On 22 October, the WGHS Soloist Competition took place at the Event Centre. 17 Westlake musicians competed in three age divisions of Junior (Year 9 – 10), Intermediate (Year 11) and Senior (Year 12 – 13).
Performances were of an extremely high level, and there was a vast range of musical styles and instruments on display, including a sitar for the first time! Mark Bennett, Head of Strings at Auckland University School of Music, adjudicated the competition. Mark has a long association with Westlake Girls, having served as director of the Westlake Chamber Orchestra for many years.
Congratulations to all the finalists who were selected and performed in the evening.
2025 Results:
Junior Winner – Amber Liu (piano)
Runner up – Eden Peoples (tenor saxophone)
Intermediate Winner – Hannah Kay (oboe)
Runner up – Vicky Xie (piano)
Senior Winner – Valarie Sin (acoustic guitar)
Runner up – Lucy Liang – (piano).