Middle College Solo Music Competition

How can you judge a piano recital against a violin, cello, flute, French horn, piano accordion or vocal performance? Not easily is the answer! 

What does a judge look for when he hears 14 beautifully performed pieces, one after the other, and has to select an overall winner? 

At last week’s Middle College Solo Music competition, visiting adjudicator, Associate Professor David Lines, had that difficult task. Director of the University of Auckland School of Music, Professor Lines has lectured and published extensively in the field of music education and is a prominent jazz pianist. Years of experience did not make his judging task any easier! 

Despite being the younger members of the College, those that auditioned and gained a place in this year’s solo competition final also had several years of experience behind them, all having played music from a young age. However, some instruments, the cello, French horn and accordion in particular, were picked up a little later, as each of these instruments requires a little more physical stature to master! 

Each of the 14 finalists gave a fantastic performance for which they can all be proud – as were their families! A winner was selected from each of the four sections – string, wind, voice, piano – with one chosen as the overall winner. Year 10 student, Catherine Chang, won the wind and overall title playing ‘Concertino for Flute, Opus 107’ (C. Chaminade). Year 9, Esther Oh won the strings on violin, fellow Year 9 student, Chloe Haerewa won the voice and Year 7 student, Lisa Sun won the piano section; all giving strong performances. 

What set Catherine apart?  The ability to connect with the audience. In summing up, Professor Lines said that Catherine gave a very musical performance that was confident and assured with lots of character, ‘She led the performance.’

Well done to all our finalists and in particular to our winners for their fine musicianship. 

Our thanks to Professor Lines for spending the time with our students and giving each such valuable feedback.

STRINGS WINNER
Esther Oh - Violin

Strings Finalists
Celina Tsui - Violin
Masha Pavlenko – Cello

WIND WINNER
Catherine Chang – Flute

Wind Finalists
Evan Metcalfe - French Horn
Adam Perry - Piano Accordion

VOICE WINNER
Chloe Haerewa

Voice Finalists
Elsdon Yong
Alicia Lynn
Ivan Zhang

PIANO WINNER
Lisa Sun

Piano Finalists
Alissa Huang
Ethan Huang
Daniel Huang

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