Robert IJserinkhuijsen wins prestigious Golden Eye 2022
Dutch music student Robert IJserinkhuijsen was the winner of the 10th International Film Music Competition in Zürich. Entrants were asked to write a symphony orchestra score for the 6‑minute short film THE FOUNDLING by Barney Cokeliss. Out of 218 participants, just three finalists were selected. The Tonhalle Orchester Zürich played the works live to the film, after which a jury presided by Rachel Portman decided that Robert's work deserved the prestigious Golden Eye. Robert received the Golden Eye “Best International Film Music 2021” endowed with a 10.000 Swiss franc cash prize.
Private Kitchen spoke to Robert a few days after the finale.
"Congratulations Robert! How do you feel?"
Elated and exhausted! Still can’t really believe that it all happened.
"Can you tell us a bit about your score? How did you approach the film?"
I tried to identify what I thought was the heart of the story first, which was the mother-son relationship. It’s melancholy and earnest. And it’s contrasted with the circus, which is this exploitative, incessantly ‘happy’ thing. So I approached the film and the music with that dichotomy, juxtaposing the two worlds. I also wanted to use it as an exercise in orchestration, and the massive scale of the orchestra afforded some great colours.
The three finalists (Nicolò Braghiroli, Robert IJserinkhuijsen, Elliot Murphy) entering the stage
"How was it to hear the score being performed live? Did you get a chance to rehearse with the orchestra? Were you happy with how your score worked out, or did you want to revise on the spot? Did it sound as you envisioned it?
It was quite a joy to hear it be performed. Also, a relief to hear that the orchestration holds up in the real world. The orchestra rehearsed three times in total, and during the second rehearsal we were allowed to give feedback. Time is money in that world, so there was quite a rush. I learned quite a bit about orchestral balance, and how you can really shape that. The final result was lovely – still some points that I would’ve liked to address, but perhaps I’m overly critical and perfectionistic, and it would’ve required more rehearsal time.
"Did you have a chance to meet other composers, jury members, attend parts of the festival?"
Yes, we were able to attend some parts of the festival. I listened to a number of composers speak about their work, and I also got to meet quite a few students who study film music at the ZHdK, the Zurich University of the Arts. I also met Rachel Portman, who was the jury president and she’s an Oscar-winning film composer. She was very kind, and even gave me advice on where to continue my composition studies.
"What are your plans for the future?
And do you think winning this award can help you with that?"
After I finish my studies in Groningen, I hope to continue with a master’s degree somewhere, specializing in film music. I talked to some people in Zurich, including Rachel, who pointed me towards London. Studying there is incredibly expensive, and I cannot actually afford it. However, perhaps this award may help me in securing a possible scholarship. I will simply try my luck, once again.
photo’s in this article: Photo Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich / Gaëtan Bally