Finals - 2012

Our first ever live finals, hosted in Bozar's Studio, to an audience of just a few hundred,  2012 brought us three cellists,  one pianist and one violinist. The tiny hall brought an intimacy to the proceedings, and the power of the audience (having 30% of the total vote, created a real tension that stamped our finals as something special).  

Aurore Dassesse- Cello (Winner)

Aurore Dassesse impressed the professional jury and audience alike with her interpretation of Dvoràk’s Waldesruhe. She demonstrated, not only mastery of her instrument; but also a deep understanding of the emotional possibilities within the work. Aurore's mini recital ended with a splendid rendition of Popper’s Hungarian Rhapsody.

Jonathan Van de Velde - Cello

Jonathan Van de Velde (°1991) started studying the cello at the age of 6. When he was 13 years old, he was admitted to study in the class for ‘Young Talented People’ in the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in the class of Mr. Ilia Laporev. He won prizes in several national and international competitions, including 2nd place in the Competition ‘Young Soloists’, 3rd place in the Rotary Competition, 2 times the 1st prize in the Dexia competition. He was one of the 2 cellists worldwide to be selected to perform at the first ‘Cremona Archi X’ festival.

Jolien Deley - Cello

Jolien Deley (°1992, Lokeren) started playing the cello when she was 5 years old. Jolien was tutored by Mr. Danny Pauwels from the very beginning until the age of 18. During these years, her passion only grew and professionally studying the cello seemed the only logical and possible career choice, as she is not able to imagine a life without her cello. 

Maarten Lingier - piano

Maarten Lingier, (°1993, Houthalen) was only four years old when he was introduced to his first piano lessons from his mom. Four years later, Maarten continued his piano studies at the urban academy of Music, Word and Dance in Houthalen, where he graduated with a cum laude at the age of 17.  Today, Maarten is living in Paris as a composer and pianist.

Matilde Debaene - violin

Matilde (°1995) started playing the violin at the age of five and went to the Music Academy of Ghent to study with Mieke Degeyter. At the age of fourteen, Erik Sluys became her teacher and coach. At sixteen, Matilde was accepted to study at the Royal Conservatory Brussels with Philippe Graffin, who describes her as a wonderfully gifted young violinist. In November 2011 she gained a first prize for violin with 95% at the Dexia Classics competition.