Kiwi music at the Woodwind Competitions

The third New Zealand Woodwind Competition was held in Auckland last weekend and the five winners of SOUNZ-sponsored prizes for Best Performance of a New Zealand Work were announced.

 The awards were presented by composer David Hamilton and competition organiser Mary O'Brien.
The winners were: (pictured from top and left to right)

• Primary Class: Yuna Otani - Flute (Lagu 1 by Gary Wilby)
  
• Adult Open Class: Kylie Nesbit - Bassoon (Ohinemutu from suite Nga ha O Nehera by Gillian Whitehead)  
  
• Tertiary Class: Priscilla Scanlon - Flute (Taurangi by Gillian Whitehead)
  
• Secondary Class: Annabel Lovatt - Oboe (Old Songs by John Elmsly)  
  
• Intermediate Class:  Rebekah Bradley - Flute (Joker by Norton) 

Competition organiser Mary O'Brien notes: "What was particularly heartening was that many more New Zealand pieces were included in individual performances from each of the five categories than in past years. It is always a very special opportunity to sit and listen to these soloists bringing NZ music alive, as many of the audience would not otherwise get to hear them."

Each of the five winners received SOUNZ vouchers to help them to add to their repertoire of New Zealand woodwind music.
In addition Kylie and Priscilla  received a 12 month SOUNZ Library membership so they can really explore the many works for bassoon and flute we have in our collection.

The competition is open to woodwind students throughout New Zealand in five classes: Primary, Intermediate, Secondary, Tertiary,  and Open Adult. This year 80 flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon players performed in The Raye Freedman Arts Centre at Epsom Girls Grammar School. Adjudicators included outstanding professional performers Ingrid Culliford (flute), Jim Langabeer (saxophones), Andrew Uren (clarinets) and Ben Hoadley (bassoon).  A range of prizes are offered to winners in all these sections including concerto performance opportunites with several orchestras.