Composers perform in Paddon Music Final

The Paddon Award was established in memory of two alumni who contributed greatly to fostering cooperation between alumni and students to benefit the University. Both were very interested in the arts, particularly performance, so an annual prize was setup by Convocation, the association of the University’s alumni, to encourage some aspect of the arts including a performance element. The event is run each year by Convocation, the University and the Students’ Guild.

Among the judging panel was special guest Kuljit Bhamra, Exeter Honorary Graduate, (DMus 2010). Kuljit has composed and produced over 2,000 songs and is responsible for the rise to fame of numerous Bhangra and Bollywood stars.

The finalists played their compositions before the panel and a small audience in the new music rooms at Kay House at Duryard. The winner was student Aaron Robertson, who received the £100 first prize. Aaron and his band performed Abhidhamma and for "higher Dharma." Aaron said he was deeply influenced by the cosmopolitan experience at Exeter and his work reflected ‘the importance of a cross-cultural horizon on which future success lies for all dedicated alumni’.

Holly Peterson, Head of Alumni Relations, and one of the judges said: “The standard of entry was very high and we heard a range of different interpretations of the theme. We were very impressed with the hard work and dedication which had gone into all the entries and would like to thank all those who took part.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy the final and I’d also like to thank my fellow judges for giving their time to judge this important competition.”