Concerts to be held at Pearl Beach

The Showcase Concert and The Pearl Beach Music Scholarship and Irvine Family Piano Scholarship Concert will be held at Pearl Beach on Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29.

Junior students of the Central Coast Conservatorium will perform at the Showcase Concert.

Dr John Irvine, whose family sponsors the Irvine Piano Scholarship and supports young students, said: "Music is not only good for the soul and important for relaxation in the racy world kids live in, but recent research is showing the importance in cognitive development and memory skills."

Artistic director of the Central Coast Conservatorium, Mr Patrick Brennan, said: "The showcase concert embraces the concept of pure performance rather than competitive performance and allows our younger musicians to perform with focus, passion and conviction."

Entry to the showcase concert is free, but a donation is appreciated.

The Pearl Beach Music Scholarship and Irvine Family Piano Scholarship Concert offers a performance opportunity to students who have excelled in their chosen field.

Ms Lilli Naulu will act as accompanist for students competing for the Pearl Beach Progress Association Scholarship.

Ms Naulu has performed regularly as repetiteur and pianist for a number of musical organisations on the Central Coast and is currently working under the direction of Australian conductor and composer Professor Christopher Bowen.

Mr Brennan said: "This prestigious event is an excellent opportunity for Conservatorium students to perform for their local community and deliver truly breath taking performances.

"The Central Coast Conservatorium is most grateful for the financial award that is given by the Pearl Beach Progress Association and the Irvine Family to the winners of this important event," he said.

"The prize money will help them further their musical studies at the Central Coast Conservatorium."

Pearl Beach Progress Association spokesperson Ms Lynne Lillico said: "As a new initiative last year, The Peoples' Choice Award was highly successful with the enthusiastic audience voting for their favourite performer.

"The award is valued at $250 jointly sponsored by the Irvine Family and the Progress Association," she said.

"The Irvine Family and Pearl Beach Progress Association are proud to be able to support these incredible young students who demonstrate such energy and commitment to their music."

Entry to The Pearl Beach Music Scholarship and Irvine Family Piano Scholarship Concert is $10 with children under 15 free.

Both concerts will be held at 2pm at the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall.

Media release, 10 May 2016

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association