13th November 2018

Former student in final for a major composer award

A former music student has been shortlisted for a top music award from the Academy of British Songwriters, Composers and Authors (ABSCA).

Finlay Panter, who studied A-level and Level 3 Music at The City of Liverpool College, is a finalist in the Jazz Composition for Large Ensemble category with his dazzling arrangement entitled ‘Time’.

Finlay, a gifted violinist, also developed a talent as a drummer and percussionist during his time at the College, taking part in a variety of student-led performances throughout his course of study. He won a coveted place on a degree programme at the highly sought after Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) where he graduated with honours.

Through his love of jazz, Finlay joined the professional Beats and Pieces Big Band ensemble will fellow graduates of RNCM, which has a growing following, and enjoys success throughout the UK, Europe and the United States.

His jazz composition ‘Time’ was premiered in Manchester in 2017 and was submitted for the British Composer Awards earlier this year.

College music tutor, Tom Sykes, said: “Fin showed huge potential as an artist very early on and I was delighted when he secured a place at what is one of the top music colleges in the country. Fin won this through hard work, determination and an exceptional talent and I wish him the very best of luck at the upcoming British Composer awards.”

Winners in all categories will be announced at the ABSCA ceremony held at the British Museum on 4 December, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 9 December.