Conservatorium students awarded scholarships

Students of the Central Coast Conservatorium were awarded more than $2000 in scholarships after performing at the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on May 28-29.

Students performed as part of the Junior Showcase Concert on May 28 and for the 11th annual Pearl Beach Music Scholarship on May 29 valued at $1000.

Nine students competed for the scholarship and presented a varied program made up of instrumental and vocal performance.

Students were accompanied by Central Coast Conservatorium and Sydney Conservatorium of Music pianist Ms Lilli Naulu.

The Irvine Piano Scholarship of $800 was awarded to piano student Kimberly Gilbert who played Elegie Opus 3 No.1 by Sergei Rachmaninov and Allegro Barbaro by Bella Bartok.

The People's Choice Award, valued at $250, was unanimously awarded to 17 year old vocalist Tiana Young, who wowed audiences with her renditions of Batti Batti o bel Masetto by Don Giovanni and Girl from 14 G by Jeanine Tesori.

The event adjudicator Mr Brian Buggy commended students on their performances and said relating to the audience and performing with emotion was fundamental.

Tiana Young was the recipient of the 2016 Pearl Beach Music Scholarship.

Central Coast Conservatorium CEO Mr Andrew Brennan said competition was a common aspect of music education.

He said both the Junior Showcase and the Scholarship gave students an opportunity to perform in front of an audience and play from their hearts.

"Students expressed themselves which is what music is all about," Mr Brennan said.

Email, 7 June 2016

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association