A MEMBER of Bolton Symphony Orchestra has been announced as a runner-up in the a new national arts competition.

The competition was aimed at encouraging artistic creativity among older people during lockdown.

Frederick Naftel, 64, beat thousands of other entries in the inaugural prizes to be one of three runners up in the Chairman’s Prize category in King Lear Prizes, which attracted more than 14,000 entries.

Mr Naftel will receive a cheque for £100 for his commended entry, a piece of music entitled ‘Villancico’, which he composed for guitar and chamber orchestra.

He said: “For this work, I imagined the Renaissance court of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, where a wedding or other celebration was taking place.

"The music is inspired by Renaissance dance and early Spanish nationalism and is intended to be graceful and lyrical in equal measure. The guitar solo replicates the sound of the Spanish ‘vihuela’, a 15th century fretted plucked instrument.

“They said they liked it and I must admit, it is one of my most favourite pieces. It was very encouraging to get a mention. It has been a good year for me.

"I also submitted a new piece for a new music festival in Sydney and they will be using it in December. I must admit things are looking up musically.”

Mr Naftel is the symphony orchestra's principal percussionist and has been a member for more than a decade. He said ‘Villancico’ took around two days to write.

His interest in composing began when he was fourteen and developed at university. He graduated at Manchester in 1978 and received a Fellowship in Composition from Trinity College of Music, London in October 1980.

Andrew Browning, the Chairman of the King Lear Prizes and judge for the Chairman’s Prize category, said, “‘Villancico’ is a colourful orchestral miniature which masterfully captures the poise and grace of a Renaissance dance. Frederick’s writing kept the listener engaged throughout, and demonstrated brilliantly effective use of the forces available. Overall, a superb piece of music.”

The inaugural competition was supported by famous writers, actors and musicians, such as broadcaster Gyles Brandreth and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber.