We are thrilled to announce that one of our talented music students, Joy Feng, recently performed her original song Be There With You at the sold-out Play It Strange Annual Awards evening. Joy earned this incredible opportunity as a winner of the NZ Play It Strange Peace Song competition, which celebrates young songwriters from all over Aotearoa.
Held at the Town Hall Concert Chamber, the night was a celebration of 21 years of Play It Strange. MP Paul Goldsmith opened the event. Joy was one of several young artists who performed their original compositions and waiata, and the audience was very engaged and supportive of all the young artists. A special highlight of the evening was a speech from judge and celebrated NZ artist Ladi6, who praised the depth and quality of the songs she judged.
As part of her prize, Joy had the privilege of performing her song live, accompanied by orchestral players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Aspiring Musicians Program.
Before the performances, all the winners attended a full day of exciting workshops focused on the music and recording industry and on how to promote and manage themselves as artists. This invaluable experience provided Joy and her peers with insights into the professional world, preparing them for their futures in music.
In addition to Joy’s success, we’re proud to share that Westlake Girls High School was named ‘School of the Year’ for having the highest number of finalists in the Lion Foundation Year 9-13 Songwriting Competition. The Play It Strange albums, featuring professional recordings of Joy’s song and those of our other five student finalists, are set to be released before the end of the year.
Congratulations to Joy and all our talented students for your inspiring achievements! We look forward to hearing more of your incredible work in the future.
