Scholarship concert held at Pearl Beach

The Pearl Beach Memorial Hall hosted a musical scholarship concert for talented young musicians on May 17.

Pearl Beach Progress Association communications officer Ms Lynne Lillico said the Pearl Beach community continued to support young music students through its music scholarship program.

"The annual presentations of two music scholarships took place in the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall before a near-capacity audience," Ms Lillico said.

"These awards were made to young musicians associated with the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music under directorship of Chris Bearman who compeered the competition and recital.

"Cellist Lewis Wand set a high standard as he led the performances playing Bach Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude followed by Allegro Appassionato by Saint Saens.

"A beautiful flute tone was produced by Elissa Koppen as she played Mozart's Concerto in D Major KV314 and Sonata for Flute by Poulanc.

"Violinist Sarah Whyte showed virtuosity with her two pieces, F.M. Veracini's Sonata Largo; First Movement and a selection of Rumanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok.

"Catherine Frohlich performed two songs with stylish vocal control, Sunrise and Black Velvet while Elizabeth Woolnough's scintillating Clarinet playing of 7 Variations by C.M. Weber and Sonate for Clarinet by Saint Saens.

"The viola performance by Julia Doukakis showed splendid melodic and tonal control in Concerto in B minor by Cacadesus and Handoshkin's Variations on a Russian Song of Love.

"These young artists were brilliantly accompanied by pianist Lyn Brislan.

"The Irvine Family Scholarship for piano playing was awarded to junior student Sammi Axam who demonstrated her prowess and skill with Beethoven's Sonatina in F Major and The Clockwork Doll by Shostakovich," Ms Lillico said.

The Irvine Family Scholarship has been given by the family in memory of their parents who were pioneering residents of Pearl Beach.

The Pearl Beach Scholarship was awarded to Julie Doukakis, a Year 10 student at Central Coast Grammar.

She "engaged the audience with her viola playing and took a special approach to the work she was performing," according to Ms Lillico.

Press release, 19 May 2009 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association