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Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
‘Rising Stars' give extraordinary concert
Dunedin Concerto Competition "Rising Stars" Finalists' Concert Friday, May 16 Dunedin Town Hall The extraordinary talent of Otago and Southland's young classical musicians was to the fore in Friday's joyful and impressive Dunedin Concerto Competition "Rising Stars" finalists' concert. Featuring a top-notch showcase by the Dunedin Youth Orchestra (DYO) in the first half, followed by the brilliance of the three teenage concerto competition finalists performing as soloists with a combined DYO and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra (DSO), the concert was a wonderful celebration. Conducted by David Burchell, the DYO showed great composure and spirit in their thoroughly enjoyable performance of popular classics, including Offenbach's Overture to La belle Helene, Bizet's L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2 (arranged by Guiraud), Arnold's Little Suite no. 2, Prokofiev's Montagues & Capulets from the Romeo & Juliet Suite, and Coates' Knightsbridge March. Each of these works contain complex and tricky passages, with the DYO rising to the challenge under Burchell's firm and steady direction, and bringing the musicality and emotion of each piece to the fore. It was a joy to see these young musicians perform so well. The numbers of musicians on stage swelled in the concert's second half, as the DSO and DYO players came together to provide sterling and sensitive support to the three concerto competition soloists under the baton of principal guest conductor James Judd. Ozan Biner-McGrath, 16, was first to take the stage for a nimble and accurate performance of the first movement of Mozart's sparkling Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. Tackling the work's many technical demands with aplomb, Biner-McGrath brought the tension to the fore, and impressed with a fabulous cadenza written by Beethoven. Next up was Roy Zhang, 18, with a nicely balanced performance of the first two movements of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major. Zhang showed great patience and control, allowing the second movement's contemplative nature to shine. Last to take the stage was cellist Portia Bell, 18, with a remarkable performance of the first movement of Dvorak's fiendishly difficult Cello Concerto in B minor. Filled with virtuosic moments, the piece offered many beautiful melodies, Bell making the most of every opportunity. There was a short prizegiving for preliminary section winners while the expert adjudicators — violinist Monique Lapins, pianist Jian Liu and horn player Samuel Jacobs — tackled the difficult task of choosing the winner. The final places were Biner-McGrath in first, Bell in second, and Zhang in third, each receiving generous prizes sponsored by the HTowers Charitable Trust. In the end, music was definitely the winner on the night. Congratulations to all involved in this successful event.
Otago Daily Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Well-paced, exciting final drew large audience
DSO and DYO Concerto Competition Rising Stars Finalists Dunedin Town Hall Friday May 16 The 2025 Dunedin Concerto Competition final, in which three young musicians performed with a full orchestra, attracted a large audience to the Dunedin Town Hall on Friday night. The first half of the programme featured the Dunedin Youth Orchestra, a strong 60-member orchestra with big sound and enthusiasm. DYO (conductor David Burchell) began with Offenbach's overture La Belle Helene, featuring contrasting flowing waltz passages and robust sections. They continued with varied movements from three substantial suites — L'arlesienne Suite No.2 by Bizet, Little Suite No.2 by Malcolm Arnold and Montagues and Capulets from Romeo and Juliet Suite No.2 by Prokofiev. The well-known Eric Coates' Knightsbridge March completed their contribution. All were well-paced and exciting and the conductor for the second half, James Judd, commented he was "knocked out by the quality of the first half". He conducted the DSO which included a number of DYO instrumentalists gaining experience with a professional orchestra. The Concerto Competition attracted 25 applicants, three aged under 14. I attended preliminary performances and can vouch for the high standard of performance and the difficulty the judges (Monique Lapins, Jian Liu and Samuel Jacobs) faced in naming just three for the final. First place ($7000) went to pianist Ozan Biner-McGrath (year 12 Logan Park High School), who chose the allegro movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor for a strong, confident, stylistic delivery with impressive scalic cadenza. Second place ($5000) went to first-year University of Otago student Portia Bell (cello) for the allegro movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto Op. 104. Taking third place ($3000) was Otago University first-year student Roy Zhang (piano), who played with two movements of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major. A rather "showy" allegramente displayed the movement's jazz elements, followed by adagio, which developed stunningly with woodwind lyricism and obligato. Review by Elizabeth Bouman
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Conductor keen for finalists' concert
Dunedin Symphony Orchestra principal guest conductor James Judd is delighted to be working with the city's top young musicians ahead of Friday's "Rising Stars" Dunedin Concerto Competition concert. The concert will feature the three finalists in the concerto competition — cellist Portia Bell, 18, and pianists Ozan Biner-McGrath, 16, and Roy Zhang, 18, in performance, accompanied by a combined Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Youth Orchestra. Zhang has chosen to play the first two movements of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major , Bell has chosen to play the first movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto and Biner-McGrath has chosen to play the first movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto in D Minor . This week, Judd has spent time with each of the young soloists, working through their performances and offering tips and support. "It has been marvellous working with them, because they are all so prepared and confident," he said. "It is very special and so important to encourage and celebrate such talented young musicians." Over the course of his long international career, Judd has worked with many young players and regards it as a privilege and a responsibility. "These sessions I have with them give me a chance to find out who they are, and encourage them to be courageous and free. "It is a real achievement to reach the final, so I'm hoping they will really enjoy the experience." The other aspect of the performance, combining the Dunedin Youth Orchestra with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, will be a new experience for him and is one he is looking forward to. "It is quite a different skill to provide accompaniment for a soloist, so I will be encouraging everyone to listen very closely to each other," he said. Judd has confidence in the skills of Dunedin Youth Orchestra director and conductor David Burchell to have the young players well prepared. "I am so impressed by all the work that music teachers and leaders of music organisations do to nurture the talent of our young people," he said. "It is something the Dunedin community can be very proud of and should celebrate." The Dunedin Youth Orchestra will feature during the concert's first half, conducted by Burchell, performing a selection of popular classics, including Offenbach's Overture to La Belle Helene , Arnold's Little Suite No. 2 , Prokofiev's Montagues and Capulets from the Romeo & Juliet Suite , and Coates' Knightsbridge March . Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust chairman Pieter du Plessis said the two-yearly event aimed provide exceptional performance opportunities for young classical musicians from across Otago and Southland. The competition was made possible through the long-term support of its patrons, led by Bruce Hodgson, the Towers Charitable Trust, the Bill and Clare Hodgson Bequest and funding from the Dunedin City Council Arts Grants, Creative Communities, Otago Community Trust and the Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust. Community support had been strong for the event, with good attendance at the preliminary rounds in March, and organisers were hoping for another full house for next week's finalists' concert, Mr du Plessis said. "By attending, you're not just supporting three finalists — you're backing the whole stage of young 'rising stars' who represent the next generation of musicians, educators and cultural leaders," he said.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
New categories for region's business excellence awards
Dunedin Symphony Orchestra principal guest conductor James Judd is delighted to be working with the city's top young musicians ahead of Friday's "Rising Stars" Dunedin Concerto Competition concert. The concert will feature the three finalists in the concerto competition — cellist Portia Bell, 18, and pianists Ozan Biner-McGrath, 16, and Roy Zhang, 18, in performance, accompanied by a combined Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Youth Orchestra. Zhang has chosen to play the first two movements of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major , Bell has chosen to play the first movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto and Biner-McGrath has chosen to play the first movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto in D Minor . This week, Judd has spent time with each of the young soloists, working through their performances and offering tips and support. "It has been marvellous working with them, because they are all so prepared and confident," he said. "It is very special and so important to encourage and celebrate such talented young musicians." Over the course of his long international career, Judd has worked with many young players and regards it as a privilege and a responsibility. "These sessions I have with them give me a chance to find out who they are, and encourage them to be courageous and free. "It is a real achievement to reach the final, so I'm hoping they will really enjoy the experience." The other aspect of the performance, combining the Dunedin Youth Orchestra with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, will be a new experience for him and is one he is looking forward to. "It is quite a different skill to provide accompaniment for a soloist, so I will be encouraging everyone to listen very closely to each other," he said. Judd has confidence in the skills of Dunedin Youth Orchestra director and conductor David Burchell to have the young players well prepared. "I am so impressed by all the work that music teachers and leaders of music organisations do to nurture the talent of our young people," he said. "It is something the Dunedin community can be very proud of and should celebrate." The Dunedin Youth Orchestra will feature during the concert's first half, conducted by Burchell, performing a selection of popular classics, including Offenbach's Overture to La Belle Helene , Arnold's Little Suite No. 2 , Prokofiev's Montagues and Capulets from the Romeo & Juliet Suite , and Coates' Knightsbridge March . Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust chairman Pieter du Plessis said the two-yearly event aimed provide exceptional performance opportunities for young classical musicians from across Otago and Southland. The competition was made possible through the long-term support of its patrons, led by Bruce Hodgson, the Towers Charitable Trust, the Bill and Clare Hodgson Bequest and funding from the Dunedin City Council Arts Grants, Creative Communities, Otago Community Trust and the Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust. Community support had been strong for the event, with good attendance at the preliminary rounds in March, and organisers were hoping for another full house for next week's finalists' concert, Mr du Plessis said. "By attending, you're not just supporting three finalists — you're backing the whole stage of young 'rising stars' who represent the next generation of musicians, educators and cultural leaders," he said.
Otago Daily Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Young ‘rising stars' set to compete in final
A trio of talented young southern musicians will take centre stage next week as the 2025 Dunedin Concerto Competition reaches its thrilling conclusion. The ''Rising Stars'' finalists concert, to be held next Friday, May 16, from 7.30pm at Dunedin Town Hall, will feature cellist Portia Bell, 16, and pianists Ozan Biner-McGrath and Roy Zhang, both 18, the youngest finalists in the competition thus far. In the concert's second half each player will perform one movement of the concerto of their choice, accompanied by a combined Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Youth Orchestra, under the baton of DSO principal guest conductor James Judd. This year's combined orchestra will include about 40% Dunedin Youth Orchestra players, giving these emerging musicians the invaluable experience of performing alongside Dunedin Symphony Orchestra professionals on the town hall stage. The winner of the concerto competition will be announced in a short prizegiving ceremony following the finalists' performances. The concert's first half will feature the Dunedin Youth Orchestra conducted by David Burchell. Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust chairman Pieter du Plessis said, since it began in 2021, the Dunedin Concerto Competition has grown into a much-anticipated feature in Dunedin's arts calendar. Held every second year, its mission is to provide exceptional performance opportunities for young classical musicians from across Otago and Southland. The competition is made possible through the long-term support of its patrons, led by Bruce Hodgson, the HTowers Charitable Trust, the Bill and Clare Hodgson Bequest, and funding from the Dunedin City Council Arts Grants, Creative Communities, Otago Community Trust, and the Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust. Mr du Plessis said community support had been strong for the event, with good attendance at the preliminary rounds in March, and organisers are hoping for another full house for next week's finalists' concert. ''This is more than a concert. It's a statement of belief in the future of classical music in the deep South,'' Mr du Plessis said. ''By attending, you're not just supporting three finalists — you're backing the whole stage of young 'rising stars' who represent the next generation of musicians, educators and cultural leaders.'' @
