Rising stars from The University of Auckland’s School of Music will take to the stage next month for the 7th annual Graduation Gala Concerto Competition at the Auckland Town Hall.
This year the finalists – Linda Filimoehala (euphonium), Shauno Isomura (violin) and Liam Wooding (piano) – will compete for the grand prize, accompanied by The University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by internationally acclaimed musician and School of Music Professor Uwe Grodd.
The judges are Associate Professor Allan Badley and Dr Davinia Caddy from The University of Auckland, joined by Professor Michael Endres from Canterbury University, who will act as the external adjudicator.
Musicworks has once again generously joined forces with the School of Music to sponsor the event. The top performer will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and the title of Graduation Gala Concerto Competition supreme winner.
The concert will feature Linda Filimoehala performing Euphonium Concerto by Joseph Horovitz, Shauno Isomura performing Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op 47 Movement I by Jean Sibelius and Liam Wooding performing Piano Concerto in G major by Maurice Ravel. There will also be a special performance by the Auckland Chamber Choir conducted by Associate Professor Karen Grylls.
“The Graduation Gala Concerto Competition provides a unique opportunity for the School of Music to present three of its most talented classical performance students to a large and enthusiastic audience in a venue steeped in tradition. Our three finalists have worked exceptionally hard to reach this point and their success will serve as an inspiration to others” says Associate Professor Allan Badley, Head of the School of Music.
The University of Auckland Graduation Gala Concerto Competition will be held on 9 May at the Auckland Town Hall (Queen Street) at 7.30pm. Admission is free; patrons are strongly advised to arrive early to be assured of admission.
Visit the Graduation Gala website: www.auckland.ac.nz/gradgala
Source: Auckland University
