Students win scholarships

Two students from the Central Coast Conservatorium of music have been presented with scholarships at the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on Sunday, May 4.

The Irvine Family Scholarship for piano was presented to Hayley Meyer, who demonstrated her prowess and versatility by playing Song Without Words by Mendelssohn and Girl with the Flaxen Hair by Debussy, Prelude No 8.

The Pearl Beach Progress Association Scholarship was awarded to Austin Har by concert convenor Mr Peter Lazar.

Playing violin, Austin peformed Cavantina by J Raffs and Praludium and Allegro by Kreisler.

Finalists for the Pearl Beach Scholarship were Miranda Arrighi on violin; Serina Foo on clarinet; Amy Brinkley on flute; Gabrielle Steele on viola and Erica Hanratty, a contemporary vocalist.

Pearl Beach Progress Association communications officer Ms Lynne Lillico said the program offered of two $500 scholarships for "outstanding performances".

"The Irvine Family Scholarship for Piano follows on from the Irvine family's gift to the people of Pearl Beach of a concert grade piano in memory of their parents, Alex and Helen Irvine, who were among the earliest Pearl Beach settlers," Ms Lillico said.

"The second scholarship is sponsored by the Pearl Beach Progress Association for musical excellence, and is not restricted to a particular instrument, and reflects the wish of the Pearl Beach Community to 'foster a love of music amongst young people on the Central Coast'."

Director of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Mr Chris Bearman compered the competition and recital.

The competition was judged by Patrick Brislan and piano accompanist Lynne Brislan.

The afternoon finished with a performance by the Central Coast Conservatorium Senior String Quartet.

Press release, 7 May 2008 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association