ITG Solo Competition coordinator Grant Peters began Thursday morning's competition by extending a brief thanks to the preliminary judges who selected three outstanding participants for this year's competition. Before bringing the first competitor to the stage, Peters took a moment to introduce the 2007 final round judges: Leonard Candelaria (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Terry Everson (Boston University), and Crispian Steele-Perkins (International Soloist, United Kingdom). The required repertoire for this year's competition was Arthur Honegger's Intrada, which each performer elected to play before their own selection.

First to perform was Ryan Spacht (Duquesne University, Neal Bernsten, teacher). Spacht's interpretation of Intrada was deliberate, but perhaps too slow considering the demands on the player's range, phrasing, and endurance. To his credit, Spacht's choice of vibrato worked well in the lyrical sections and his perfectly tuned final note resulted in a strong finish. Spacht's own selection for the competition was Andre Jolivet's Concertino, which provided a nice contrast to his somewhat reserved performance of the Honegger. Spacht's confidence seemed to improve throughout his performance, although he showed some signs of fatigue at the end of long sections. His handling of the many mute changes was excellent and his overall composure at the competition was professional and impressive.

Next to perform was Alexander White (Julliard, Ray Mase, teacher). Overall, White's Intrada was faster and the articulations were more pronounced than in the previous performance. The triple tonguing in the middle section was exceptional and the performance was exciting, but the constant accelerando to the finish presented some difficulty in the final passages. White also selected Jolivet's Concertino for the competition. White's interpretation seemed more free throughout although it sometimes resulted in uneven rhythms. Again, White's multiple tonguing skills were showcased and the piece came to a roaring, if not a little rushed, finish.

The last competitor was Brittany Hendricks (Northwestern University, Barbara Butler, teacher). The only performer to play from memory, Hendricks showed some hesitation through a few faster passages, but her dynamic contrast was very impressive. Using the small venue to her advantage, Hendrick's opening was full, her lyrical sections were beautiful, and she showed great control. Although Hendricks did have some issues with clarity of articulation, she showed no signs of fatigue at the end of this challenging piece. Hendricks performed Eino Tamberg's Konzert op. 42 from memory for her final selection. The three movement work is lengthy and challenging, but again Hendricks showed no signs of fatigue. She really shined on the lyrical second movement and her finish; a beautifully sustained E concert, was simply breathtaking.

Each participant showed great strengths in their performances and played beautifully. Considering the intense competition and audience present, we will undoubtedly be seeing (and hearing!) more from each of these fine players again. Great job!