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A leading London orchestra has appointed an "apprentice" conductor after running a competition based on Alan Sugar's BBC television show.
Eduardo Portal, a former pupil of the Royal Academy of Music in Regent's Park, was chosen from 60 musicians to win the position at the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
The 30-year-old will spend a year shadowing some of the finest conductors in the world - including Sir Simon Rattle - while "living" with the organisation, which is based at the Southbank Centre.
The world-renowned orchestra plays original period instruments to recreate composers' sounds exactly as they would have intended.
Judges appointed by the orchestra's bosses reviewed the 60 application forms and performance DVDs to create a shortlist of six, who were invited to an audition during which they had to conduct the 35-strong orchestra as they played Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart. Nick Logie, a viola player on the panel of judges, said Portal impressed with his ear and his ability to challenge the musicians and interact with them.
"The competition was to find one really talented conductor who would benefit as an apprentice," Mr Logie said. "Eduardo was chosen because from the moment he walked in front of the orchestra he radiated joy.
"He was genuine and enthusiastic but had a light touch and exuded warmth and charisma. He challenged the orchestra with new ideas."
An orchestra spokeswoman said: "The orchestra didn't fire anyone on the spot, but as on The Apprentice, the competition was fierce and standards exacting.
"We were looking for an apprentice who could bring special talents, but also someone who was not the finished article."
Mr Portal will work in all departments of the orchestra, including the offices, so he understands how it works as a business as well as an art form. He will be paid a minimum wage but Mr Logie said the emphasis was on "the experience" rather than money.
Mr Portal, who has been with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, was born in Burgos in northern Spain to parents who were both as music teachers.
He started to play the piano at the age of six followed by the violin at seven. As a teenager he completed a college music course in Spain before starting at the Royal Academy of Music aged 24.
He said: "I have learned a lot and had some amazing experiences but this apprenticeship will be the boost that I need.
"It is a golden opportunity - an excellent chance to work with a world-class orchestra and some leading conductors.
"There is no better opportunity for someone in my position. Like any competition it was a tough process. I was nervous but I found it exciting and challenging and I enjoyed that buzz."
Among the other conductors that he will shadow will be Ivá* Fischer, Vladimir Jurowski, Sir Mark Elder and Sir Roger Norrington.
Reader views (4)
Good for you, young Barbirolli!
- Enrique, Burgos, Spain, 18/08/2009 09:00
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Congratulations Eduardo! A fantastic opportunity and yet another excellent initiative by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
- Kate, London, 13/08/2009 18:20
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Wow, what a brilliant opportunity. I wish I'd known about this. Being a conductor would be a dream come true for me.
- Ronnieana, UK, 13/08/2009 16:55
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Congratulations Eduardo!
- Edwina, Manchester UK, 13/08/2009 15:29
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