The New Zealand Chamber Music Contest is one of the few music competitions that has not been cancelled by COVID-19. This national contest was first established in 1965 and is regarded as a springboard for future musicians. Many past competitors have gone on to become members of professional orchestras or embark on solo careers and Westlake Girls groups have traditionally featured most years in the finals.
This year, entries were received online and Westlake Girls had three groups entering submissions. Pianists Niki Sun, Christine Chang, Clover Huang and Anita Chen recorded a unique piano work “Andromeda” on two grand pianos that required the players to percussively play the inside of the piano as well as the outside keys. The Music Department would like to thank their piano teacher Deidra O’Byrne and the Rock Shop in Albany who allowed the students to record their piece in their store after hours.
On Sunday 28 June, the Westlake Chamber Orchestra performed a local concert at St George’s church in Takapuna to a well-attended audience (pictured above). This was the first playout for this group under new directorship of Miranda Adams, who is a professional violinist in the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. The orchestra played music by Mozart, Lilburn, Brittan Pizazzolla and smaller chamber groups from the Pettman Academy also performed as part of the programme.
Concert dates coming up:
Annual Westlake Gala Concert
This will be held on Thursday 13 August at Westlake Boys High School. All music groups from both schools will be performing over two concerts in the early afternoon and evening. Ticket prices are $15 Adult, $10 concession and $45 for a family of two adults and three children. You can purchase them from the Music Department.
Voices Together: A Celebration of Choirs and Connection
Cantare and Choralation premier Westlake Choirs are performing alongside premier Dilworth and Macleans choirs at St Matthew’s in the City. The date is Friday 4 September at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 General Admission and $10 concession (students, seniors and unwaged). Tickets are available through Eventbrite: CLICK HERE to purchase