Music scholarships were presented

The annual presentation of two music scholarships took place in the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on Sunday, May 7, before a large and appreciative audience.

The awards were made to young music students of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music.

Director Chris Bearman compered the competition and recital, which was adjudicated by Mr Patrick Brislan.

Pearl Beach Progress Association publicity officer Ms Lynne Lillico said the Pearl Beach Progress Association Scholarship was awarded to the jazz singer Madeline Swan for her stylish vocal control and mastery of the jazz idiom, as well as her warm communication with her audience.

"Madeline sang Paper Moon and Sky Lark," Ms Lillico said.

"The Irvine Family Scholarship for piano playing was won by Matt Paavola, who demonstrated his prowess and versatility in both baroque and romantic music by playing from memory Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C minor and Chopin's Nocturne in C# minor."

The Association's fine Kawai piano and the ongoing piano scholarships have been given by the Irvine family in memory of their parents, Helen and Alex Irvine, pioneer residents of Pearl Beach.

Their four sons, Alex, Jim, Warwick and John, were on hand to make the presentation to Matt Paavola.

Of other competitors, Ms Lillico said: "Violinist Jennifer Stevens showed splendid melodic and tonal control in Beethoven's Romance in F and Wieniawski's Legende."

"Ruth Tiffen's fine operatic soprano voice and her sense of drama were impressive in O My Beloved Father by Puccini and Show Me from My Fair Lady by Rogers and Hammerstein.

"Beautiful flute tone was produced by Amy Brinkley as she played an Andante by Mozart and Sicilienne by Faure.

"Jack Owens' scintillating saxophone playing of Paule Maurice's Tableaux de Provence and Paul Desmond's Take Five won well-earned applause."

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

"Great music played and sung by superbly taught young people is obviously thriving on the Central Coast," Ms Lillico said.

For further information, contact 4344 2319.

Press release, May 9 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association