Winners of the annual Pearl Beach music scholarships have been announced following the scholarship concert by students of the Central Coast Conservatorium held in the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall.

Winner of the Irvine Family Piano Scholarship was Chris Chen, a Year 12 student at Central Coast Grammar School.

He performed renditions by Clementi, Albeniz and Chopin.

Chris has been playing for 11 years.

Vocalist Mia Cross was winner of the 2022 Pearl Beach Music Scholarship, sponsored by Pearly's Cafe.

Adjudicator Mr Benjamin Kopp said he was moved with the high quality and talent presented over the weekend making, it extremely difficult to choose.

He said Mia's renditions of Meadowlark and The Girl in 14G were moving and her stage presence impressive.

Pearl Beach Progress Association president Mr Russell Grove presented the People's Choice Award valued at $500 to 15-year-old violinist Kaito Deed.

The award was in memory of his late wife Frances.

"Frances was an avid musician all her life.

"She started studying piano at age eight and continued her love of music through professional roles in schools and private tuition.

"Whenever possible she fostered and nurtured that love of music with young people.

"I congratulate Kaito on his amazing performance."

New this year was a People's Choice runner-up prize which was awarded to violinist Minjy Lee, a 14-year-old Narara Valley High School student.

She played Violin Sonata No.5 by Beethoven and Spring I Allegro by Vivaldi.

Guest performers this year were the 2021 Pearl Beach Scholarship winner Kayla Lush who has been playing flute since she was six years old, and past Irvine Piano Scholarship winner Kimberly Gilbert.

Accompanist for the two days was Mr Noah Peres.

The Pearl Beach Progress Association Music and Irvine Family Piano Scholarship Concerts were held over the weekend of May 21 and 22.

"The annual scholarship concert has been jointly presented by the Pearl Beach Progress Association and the Irvine Family since the inaugural concert held in May 2005," said association publicity officer Ms Lynne Lillico.

"In partnership with the Central Coast Conservatorium, it offers performance opportunity to students who have excelled in their chosen field."

Conservatorium artistic director Mr Patrick Brennan said: "The Conservatorium is most grateful for the financial awards totalling $3250, which includes the Irvine Family Piano Scholarship and Pearly's Cafe Pearl Beach Scholarship each valued at $1000 and Russell Grove, Coast Realty and Central Coast Financial Planning Group also offering prize money."

"The Junior Showcase concert was introduced in 2013 to celebrate solo instrument and vocal performance by the Central Coast Conservatorium junior students," said Ms Lillico.

"The showcase concert embraces the concept of pure performance, rather than competitive performance, and allows the younger musicians to perform with focus, passion and conviction.

"This year an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a diverse program performed by 10 students with ages ranging from eight years old."

SOURCE:

Media release, 31 May 2022

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association

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