Quintet take the honours at festival

One of the world’s most prestigious events in this field of music had attracted singers and instrumentalists from fourteen countries, the final round presenting a hugely attractive concert through a long day, the “Audience Prize” eventually presented to the Belgium vocal quartet, Encantar.

Profeti had chosen wisely in playing to their strengths in a programme mainly of 16th and 17th century madrigals that allowed their outstanding countertenor to become the soloist in a brilliant show of vocal agility.

History, however, points to the audience’s wisdom in past competitions, their prize being the launching pad for groups enjoying major international careers, and here they were obviously taken by Encantar’s gorgeous blend of voices as they also chose music from the 16th century. In an event where winners take all, the smooth sophistication of the United States instrumental entry, the Sebastian Chamber Players, probably thought they had done enough to take one of the prizes in performances of music by Corelli and Couperin.

The young British entry from across the Pennines, the Borromini String Quartet, showed much promise, and I hope they return for the next competition in two years.