Fourth-year viola major, Jiang Hansong
Twenty-two year old Jiang Hansong was among five recipients for the Robertson Award at the 11th Primrose International Viola Competition held at the Arizona State University’s Herberger College of Music from 2 to 9 June 2008. Leading up to the finals was a week of intense competition, streamed live online, for 70 competitors representing 18 countries.
Founded in 1979 by the great virtuoso William Primrose as the first international competition solely for violists, the triennial Primrose Competition aims to recognise and showcase young musicians who have achieved world class excellence through intensive hard work and unusual talent. The 2008 jury, chaired by former Competition director Claudine Bigelow, was internationally represented and included Amir Shiff of Israel, Bruno Pasquier of France, Steven Tenenbom of the United States, Eugene Sarbu of Romania, and Ensik Choi of South Korea.
Hansong studies with the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory’s Head of Viola Studies, Zhang Manchin, and plays on a c.1700 Rogeri viola on loan from the Rin Collection. He has been appointed Principal Violist in the Conservatory Orchestra and the New Music Ensemble since joining the Conservatory. The fourth-year viola major freelances frequently with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and participated in the SSO 2007 China tour. His past achievements include winning first prize in the 2005/2006 Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concerto Competition and having his solo debut with the Conservatory Orchestra performing Walton’s Viola Concerto.