Albinoni Strings Wins at the Queensland Youth Music Awards
Albinoni Strings executed a brilliant performance at the Queensland Youth Music Awards winning a Gold Award and First Place. The group worked extremely hard in preparation and they enjoyed generous assistance and tutelage from the Strings Captain, Emily Yu as well as Instrumental Music staff. Congratulations go to this outstanding ensemble and their conductor, Ms Pollicina.
Albinoni Strings representatives receive first prize from adjudicator Johnny Ng.
2019 BGGS Vocal and Instrumental Competitions
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Annual BGGS Instrumental and Vocal Competitions. More than 243 girls performed over the past week to professional guest adjudicators across Strings, Harp, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Voice and Piano. Our adjudicators were incredibly impressed with the standard of musicianship demonstrated by the girls and some said they were humbled and astounded by the talent they heard.
Congratulations to the following winners of the 2019 prizes:
| Yu Mo (Mikaela) | Chen | 10 | England | Gillies Piano |
| Sophie | Shan | 10 | England | Wight Medal for Piano |
| Rebecca | Groves | 12 | Hirschfeld | Woodwind Prize |
| Emily | Yu | 12 | O'Connor | Gillies Violin |
| Abigail | Chadirchi | 10 | Lilley | Percussion Prize |
| Georgia | Power | 12 | O'Connor | Brass Prize |
| Annabelle | Khoo | 11 | Woolcock | Vocal Prize |
| Eilish | Chopra | 10 | Woolcock | String Prize |
| Remi | Hirayama | 9 | Lilley | Non-Orchestral Instruments |
Lathika Vithanage (1999) and Emily Yu (12O).
Among our esteemed adjudicators this year was past student and international violin soloist Lathika Vithanage (1999). Lathika resides in Switzerland where she works as a professional violinist specialising in Baroque music. Lathika returned to her alma mater as guest adjudicator for the Violin Prize and also for the Non-Orchestral prize and it was a privilege for our students to be able to play for her and receive her expert feedback and encouragement.
The talented prize winners will now present solo performances at the Artists in Concert on Friday 31 May at 6 pm in the Gehrmann Theatre, where the 2019 R.T. Jefferies and Anne Etheldreda Jefferies Bursary will be awarded.
All are warmly welcome to attend this special concert.
Junior Choir Workshops
This week, we welcomed guest conductor and composer Will Brown to work with the choristers in our Junior Choral program – Chorus, Voices and VOX. After workshopping in an extended rehearsal, an informal concert was presented to friends and family.
Centaur Service
Chamber Singers had the honour of contributing music as part of the Centaur Memorial Service on Tuesday 14 May. Their contributions to the service were greatly appreciated by the organisers and congregation.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Prossima Program
In 2018, Girls Grammar announced a unique Education Partnership with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, to provide students the opportunity to be mentored by, and perform with, some of Australia’s finest musicians. We are very excited that this special partnership will continue in 2019.
Congratulations to the following students who were selected recently by a panel of QSO players for participation in the 2019 program.
These students will have the unique opportunity to perform alongside some of Australia’s finest musicians in a fantastic subscription series concert “Latin America Gala” under the baton of Alondra de la Parra.
| Lisa Chang | Harp |
| Samantha Atherton | Cello |
| Aravindi Gunawardena | Cello |
| Amy Doan | Viola |
| Margot Marshall | Viola |
| Abigail Lui | Violin |
| Viktoria Palka | Violin |
| Sophie Shan | Violin |
| Clare Tian | Violin |
| Emily Yu | Violin |
| Lilly Zhang | Violin |
| Isabella Peters | Trumpet |
| Georgia Power | Horn |
String Quartet News
Thank you to Eilish Chopra (10W), Sophie Shan (10E), Caitlin Mikli (10H) and Samantha Atherton (10L) for providing musical accompaniment at the order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch Celebratory Welcome Lunch on Friday 10 May.
Upcoming Music Events
We have many music events occurring over the next two weeks:
Week 5
Grammar in Concert – Sunday 19 May
Upper Intermediate String Festival – 20 and 23 May
QYMA Chamber Winds – 23 May
May Concerts – 24 May
Week 6
Junior Band workshop – Tuesday 28 May
Cathedral Concert – Wednesday 29 May
Artists in Concert – 31 May
Entertainment Books
Entertainment Books are once again being sold by the Music Support Group. The subscriptions are available online via the Music fundraising page with the option to buy either the digital version or the printed copy. If you choose to purchase the printed book, Mrs Worth will email when they are available to be collected from the music office. Preview the Entertainment Book here. Thank you to the many families who have already purchased the book or have previously supported the Entertainment Book fundraiser by purchasing the book or by donating. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Mrs Emma Dron
Director of Instrumental Music
