People & Places – July 2024

Canada
Rising Star Andrew Busch Makes Historic Second-Prize Win
Percussionist Andrew Busch isn’t just beating the drum; he’s breaking boundaries. The University of Toronto Master’s student recently made history as the second-prize winner of the prestigious Canada Council Michael Measures Prize in 2024 being the first percussionist to do so. Andrew will receive $15,000 along with additional performance and recital opportunities throughout the summer. 

Andrew’s experience with music began at an early age, as his father practiced drum set for weekend band gigs. While piano and trombone lessons in school sparked a musical interest, the captivating pulse of the drum truly stole his heart. 

Andrew’s passion translated into action. He honed his skills and became a laureate of the 2018 National Music Festival of Canada and the 2020/21 Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition. His performances have graced prestigious venues across North America and Europe, including Toronto’s Koerner Hall, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Prague’s Žofín Palace. 

As an award-winning musician, Andrew juggles the unique demands of both chamber and orchestral percussion. He has developed a sense of touch, precision, and musical blend to perform in both disciplines. 

Andrew’s dream career features both chamber and orchestral music, allowing him to explore the vast potential of percussion across styles. While financial stability is a concern for any aspiring musician, his primary desire is to make a living playing the music he loves. 

The value of the Michael Measures Prize cannot be understated, providing invaluable financial support for Andrew’s continued development. The $15,000 award and additional performance opportunities will allow him to invest in instruments and accessories, attend masterclasses, and travel for auditions. This investment is paving the way for a long and successful career. 

Andrew notes that as a percussionist, it can be challenging after graduation as universities provide access to a vast array of percussion instruments, a luxury that disappears upon graduating. The prize money will help bridge this gap, ensuring Andrew can continue to refine his craft. 

Andrew remembers his excitement about applying to NYO Canada for the first time: “I was extremely excited to perform in a top-level orchestra with other young, motivated musicians,” he says. “I had heard stories about the program from friends who participated in previous years, and it seemed like an incredibly positive environment.” Participating in the 2023 Aurora Tour solidified his love for the program – the mentorship, the encouraging environment, and the sheer talent of his colleagues made his first summer at NYO Canada unforgettable. It’s no surprise he chose to return for a second summer. 

Panama
The PAS-Panamá Percussion Contest – Orchestral Mock Audition was held March 6 at the University of Panama.

1st place: David Navarro
2nd place: Edwin Castillo
Participation Prize: David Correa
Participation Prize: Paolo Urrunaga

All the participants and the jury received PAS-Panamá T-shirts. The Panama Chapter of PAS is extremely grateful with PAS, Pearl and Innovative percussion for providing the prizes. The mallets and the snare drum are going to benefit the learning process of the applicants — all of which are percussion majors at the University of Panama and members of the Panamanian National Youth Orchestra.

Italy
Antonio Santangelo was awarded the Il Presidente Della Republica Capo Dell’Ordine “al Merito Della Republica Italiana.” This award — given by the President of Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella and the Premier Giorgia Meloni — recognizes Antonio for his commitment to 40 years of activity with his national and international events.