All posts by conhsweb
2017 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition
Congratulations to CALVIN ABDIEL for his outstanding achievement at the 2017 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition:
- Second Prize CALVIN ABDIEL ($10,000 donated by Dr Betty Byrne Henderson AM)
- Concerto Prize CALVIN ABDIEL ($5,000 donated by Mr Joseph and Mrs Veronika Butta)
- The Griffith University People’s Choice Prize CALVIN ABDIEL ($5,000 donated by Griffith University)
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra Vote CALVIN ABDIEL ($1000 donated by the St Baker Family Foundation)
- Best Performance of an Australian Work CALVIN ABDIEL ($1,000 donated by Mr Oleg Stepanov and Ms Natasha Vlassenko
Click the link below to view full competition. https://livestream.com/accounts/25812795/events/7682995
BAND CAMP 2017
The Collaroy Centre
25th – 27th August
A Bernstein Story
Con Students delight guests at The University of Sydney
ARTICLE BY JONAR NADER
The University of Sydney’s Australian Lebanese Foundation (ALF) was treated to a stunning performance by the Brahms Tango Ensemble comprising Conservatorium High School students whom I invited via Ms Julie Simonds to join forces with former student Dominic Azzi (now studying at Sydney Conservatorium of Music).
Dominic was selected to receive an ALF Scholarship, and thus invited to perform at MacLaurin Hall on Thursday 8 June 2017. The ALF was familiar with Dominic’s capabilities on the violin. For this reason, I challenged Dominic to play the clarinet, and I selected Ryan Nguyen to lead the Ensemble which included Georgina Cartlidge, Jasmine Zeng, Max Lim Scrimali, and Isaac Davis.
The ALF event commenced with a lecture by Nissan-Renault chief Mr Carlos Ghosn KBE, for Sydney Ideas, in the presence of university Chancellor Belinda Hitchinson AM, and 400 distinguished guests who moved on to MacLaurin Hall for a lively awards dinner and talent showcase. You can watch a photo montage of the event at this link: https://youtu.be/Zv5pTk_AKu4
Entertaining the crowd with Piazzolla’s ‘Soledad and Michelangelo’, the Ensemble brought the room to a stunned silence to witness amazing talent. Beautifully played. Nicely paced. Expertly poised. The students inspired us all.
During rehearsals, Ms Julie Simonds and I observed the serious dedication of these musicians. Taking direction from Ryan Nguyen, the players refined the piece and discussed how they might present it to their audience. It was music to my ears to have heard Georgina Cartlidge ask the final and most important question, ‘How are we going to ensure that we project our feelings to secure a strong stage presence? Bingo. That was the icing on the cake at the final rehearsal.
Each student received a framed certificate for taking part in the Talent Showcase, after enjoying a meal alongside other performers. After two days of flooding rain, the night ended to perfect weather as guests and performers enjoyed the night air, as they said goodbye to newfound friends. The final challenge was trying to fit five of the musicians into two sedans — which would not have been a problem, save for the huge base and large cello. It took a bit of problem solving.
NSW Public Schools’ Finance System Transition
BAKING BATTLE HUGE SUCCESS!
Congratulations to Beethoven House for raising an incredible $337.05 at the Baking Battle last Monday. A huge thank you to the year 11s who baked and manned their stalls, as well as to everyone who purchased baked goodies. This event was an excellent opportunity for the year 11 leaders to demonstrate their leadership skills, and the 2016 House Captains were extremely impressed.
Overall we raised a fabulous $896.10 toward The Girls Refuge, a fantastic local organisation which offers a safe place for women in need of support.
As a reward for the excellent effort, each and every member of Beethoven will receive a FREE PIZZA at next Friday’s Trivia Night!
Jacqui Leather
