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Press, 13 May 1987, Page 23

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Martin Riseley may not have made the semi-finals in the Yehudi Menuhin International violin competition but he rates the experience of the international competition as worth the trip to England. The young Christchurch .violinist is still waiting to receive the judges’ written reports about his playing but found their comments given at the contest last month in Folkestone, and the comments of other competitors, very helpful. Among the 24 musicians in the senior groups there were several prodigies, he said. Playing in such company was daunting but "some people made a horrendous mess. I was lucky I didn’t.” He feels he played up to his best.

The experience has made the 18 year old all the more determined on a music career. For the moment he will concentrate on his music degree at the University of Canterbury and his playing with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

The suggestion that he return to England for further study later this year did not seem possible at this stage, he said. “I will go back later to study but not this year." The violinist, who was the first New Zealander to be accepted for the contest, will miss out on the next Yehudi Menuhin in two years time. He will be two months outside the age limit of 20.