On the evening of Tuesday 30 July, the senior section of the annual Concerto Competition was held in Prescott Hall. This competition has grown year upon year, and this year saw a record number of entries (22 entrants in the senior section).

The standard of this year’s competition was the highest any of the music staff can remember. We were fortunate to secure Mr Michael Duke, the Chair of Woodwind at the Sydney Conservatorium, as the adjudicator for the evening. Michael was highly impressed by all competitors. He awarded First place to John Keene (11/JN) and Second place to Michael Choi (11/FL). Highly commended were Valeriy Suraev (11/MA); Steven Xu (11/ME); Victor Dai (10/FL); Dominic Longhurst (11/JN); Liam Ho (10/MO); and Jonathan Lay (12/JN).

Thanks must go to the audience who showed their enthusiasm for each performance with their whole-hearted applause and a buzz of hushed excitement after each concerto was presented. The night would not have been possible without the hard work and care of the piano accompanists Ms Szu Yu Chen, Mrs Catherine Davis, Mr Patrick Keith and Mr Stephen Whale.

The junior section will take place at 7.00pm Monday 5 August.