Middle School Solo Music Finals

After a series of auditions, fifteen of our most accomplished Middle School musicians were selected to perform before judges on Friday night, at the annual Middle College Solo Music Competition – and the competition was stiff! Guest adjudicators, Catherine Blomfield and Richard Liu had the unenviable task of picking the winners and their years of experience did not make judging task any easier!

Each of the fifteen 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 – piano, vocal, string, and wind and percussion combined - with one chosen as the overall winner.

This year, talented pianist, Sunny Le was chosen as the overall winner for his superb delivery of ‘Feux D’artifice’ by Debussy. Sunny also won the piano section in last year’s competition. Adjudicator, Mr Liu said he looked for a performer who ‘drew the most out of their instrument,’ something Sunny certainly achieved. Equally talented, Charles Adams won the vocal section, Brendan Tsoi the string section, playing cello, and Jason Wong won the combined wind/percussion section for a performance on the marimba.

These musicians have worked hard throughout the year on their individual instruments through their weekly lessons, but also contribute to the College ensembles, which assists the growth and maturation of their musicianship.

In summing up, Judge, Mrs Blomfield reminded us how lucky we are that in this troubled year, in New Zealand we are currently able to share and enjoy live music performances. She finished by saying that judging by the standard of performance, the future of music is in very good hands.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLO MUSIC WINNERS

Overall winner and winner of the Piano section:
Sunny Le                             
Vocal: Charles Adams
Strings: Brendon Tsoi on cello
Wind/Percussion: Jason Wong on marimba

MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLO MUSIC FINALISTS

Strings
Fiona Yan -Cello
Brendon Tsoi- Cello
Amy Chen- Violin

Piano
Sunny Le
Charles Sang
Oliver Tsui
Max Liu

Wind/Brass/Percussion
Mia Li – Clarinet
Imogen Perry- Clarinet
Jason Wong- Marimba
Daniel Qin- Drumkit

Voice
Melody Zhuang
Mandy Jing
Julia Huang
Charles Adams

Judges

Catherine Blomfield
Catherine is greatly involved in choral music, singing with Musica Sacra and Bach Musica as well as on the NZCF committee. Previously, she has been a music specialist for different intermediate schools, the education programme manager for Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and is currently the programme manager for Tironui Music Trust.

Richard Liu
Richard is the Piano Department Coordinator with the Chiron Group, and is teaching some of the best and brightest young talents in New Zealand. His studies abroad included time at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and working with regional and national orchestral and choral groups. Richard is also the examiner for NZMEB.