Despite being 90 years of age, Princess Astrid of Norway is still one of the hardest members of the Norwegian Royal Family. Throughout her life, the Princess has always been very interested in music. Since 1956, Her Highness has been patron of a music award which is named in her honour.
The Princess Astrid Music Prize is the longest-running music competition in Norway, and this week, it once again took place in the city of Trondheim.
Princess Astrid, who lives in Oslo, was not present in person at the presentation of this year’s award. This did not, however, prevent the Princess from sending a personal video greeting.
Princess Astrid said: “As I unfortunately do not have the opportunity to be with you tonight, I am sending you a greeting instead. The music award that bears my name has been important to me throughout my life. I have followed it with great interest and I am hugely impressed by the young musicians that we have had the chance to experience over time.”
Her Highness continued: “This year the competition is between outstanding young conductors from all over the world. I am sure that you will have a great experience, which I would very much like to be there and share with you. I would like to congratulate those who have made it all the way to the final and send an extra tribute to the conductor who walks away with the victory.”
There were three international conductors who stood on stage with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra in an effort to win the royal award. Junping Qian, Toby Thatcher and Alvin Ho each took part in the final in front of a crowd in The Hall of King Olav. After deliberations, it was Alvin Ho from Hong Kong who claimed victory in the 22nd edition of the music competition, which this year, is for conductors under the age of 35.
Alvin Ho from Hong Kong received a prize of 16,000 Norwegian krone and a conducting assignment with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. Princess Astrid is the high patron of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.
