the cake for what was a truly unforgettable experience, and one which will always remain in my memory as being a beautiful journey into the homeland of one of my favourite composers."