The Robert Zildjian Memorial Prize was awarded on Friday March 28, during the Percussion Ensemble concert, held at Pollack Hall. This prize, worth $3,000, was created in the memory of Robert Zildjian, the founder of the Sabian cymbal company, who passed away March 28, 2013.
The 2014 co-recipients of the prize are Bryn Lutek BMus ‘16 and Colin Frank BMus’15, both current percussion students. They were chosen for their progress, dedication and involvement in the percussion studio and in the School’s ensembles. Fabrice Marandola, the Percussion Area Chair praised the work of the two undergraduates: "All of our students were meeting these criteria, but both Bryn and Colin did exceptionally well this year.”
Originally from Toronto, Bryn Lutek’s first experience with percussion was with a jazz drumset. Currently studying percussion performance with Fabrice Marandola and Aiyun Huang, he was recently accepted to the National Youth Orchestra of Canada for 2014.
Colin Frank, an Ottawa native, is completing a Bachelor of music with a double major in percussion performance and composition at the Schulich School of Music. In the summer of 2012 and 2013, Colin rehearsed, toured, and recorded with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
Robert Zildjian’s wife Willi, son Andy Zildjian, daughter Sally Zildjian Teague, granddaughter Bess Teague and grandson Harry Teague BA’16 were at Pollack Hall on Friday night to award the prize on the first anniversary of his passing. “Dad would have approved of the choice of Bryn and Colin”, said Sally Zildjian Teague, “He believed strongly that he could play an important role in helping young people’s dreams come true.” Immediately after the prizes were awarded, the McGill Percussion Ensemble stepped on stage to perform Tune by Italian composer Mario Bertoncini, composed for suspended cymbals. Fittingly, these were Sabian cymbals.
To listen to the McGill Percussion Ensemble’s performance of Tune, click here: 
percensemble_tune_excerpt.mp3
To view the concert program, click here [pdf]
